The Bible and Sexuality

 

I want to say, right from the beginning, that my goal for this blog is not to give an in-depth, comprehensive argument or analysis of Biblical sexuality. There are whole books written on the subject, so there is no way I can tackle the entire topic in a few hundred words. I do want, however, to present a few passages that lay the groundwork and explain the general message of Scripture as it relates to sexuality so that you are better prepared to navigate this strange world we live in properly, with its fluid and ever-changing views on sexuality. You won’t walk away with all the answers, but my goal is to help you be more equipped, especially as you do more research and Bible study for yourselves.

In the beginning, God created humans as male and female, two different and equal genders with different roles and responsibilities in the marriage relationship. Genesis 2.24 says, “This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh” (CSB). This is the original relationship design by God: a man and a woman in a covenantal relationship with one another. No other model for marriage is described in the Bible, and no other parameters for sexual activity are given other than marriage. 1 Corinthians 7.2 makes this clear when Paul writes, “But because sexual immorality is so common, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman should have sexual relations with her own husband” (CSB). The parameter for sexual intimacy is marriage, and the Bible describes marriage as an exclusive relationship between a man and a woman.

It’s important to lay this foundation because that reality influences the rest of the Bible’s teaching on sexual activity. So when we see passages like Leviticus 18.22, 20.13, Romans 1.24-27, and others, we can, and should, think of them with the background of marriage between a man and a woman for life. So, when passages like these above (and many others) deal with things like homosexuality and sexual promiscuity, the thing we have to remember is that the Biblical standard and God’s design is for marriage between one man and one woman. Any other lifestyle, sexual orientation, or worldview when it comes to sexuality isn’t Biblical and falls short of that standard. Because of this, Christians have to understand that all forms of sexual expression that fall outside of a heterosexual marriage relationship are sinful expressions of sexuality.

That can sound like a harsh answer, especially in our modern society, but that is the Bible’s stance. Sex is to happen within the marriage relationship between one man and one woman, and nowhere else. This is the design God gave originally, and it is the stance the Bible takes. And this isn’t something to be ashamed of, as the culture might make you think. Be unashamed to stand with Scripture and live a life that honors God. You can do that even with your sexuality!