Topical Encyclopedia Chastity, a virtue characterized by the practice of refraining from extramarital, or especially from all, sexual intercourse, is a significant theme in the Christian moral framework. The lack of chastity, often referred to as sexual immorality, is consistently addressed in Scripture as a serious sin that can exclude individuals from the kingdom of heaven.The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently warns against sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , he writes, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." This passage underscores the gravity of sexual immorality, placing it alongside other sins that bar entry into heaven. Similarly, in Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists the "acts of the flesh," which include sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery, and concludes with a stern warning: "I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This reiteration emphasizes the incompatibility of such behaviors with the life of a believer destined for eternal life with God. The Book of Revelation also addresses the consequences of sexual immorality. Revelation 21:8 states, "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." This vivid imagery serves as a stark reminder of the eternal separation from God that awaits those who persist in unrepentant immorality. The call to chastity is not merely a prohibition but an invitation to live in a manner that honors God. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 , Paul exhorts believers, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God." This passage highlights the distinction between the life of a believer and that of those who do not know God, emphasizing self-control and holiness. The teachings of Jesus also affirm the importance of purity. In Matthew 5:27-28 , He expands the understanding of adultery, saying, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This teaching elevates the standard of chastity to include not only actions but also thoughts and intentions. In summary, the want of chastity, as depicted in the Scriptures, is a serious offense that can exclude individuals from the kingdom of heaven. The biblical call to chastity is a call to live a life of holiness, self-control, and honor, reflecting the character of God and the transformative power of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 5:19-21Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Index of Subjects. 1 Cor. I. 4, 5 Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia. A Description of Heart-Purity Of the Last Resurrection. Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ... Homilies on the Statues. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Against Jovinianus. Resources What is cultural Marxism? | GotQuestions.orgWas 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 Subtopics Chastity: Consequences of Associating With Those Devoid of Chastity: Drunkenness Destructive To Chastity: General Scriptures Concerning Chastity: Shun Those Devoid of Chastity: Temptation to Deviate From, Dangerous Chastity: The Wicked are Devoid of Chastity: Want of, Excludes from Heaven Related Terms |
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