In today’s world, openly discussing sexual sin can be a difficult yet important dialogue to have. While we may no longer use the term “whoremongering” in common language, its true meaning remains an important part of our understanding Scripture and how it views certain sins.
Today, we’ll dive into some whoremongering Bible verses as well as why understanding them is still relevant today.
Whoremongering Bible Verses
The Sin of Whoremongering
The Bible strongly condemns whoremongering, known as sexual immorality or fornication, which includes a wide range of immoral sexual behaviors that take place outside of marriage. In biblical times, these behaviors were seen as both spiritually and physically harmful to individuals and society as a whole.
The sin of whoremongering is repeatedly denounced in the Bible, with the Old Testament containing many passages that urge followers to maintain purity in their relationships. Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus and his apostles speak out against inappropriate sexual behavior and encourage Christians to abstain from such activities.
Sexual immorality goes against God’s design for intimate relationships. According to the Bible, sex should be a sacred act between a husband and wife within the context of marriage. Engaging in whoremongering is considered sinful because it undermines this sacred bond and is seen as an affront to God’s will.
Moreover, engaging in such behavior may also harm others by leading to broken relationships, spreading sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies among other negative consequences. These actions are considered wrong because they do not reflect the love and respect that Christians are called upon to show towards one another.
1 Corinthians 6:15-16
“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.”
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
Colossians 3:5
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:”
Ephesians 5:3-5
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
The Consequences of Whoremongering
The Bible says that whoremongering is a sinful act that can lead to severe consequences, both in the present and for eternity.
In the temporal sense, engaging in sexual immorality can result in damaged relationships, loss of trust, and feelings of guilt and shame. Furthermore, there are physical ramifications including the spread of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. In serious cases, one can even face social ostracism or legal repercussions.
The eternal consequences of whoremongering are even more serious. According to the New Testament, those who continue engaging in sexual immorality without repentance will be excluded from the Kingdom of God, resulting in an eternal separation from Him. This is considered to be one of the most severe acts that could lead to estrangement from God.
Proverbs 5:3-5
“For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.”
Proverbs 7:22-27
“He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.”
Galatians 6:7-8
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
Proverbs 22:14
“The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.”
Avoiding Whoremongering
The Bible gives guidance on how to steer clear of the temptation of sexual immorality and keep oneself pure. One effective method is to build a strong relationship with God by spending time in prayer, meditation, and studying scripture. By nurturing one’s spiritual life, a person can draw strength from God to resist temptation and remain pure.
Another crucial aspect of avoiding sexual immorality is to set healthy boundaries in relationships. Christians are advised to maintain clear lines between acceptable and unacceptable behavior with others, particularly those of the opposite sex. This could mean avoiding situations that could result in temptation, such as being alone with someone who is not one’s spouse or engaging in flirtatious conduct.
In addition, the Bible encourages believers to support each other in pursuing sexual purity by being accountable and supportive towards one another. This might involve seeking guidance from religious leaders or joining a supportive community of individuals that share similar values.
Proverbs 6:23-24
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.”
Proverbs 5:8-9
“Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:”
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Redemption from Whoremongering
The Bible warns against the negative consequences of whoremongering, but also offers hope for redemption and forgiveness. The central message of Christianity is that God, through Jesus Christ, can forgive and restore those who repent and turn to Him.
To receive redemption from whoremongering, one must admit their sin, truly repent, and ask God for forgiveness. This requires a sincere commitment to turning away from sexual immorality and living in accord with God’s will.
The Bible emphasizes that God’s grace is available to everyone, regardless of past mistakes. Even those who have engaged in whoremongering can find redemption through Jesus Christ. Redemption involves seeking forgiveness and making amends for harms caused by actions. This may include reconciling with those who have been hurt and rebuilding trust in relationships.
Believers are encouraged to surround themselves with fellow Christians who can offer supportive guidance on their journey towards sexual purity as part of the process of redemption.
As individuals seek redemption from whoremongering, it is important for them to understand God’s design for sex and relationships. This can help individuals appreciate the value of sexual purity and strengthen their commitment to sexual purity according to God’s will.
Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Psalm 103:10-12
“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Romans 6:22-23
“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Final thoughts
The Bible leaves no room for doubt about how whoremongering is seen by God as a grave sin, and that taking part in any form of sexual immorality carries dire consequences.
Despite this, there is also a message of hope and redemption for those who turn to God with honesty and genuinely seek to live a life dominated by moral purity.
A powerful connection with God, establishing firm boundaries, and building reciprocal relationships with other believers can help individuals find the necessary support to rise above whoremongering’s temptations. They can experience the joy and freedom that comes from living life in harmony with God’s immutable decrees dominating sexual expression and relationships.