Fornication, or sexual relations outside marriage, is discouraged in the Bible. It teaches that intimacy belongs in marriage, promoting respect and commitment within relationships.
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What Does The Bible Say About Fornication
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This verse emphasizes the need to avoid sexual immorality. It teaches that sexual sins are particularly serious, as they directly affect our own bodies. We are called to flee from such sins and seek purity in our thoughts, desires, and actions.
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse challenges us to not only avoid the physical act of adultery but also to guard our hearts and minds against lustful thoughts. It highlights the importance of purity in our intentions and desires, urging us to cultivate a mindset that values faithfulness and respect in all relationships.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
This verse encourages believers to live a life of holiness and honor, particularly in the area of sexual purity. It reminds us that such purity is not a mere suggestion but a reflection of God’s will for us. As followers of Christ, we are called to exercise self-control and abstain from the immoral behavior that characterizes the world.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.”
This verse provides guidance for married couples, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling each other’s sexual needs within the context of marriage. It reminds us that sexual intimacy is a gift from God intended to be shared exclusively between a husband and wife, offering a safeguard against sexual immorality.
Galatians 5:19
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery.”
This verse lists sexual immorality as one of the sinful behaviors that result from living according to our sinful nature. It serves as a reminder that indulging in such behaviors not only goes against God’s design for us but also hinders our spiritual growth and relationship with Him.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This verse underscores the sanctity of marriage and the need to honor the commitment and fidelity within marital relationships. It warns of God’s judgment upon those who engage in adultery or sexual immorality, emphasizing the importance of upholding the purity of the marriage bed.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse presents a stern warning about the consequences of continuing in a lifestyle of sexual immorality. It reminds us that those who persist in such behaviors, along with other sinful practices, will not inherit the kingdom of God. It should motivate us to seek forgiveness, repentance, and transformation in Christ.
Ephesians 5:3
“But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
This verse challenges believers to cultivate holiness in their lives, warning against any form of sexual immorality or impurity. It reminds us that as God’s people, we are called to live in a manner that reflects His holiness and righteousness, avoiding any behaviors that tarnish our witness and compromise our relationship with Him.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse encourages believers to put to death sinful desires and actions associated with our human nature. It specifically mentions sexual immorality, impurity, and lust as areas that require our intentional efforts to overcome. By turning away from such behaviors, we align ourselves with God’s transformative work in our lives.
1 Corinthians 10:8
“We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.”
This verse reminds us of the severe consequences that can result from sexual immorality. It references a historical incident in which a large number of Israelites died due to their involvement in sexual sin. It serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers and destructive nature of such behaviors.
Proverbs 5:3-5
“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end, she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”
This verse portrays the allure of sexual temptation, warning of its deceptive nature. It describes the enticing words and promises of an adulterous woman but highlights the bitter consequences that await those who succumb to her seduction. It serves as a cautionary reminder to avoid the path that leads to destruction.
1 Corinthians 6:13
“You say, ‘Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.’ The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
This verse addresses the misconception that sexual desires are natural and therefore should be satisfied without restraint. It reminds us that our bodies are designed for a higher purpose, to honor and serve the Lord. We are called to preserve the sanctity of our bodies and offer them in devotion to God.
Proverbs 6:32
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
This verse highlights the destructive consequences of adultery. It emphasizes that those who engage in such behavior lack wisdom and understanding, ultimately leading to their own ruin. It serves as a stern warning against the folly and devastation that accompanies sexual betrayal.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
This verse calls believers to remove from their lives not only sexual immorality but also other sinful behaviors. It reminds us that purity extends beyond our actions in the realm of sexuality and encompasses our speech and attitudes as well. We are called to live in a manner that reflects Christ’s character and brings glory to God.
1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
This verse encourages believers to resist and abstain from sinful desires, recognizing that they are in conflict with our spiritual well-being. It reminds us that, as followers of Christ, we are called to live as aliens and exiles in this world, distinguishing ourselves by the way we resist and reject the temptations that seek to compromise our faith.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
This verse calls believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God, recognizing that true worship involves surrendering our lives, including our sexuality, to Him. It challenges us to live in a manner that pleases and honors God, keeping our bodies holy and using them as instruments of righteousness rather than indulging in sinful acts.
Romans 6:12
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”
This verse reminds us that as believers, we have been set free from the power of sin through Christ’s sacrifice. It encourages us not to allow sin to regain control over our bodies and hearts, urging us to resist its evil desires and live in a manner that aligns with the righteousness of God.
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This verse speaks to the importance of sexual intimacy within the context of marriage. It encourages spouses to meet each other’s needs, understanding that abstinence should only be temporary and agreed upon mutually. By maintaining a healthy sexual relationship, couples guard against falling into temptations that can arise from unmet desires.
Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of divorce and remarriage, particularly in the context of sexual immorality. It clarifies that divorce is permissible when a spouse has been unfaithful, but entering into a new marriage while the original spouse is still living constitutes adultery. It highlights the importance of faithfulness and the lifelong commitment of marriage.
1 John 2:16
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
This verse identifies three common sources of temptation: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It acknowledges that these temptations arise from worldly influences rather than from God. By recognizing their origins, we can guard ourselves against falling into the trap of sexual immorality and other sinful behaviors.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
This verse encourages young believers to set a positive example in various aspects of their lives. It specifically highlights the importance of purity, urging them to maintain sexual integrity and abstinence. By embracing purity in their thoughts and actions, young believers can demonstrate their commitment to following Christ and inspire others to do the same.
Matthew 5:32
“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
This verse reiterates the seriousness of divorce and remarriage, particularly in cases where one spouse has been unfaithful. It emphasizes that divorcing a spouse for reasons other than sexual immorality leads to perpetuating adultery. It serves as a reminder that fidelity and commitment are essential elements of a healthy and God-honoring marriage.
Proverbs 5:15-17
“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.”
This verse employs vivid imagery to emphasize the exclusivity and sacredness of sexual relationships within marriage. It encourages fidelity and warns against seeking pleasure outside the boundaries of a committed relationship. It reminds us to delight in the intimacy and satisfaction found within the covenant of marriage.
1 Corinthians 6:16-17
“Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘The two will become one flesh.’ But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.”
This verse contrasts the physical union with a prostitute, which is fleeting and temporary, with the spiritual union believers have with the Lord. It highlights the significance of our connection with God, urging us to preserve our bodies and hearts for His purposes rather than engaging in immoral relationships that lead to spiritual separation.