Chastity, as a virtue, is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is often associated with purity, self-control, and the sanctity of the body. In the Christian tradition, chastity is not merely the absence of sexual activity outside of marriage but encompasses a broader call to holiness and integrity in body and spirit.

Biblical Foundations

The call to chastity is evident throughout Scripture, beginning with the creation narrative. In Genesis, God creates man and woman in His image, establishing the sanctity of the human body (Genesis 1:27). The marital union is depicted as a sacred covenant, where "a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This union is the only context in which sexual relations are sanctioned, underscoring the importance of chastity outside of marriage.

The New Testament further emphasizes the call to chastity. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Paul exhorts believers to "flee from sexual immorality," reminding them that their bodies are "temples of the Holy Spirit" and that they are "not their own" but "bought at a price" . This passage highlights the theological basis for chastity: the believer's body is a vessel for God's presence and should be kept pure.

Chastity and Self-Control

Chastity is closely linked with the virtue of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, instructs believers to "abstain from sexual immorality" and to "learn to control their own bodies in a way that is holy and honorable" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). This teaching underscores the active role of the believer in maintaining chastity through discipline and self-regulation.

The Role of the Heart and Mind

Chastity is not solely a physical discipline but also involves the heart and mind. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, expands the understanding of sexual purity by addressing the internal aspect of lust. He teaches that "everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). This radical teaching calls believers to guard their thoughts and desires, recognizing that chastity begins within.

Chastity in the Life of the Believer

For the Christian, chastity is a reflection of one's relationship with God. It is an expression of love and respect for oneself, one's spouse, and God. The believer is called to "offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1), which includes maintaining sexual purity.

The pursuit of chastity is supported by the community of faith. Believers are encouraged to "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11), providing accountability and support in the journey toward holiness.

Chastity and the Modern World

In a world that often promotes sexual freedom and self-indulgence, the biblical call to chastity stands as a counter-cultural witness. Christians are called to be "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-14), living lives that reflect God's holiness and purity. The practice of chastity serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the believer's commitment to honoring God with their body.

Chastity, therefore, is not merely a personal discipline but a communal and spiritual endeavor, rooted in the believer's identity in Christ and their call to live a life that glorifies God in all aspects.1 Corinthians 6:13,15-18
Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Thekla Singing Decorously a Hymn, the Rest of the virgins Sing ...
... form, without polluting the limbs of her body, with a ... I keep myself pure for Thee,
O Bridegroom, and holding ... a wicked man, on account of his chastity, was led ...
/.../chapter ii thekla singing decorously a.htm

The Difficulty and Excellence of virginity; the Study Of
... Chastity with men is a very rare thing, and difficult of attainment, and in proportion
to its supreme ... For it is not enough to keep the body only undefiled ...
/.../chapter i the difficulty and excellence.htm

Other Passages from the Song of Songs are Considered with Relation ...
... 3212] So it is not the beauty of the perishable body, which will ... virgins, there is
a special guardianship, for you who with unspotted chastity keep the couch ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix other passages from.htm

Whether Generation Should have Taken Place Even in Paradise had ...
... nor of the body, so as to keep the members ... will and order are resisted by the body,
which is ... the will cannot accomplish what they seek, chastity is preserved ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 whether generation should have.htm

The True and Chaste virgins Few; Chastity a Contest; Thekla
... outside of the cup and platter, that is, the flesh and the body, but injuring ... Nor
is it right, on the one hand, by the use of chastity to keep virginity, and ...
/.../chapter i the true and chaste.htm

That the virtues have their Perfection from Divine Love.
... for the nerves, muscles and sinews, the whole body would be ... that had the virtue of
religion would keep the first ... the fifth; by the virtue of chastity one would ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ix that the virtues.htm

The Anglican Catechism. AD 1549, 1662.
... my hands from picking and stealing, and my tongue from evil-speaking, lying, and
slandering: to keep my body in temperance, soberness, and chastity: not to ...
/.../the anglican catechism a d 1549.htm

The Rational Soul from God Himself; Chastity not the Only Good ...
... procreation of children, although he applauds chastity, and prefers ... but henceforth
to meditate and to keep the mind upon the transformation of the body to the ...
/.../chapter vii the rational soul from.htm

Perfect Consecration and Devotion to God: what it Is.
... more explanation, I proceed to prove, that chastity is the ... Lord, when I not only
strive to keep the flesh ... apostle, that she may be sanctified in body and spirit ...
/.../chapter iv perfect consecration and devotion.htm

There Resulteth Then from all These this Sentence...
... altogether and every good thing of the body, I know ... innocence and benevolence he
was bound to keep and to ... which ought to be kept safe in chastity and sanctity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 41 there resulteth then.htm

What is cultural Marxism? | GotQuestions.org

Was some of Proverbs copied from the Instruction of Amenemope? | GotQuestions.org

Christian Character ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Chastity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus