Sexual purity is vitally important according to the Bible. God designed sex to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage between a man and woman. Sex outside of marriage can have detrimental spiritual, emotional, and physical consequences. The Bible provides clear guidance on maintaining purity and avoiding sexual immorality.
Sex was created by God for marriage. Genesis 2:24 states that “a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” The one flesh union refers to the sexual relationship between husband and wife. Hebrews 13:4 declares “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled.” God intended sex to unite and strengthen the marital bond.
However, sex outside of marriage is repeatedly forbidden in Scripture. Passages like 1 Corinthians 6:18 tell us to “flee from sexual immorality.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.” God cares about our holiness and calls us to control our desires.
There are sobering warnings against sexual sin. Sexual immorality is sinning against one’s own body according to 1 Corinthians 6:18. Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God per Galatians 5:19-21. Impurity and sensuality can lead to slavery according to Romans 6:19. Ephesians 5:3 declares that sexual immorality and impurity must not even be named among believers.
Purity requires vigilance. We must flee youthful passions per 2 Timothy 2:22. Job 31:1 says “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?” We must be careful about what we watch and where we look. Romans 13:14 directs us to “make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” We must avoid temptation and situations that could compromise our purity.
Thankfully, we can find strength in Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.” Philippians 4:8 encourages us to dwell on what is pure. 1 John 1:9 assures us that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” In Christ, we can walk in freedom and newness of life.
In summary, the Bible is clear that sexual purity pleases God and protects us from harm. God created sex for marriage between a man and woman. Sex outside of marriage constitutes sexual immorality and is repeatedly forbidden. As believers, we are called to avoid impurity, flee temptation, and pursue holiness with the help of the Holy Spirit. Walking in purity requires vigilance, but brings great reward.
Sexual purity matters because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). How we use our bodies brings glory to God or dishonors Him. Purity is also important because of the oneness that God establishes in marriage (Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:6-9). Intimacy is designed to strengthen that union. Sex outside marriage distorts God’s purpose.
Additionally, sexual sin can have devastating consequences. It damages relationships and crushes trust when vows are broken. Lives can be shattered by unplanned pregnancies, feelings of regret, and sexually transmitted diseases. Parents should warn children of the pitfalls of impurity which can bring lifelong scars (Proverbs 5-7).
Furthermore, sexual purity is important because our witness depends on it. As followers of Christ, we are called to avoid every hint of immorality and be pure in mind and body (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, 1 Timothy 4:12). Our lives should be attractive advertisements for the gospel. Impurity undermines our testimony.
God cares deeply about purity. Our bodies are not our own and we are called to honor God with them (1 Corinthians 6:13-20). Jesus spoke harshly against impurity and warned against lust (Matthew 5:27-30). We must take drastic measures to guard against it. Sexual sin grieves the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
Walking in purity brings protection and blessing. Those who maintain purity will escape much pain and heartache in life. They can avoid the shame, distrust, and disgrace that accompany sexual sin. God rewards and looks with favor on the pure in heart (Psalm 24:3-4, Matthew 5:8).
As believers, we have the power to walk in purity. The Holy Spirit strengthens us to flee temptation (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:22). Hiding God’s word in our heart helps us avoid sin (Psalm 119:9-11). Prayer, accountability, modesty and wisdom are vital to protecting purity.
God offers forgiveness and restoration when we fail. Confessing our sins results in cleansing and the chance to begin anew (1 John 1:9, Philippians 3:13-14). By God’s grace, we can glorify Him with our bodies and walk in purity (1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 6:22).
In conclusion, sexual purity is extremely important according to the Bible. Sex is a gift reserved for marriage between a man and woman. God commands us to avoid sexual immorality and impurity. Pursuing purity protects us from harm, strengthens marriage, and preserves our witness. With the Spirit’s help, we can glorify God through sexual integrity that honors the gift of sex as God designed.