Hot Topic #2: Sexuality

Sexuality is a significant and powerful part of human life. In today’s world, people have many different views on sex, relationships, and identity. For Christians, the Bible is the ultimate authority on these matters. It provides clear guidance on God’s design for sexuality and how believers should live in a way that honors Him.

1. God Designed Sexuality as Good

From the beginning, the Bible affirms that human sexuality is part of God’s good creation. Genesis 1:27-28 states:

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.’”

Sex was created by God for two primary purposes: procreation (having children) and bonding within marriage (Genesis 2:24). It is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be enjoyed in the right context.

2. Sex Belongs Within Marriage

The Bible consistently teaches that sex is meant to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Hebrews 13:4 says:

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

Marriage is the only relationship where sexual intimacy is blessed by God. Any sexual activity outside of this—including fornication (sex before marriage), adultery (sex with someone other than one’s spouse), and same-sex relations—is considered sinful in Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:18; Matthew 19:4-6).

3. Sexual Sin Is Serious

Sexual sin is not just a minor issue in the Bible. It is frequently warned against because it affects both the body and the soul. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 says:

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Sexual sin can lead to guilt, broken relationships, and spiritual separation from God. However, the Bible also offers forgiveness and restoration for those who repent.

4. Lust and Purity Matter

Jesus taught that sexual sin is not just about actions, but also about thoughts and desires. Matthew 5:27-28 says:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

This means that purity is not just about avoiding physical sin, but also guarding our hearts and minds. Christians are called to think about things that are pure and honorable (Philippians 4:8) and to avoid anything that stirs up sinful desires (Romans 13:14).

5. God’s Grace Covers Sexual Sin

No matter what sins someone has committed, God offers grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:9 says:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Jesus welcomed sinners and offered them a new life, free from bondage to sin. When He forgave the woman caught in adultery, He told her, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). This shows that while God’s grace is available, He also calls us to live in obedience to Him.

6. Our Identity Is in Christ, Not Our Desires

The world often says that our sexual desires define who we are. But the Bible teaches that our identity is found in Christ, not in our temptations or feelings. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Christians are called to live according to God’s design, trusting that His ways lead to true fulfillment and joy.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that sexuality is a good gift from God, meant to be enjoyed within marriage. It warns against sexual sin but also offers grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to honor God with our bodies, pursue purity, and find our true identity in Him.

Living according to God’s design for sexuality may not always be easy, but it leads to true freedom, peace, and joy in Christ.