What Does the Bible Say About Sexuality?
The Bible and Pre-Marital Sex
The Bible is very clear on the issue of pre-marital sex. In fact, all of the Bible’s prohibitions against pre-marital sex are applicable to unmarried persons, regardless of their sexual orientation. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 5:18-19 encourages avoidance of sexual sin, and Leviticus 18:20 forbids intercourse with someone who is unmarried. The New Testament makes additional prohibitions against sexual sin, including Hebrews 13:4 which states, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
The Bible and Homosexuality
The Bible is also clear on the issue of homosexuality. In both the Old and New Testaments, there are passages that refer to homosexuality as an “abomination.” In Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, homosexuality is specifically mentioned and condemned. Similarly, Paul’s epistles to the Romans (1:26-27) and Corinthians (6:9-10) specifically condemn acts of homosexuality. While there may be debate concerning how literal an interpretation of these passages should be, it is clear that the Bible views homosexual behavior as sinful.
The Bible and Healthy Sexuality
Despite its clear prohibitions against pre-marital sex and homosexual behavior, the Bible does have much to say about healthy sexuality. Proverbs 5:15-17, for example, encourages married couples to enjoy physical intimacy with each other: “Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.” Additionally, 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 encourages believers to be sexually faithful to one another, and Song of Solomon is an entire book of the Bible devoted to praising the joys of physical intimacy in marriage.
While the Bible’s stance on pre-marital sex, homosexuality, and other forms of sexual sin can be difficult to accept, it is ultimately a guidebook to healthy sexuality within a marital relationship. Therefore, when Christians look to the Bible for guidance on sexuality, it is important to remember that its primary focus is to encourage a relationship of mutual respect, commitment, and intimacy within the confines of marriage.