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What is Fornication in the Bible? – Viral Believer
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What is Fornication in the Bible?

Introduction

Sexual immorality is a topic that has become increasingly relevant in our modern society. With the proliferation of media and easy access to pornography, sexual promiscuity is often celebrated and even encouraged.

However, as Evangelical Christians, it is important to understand what the Bible has to say about this issue and how we should respond to it.

In particular, fornication is a sin that is explicitly condemned in the Bible, and it is important to understand its definition, the biblical stance on it, and the consequences of engaging in it.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible has to say about fornication. We will begin by defining the term and examining how it is used in the Bible. We will then look at the biblical stance on fornication, and why sexual purity is important for Christians.

We will also examine the consequences of engaging in sexual sin, both in terms of its impact on our relationship with God and the practical consequences that can result. Finally, we will explore how we can overcome sexual temptation and live lives of purity.

As Christians, it is important that we take the issue of sexual purity seriously. While it may be difficult to live up to God’s standards in a society that often celebrates sexual promiscuity, we can take comfort in the fact that we are not alone.

By relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome temptation and live lives that honor God. The Bible is clear on the issue of sexual sin, and it is our responsibility to take its teachings seriously and live accordingly.

Fornication in the Bible

The Definition of Fornication

In the Bible, fornication is defined as any sexual activity outside of the confines of marriage. This can include premarital sex, adultery, and other forms of sexual immorality. The Greek word that is often used in the New Testament to refer to fornication is “porneia,” which is where we get the modern word “pornography.”

This word is used over 20 times in the New Testament, highlighting the importance of this issue to early Christians.

In the Old Testament, the term fornication is often used in reference to the practice of idolatry, where the Israelites would engage in sexual activity with the idolatrous women of neighboring nations.

This was seen as a form of spiritual adultery, where the Israelites were unfaithful to God by worshiping other gods and engaging in immoral behavior.

The Biblical Stance on Fornication

The Bible takes a strong stance against fornication, consistently condemning sexual immorality as a sin.

In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, the apostle Paul writes,

“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

This passage highlights the fact that sexual immorality is not just a sin against oneself or another person, but it is a sin against God. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and when we engage in sexual immorality, we defile the temple of God.

As Christians, we are called to honor God with our bodies and flee from sexual immorality.

The Consequences of Fornication

In addition to being a sin against God, fornication can also have serious consequences in our lives.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul writes,

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”

This passage makes it clear that those who engage in sexual immorality will not inherit the kingdom of God. While this may sound harsh, it is a reminder of the seriousness of this sin and the need for us to turn away from it.

Fornication can also have other consequences, such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, emotional scars, and damaged relationships.

Why Does God Forbid Fornication?

The Bible teaches that God created sex for a specific purpose – within the confines of marriage. Sex is meant to be a physical expression of the deep, emotional and spiritual intimacy between a husband and wife.

It is an act of love and commitment, a physical expression of the covenant that God has made between a man and a woman.

When we engage in sexual activity outside of marriage, we are violating this covenant and defiling God’s design for sex. Fornication also leads to a number of negative consequences, including emotional pain, unwanted pregnancies, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Furthermore, sexual activity outside of marriage can damage our relationship with God and with others.

The Importance of Sexual Purity

As Christians, we are called to live lives of sexual purity. This means avoiding sexual activity outside of marriage and keeping our minds and hearts pure from sexual immorality.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Paul writes, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.”

This passage emphasizes the importance of sexual purity for Christians. We are called to live lives that honor God, and this includes honoring his design for sex. By abstaining from sexual immorality, we can demonstrate our love for God and our commitment to living according to his standards.

Overcoming Sexual Temptation

Living a life of sexual purity can be challenging, especially in a society that often celebrates sexual promiscuity. However, as Christians, we have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, who can help us overcome temptation and live lives of purity.

In Galatians 5:16-17, Paul writes, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”

This passage reminds us that the flesh and the spirit are in constant conflict with one another, and that we must choose to walk in the spirit if we want to overcome the temptations of the flesh. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can resist the temptations of sexual sin and live lives that honor God.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fornication is a sin that is clearly condemned in the Bible. As Christians, we are called to honor God with our bodies and flee from sexual immorality.

While our society may celebrate sexual promiscuity, we must remember that God’s standards are higher than those of the world. We must strive to live according to his standards and resist the temptations of sexual sin.

The Bible teaches that sexual purity is important for Christians, and that sexual activity should only take place within the confines of marriage.

This is not just a matter of personal preference, but it is a matter of honoring God and his design for sex. We must also remember that we have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, who can help us overcome temptation and live lives of purity.

By relying on God’s strength, we can live lives that honor him and avoid the negative consequences of sexual sin.

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.