Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Scope Sexual immorality, as understood within the biblical context, refers to any sexual behavior that deviates from the standards set forth in Scripture. This includes, but is not limited to, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, incest, and bestiality. The term often translates from the Greek word "porneia," which encompasses a wide range of illicit sexual activities. Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides numerous laws and narratives that address sexual immorality. In Leviticus 18, God outlines various prohibitions against sexual relations with close relatives, adultery, and other forms of sexual misconduct. Leviticus 18:22 states, "You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination." The narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 serves as a stark warning against sexual immorality, illustrating God's judgment upon those cities for their grievous sins. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of sexual purity. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Paul exhorts believers: "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. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage highlights the spiritual significance of maintaining sexual purity, as believers' bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:19-21, sexual immorality is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are in opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. The apostle Paul warns that those who practice such acts "will not inherit the kingdom of God." Marriage as the Proper Context for Sexual Relations The Bible consistently presents marriage as the only appropriate context for sexual relations. Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers." This underscores the sanctity of marriage and the expectation that sexual activity be confined within its bounds. Consequences and Redemption Scripture warns of both temporal and eternal consequences for sexual immorality. In Romans 1:24-27, Paul describes how God gave people over to their sinful desires as a result of their rejection of Him, leading to various forms of sexual impurity. However, the Bible also offers hope for redemption and forgiveness. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul reminds the Corinthians that some of them were once sexually immoral, but they were "washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." Practical Implications for Believers Believers are called to live lives of holiness and purity, avoiding sexual immorality in all its forms. Ephesians 5:3 instructs, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed." This call to purity is not only a personal mandate but also a communal one, as the church is to be a holy and blameless bride for Christ. Conclusion While the Bible clearly condemns sexual immorality, it also offers a path to forgiveness and restoration through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to uphold the biblical standard of sexual purity, recognizing their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and honoring God in their relationships. Topical Bible Verses 1 Corinthians 6:18Flee fornication. Every sin that a man does is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body. Topicalbible.org 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 Ephesians 5:3 1 Corinthians 7:2 1 Corinthians 6:13 Matthew 19:9 Galatians 5:19-21 Greek 4202. porneia -- fornication ... porneuo Definition fornication NASB Word Usage fornication (4), fornications (2), immoralities (1), immorality (16), sexual immorality (1), unchastity (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4202.htm - 7k 4203. porneuo -- to commit fornication 4205. pornos -- a fornicator 2970. komos -- a village festival, revel Library Ancestors of the Blessed virgin The Epistle of Judas The Second Epistle of St. Peter The Domestic Relation. The Sifting Time, 1743-1750. Elucidations. City of God The Seventh Book Attributes of Selfishness. The City of God. Index of Subjects. Resources Is it wrong for a Christian to have a sexual fantasy? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is sexual temptation a bigger problem for men than for women? | GotQuestions.org What is sexual ethics? | GotQuestions.org Sexual: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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