Which New Testament teachings align with Deuteronomy 23:17's stance on immorality? Deuteronomy 23:17—Foundational Verse “None of the daughters of Israel are to be cult prostitutes, and none of the sons of Israel are to be cult prostitutes.” New Testament Echoes of the Same Standard • Acts 15:20, 29 — “abstain from sexual immorality.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” • 1 Corinthians 6:15-16 — “Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!” • 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 — “Flee from sexual immorality… you are not your own; you were bought at a price.” • 1 Corinthians 10:7-8 — links idolatry with sexual sin, just as shrine prostitution once did. • Romans 1:24-27 — God “gave them over to impurity” because they exchanged His truth for idolatry and immoral passions. • Galatians 5:19-21 — “sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery… those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” • Ephesians 5:3-5 — “among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality… no immoral person… has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” • Hebrews 13:4 — “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” • Revelation 2:14, 20-22 — Jesus rebukes churches that tolerate sexual immorality linked with idolatry. • Revelation 21:8; 22:15 — the sexually immoral are outside the eternal city. Jesus’ Own Words on Purity • Matthew 5:27-28 — equates lustful intent with adultery. • Mark 7:20-23 — “sexual immorality” listed among heart-sins that defile a person. Key Parallels to Deuteronomy 23:17 • Both Testaments forbid any form of prostitution or cultic sexuality. • Sexual immorality is repeatedly tied to idolatry—body worship replaced worship of God. • God claims ownership of His people’s bodies; misuse of the body profanes what is holy. • Judgment is promised on persistent, unrepentant immorality, while purity marks covenant faithfulness. Living Out the Consistent Biblical Standard • Flee, don’t flirt, with sexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Treat your body as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). • Honor marriage and keep sexual expression inside that covenant (Hebrews 13:4). • Guard your heart and mind, where impurity starts (Mark 7:21-23; Matthew 5:28). |
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