Topical Encyclopedia Prostitution, the act of engaging in sexual relations for payment, is consistently condemned throughout the Bible. The Scriptures present a clear stance against this practice, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications associated with it. The Bible's teachings on prostitution are rooted in the broader context of sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, prostitution is explicitly forbidden and is often associated with idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness. The Law of Moses contains specific prohibitions against prostitution. Leviticus 19:29 warns, "Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will turn to prostitution and be filled with wickedness." This command underscores the societal and spiritual corruption that results from such practices. Deuteronomy 23:17-18 further instructs, "No daughter or son of Israel is to be a cult prostitute. You must not bring the wages of a prostitute, whether female or male, into the house of the LORD your God to fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God." This passage highlights the abomination of prostitution in the eyes of God and its incompatibility with worship and devotion to Him. The prophetic books often use prostitution metaphorically to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God. For instance, the book of Hosea portrays Israel as an unfaithful wife, engaging in spiritual adultery through idolatry (Hosea 1:2). New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues the condemnation of prostitution, emphasizing the call to sexual purity and holiness. In 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 , the Apostle Paul addresses the issue directly: "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! ... Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." Paul's teaching underscores the profound spiritual implications of sexual immorality, including prostitution. Believers are called to honor God with their bodies, recognizing that they are temples of the Holy Spirit. Moral and Spiritual Implications The Bible's prohibition of prostitution is rooted in the understanding of human sexuality as a gift from God, intended to be expressed within the covenant of marriage. Prostitution is seen as a distortion of this divine intention, leading to personal and societal harm. It is often linked with other forms of immorality and exploitation, further emphasizing its destructive nature. Throughout Scripture, the call to purity and holiness is paramount. Believers are urged to live lives that reflect God's righteousness, avoiding practices that lead to spiritual and moral decay. The consistent biblical message is one of redemption and transformation, offering hope and restoration to those who turn away from sin and seek God's forgiveness. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 19:29Do not prostitute your daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to prostitution, and the land become full of wickedness. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 23:17 Library Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery. Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils. The Council of Jerusalem. The City of God The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... Post-Nicene Mothers The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ... CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23). A Compendious view of the Christian Life. General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. Resources Who are Oholah and Oholibah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Amnesty International? | GotQuestions.org Why did God allow polygamy / bigamy in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Prostitution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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