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What Does the Bible Say About Fornication? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Fornication?

Introduction

In today’s world, sexual immorality has become commonplace. Sex outside of marriage is often celebrated and even encouraged. As Christians, it’s important to understand what the Bible says about fornication and to live a life of sexual purity.

Fornication is sexual activity outside of marriage and is considered a sin against God. The Bible is clear that sex is a gift from God to be enjoyed within the marriage covenant. Anything outside of that is considered sexual immorality, which can have devastating physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences.

As Christians, we should seek to understand the biblical definition of fornication, the Bible’s view on fornication, and God’s plan for sexual purity.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what the Bible says about fornication. We’ll examine the biblical definition of fornication, the Bible’s view on fornication, and examples of fornication in the Bible.

Additionally, we’ll look at the consequences of fornication and God’s plan for sexual purity. Whether you’re single or married, it’s important to understand the Bible’s teachings on fornication and to seek God’s help in living a life of sexual purity.

fornication in the Bible

The Biblical Definition of Fornication

To understand what the Bible says about fornication, we first need to understand the biblical definition of fornication.

The Greek word translated as fornication is “porneia,” which means any illicit sexual activity outside of marriage.

The Hebrew word translated as fornication is “zanah,” which means to commit adultery, to be a harlot, or to engage in illicit sexual intercourse.

The Bible is clear that fornication is different from adultery. Adultery is sexual activity outside of marriage when at least one person involved is married. In contrast, fornication involves sexual activity between two unmarried individuals.

The Bible’s View on Fornication

The Bible views fornication as a sin against God, our bodies, and the marriage covenant. Fornication is a violation of God’s commandments, and it damages our relationship with God.

Additionally, fornication can lead to physical and emotional consequences, such as sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and emotional trauma.

Moreover, sex is a gift from God that is intended to be enjoyed within the marriage covenant. Fornication violates God’s plan for sexuality and damages the sacredness of the marriage covenant.

Examples of Fornication in the Bible

The Bible provides examples of individuals who engaged in fornication. These stories illustrate the consequences of fornication and the importance of sexual purity. Here are a few examples:

David and Bathsheba

David, the king of Israel, committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. Despite being a man after God’s own heart, David allowed his lust to consume him, and he committed one of the most infamous acts of adultery in history.

David’s sin led to the death of Uriah and the loss of his child with Bathsheba.

Samson and Delilah

Samson, a judge of Israel, engaged in a sexual relationship with Delilah, a Philistine woman. Samson was a mighty man of God, but he allowed his lust for Delilah to lead him down a destructive path. Ultimately, Samson’s sin led to his capture by the Philistines and his eventual death.

The Woman Caught in Adultery

A woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees. The woman’s sin was exposed for all to see, but instead of condemning her, Jesus showed her grace and mercy. He told her to go and sin no more, offering her forgiveness and a new life.

Consequences of Fornication

Fornication can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. Physically, fornication can lead to sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and other physical health issues.

Emotionally, fornication can lead to emotional trauma, guilt, shame, and damaged relationships. Spiritually, fornication can damage our relationship with God and hinder our spiritual growth.

God’s Plan for Sexual Purity

God’s plan for sexual purity is for sex to be enjoyed within the marriage covenant. The Bible says in Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” As Christians, we are called to live a life of holiness and sexual purity.

To maintain sexual purity, we should flee from sexual immorality, guard our hearts and minds, and seek accountability and support from other believers.

Flee from Sexual Immorality

The Bible tells us to flee from sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, it says, “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”

We should avoid situations and behaviors that could lead to sexual sin, including pornography, casual dating, and flirtatious behavior.

Guard Our Hearts and Minds

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We should be careful what we allow into our hearts and minds, including the media we consume and the relationships we form.

We should also guard our thoughts and desires, seeking God’s help to resist temptation and renew our minds.

Seek Accountability and Support

We were not meant to live the Christian life alone. We should seek accountability and support from other believers who can help us stay on the path of sexual purity. This could involve having an accountability partner, joining a small group, or seeking counseling or therapy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fornication is a serious sin against God, our bodies, and the marriage covenant. The Bible views sex as a gift from God to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage.

Anything outside of that is considered sexual immorality and can have devastating physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. As Christians, we should strive to live a life of sexual purity and seek God’s help in resisting temptation.

To maintain sexual purity, we should flee from sexual immorality, guard our hearts and minds, and seek accountability and support from other believers. We should also seek forgiveness for any past sexual sins and ask God to help us move forward in a life of sexual purity.

By doing so, we can honor God, protect ourselves from harm, and enjoy the blessings of a healthy, godly relationship.

Let us remember that God’s grace and mercy are available to us at all times. If you have struggled with sexual sin in the past or are currently struggling, know that you are not alone.

Seek help, pray for guidance, and trust in God’s forgiveness and love. May we all strive to live a life of sexual purity and honor God in all that we do.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.