God’s Design for Sexuality in Scripture
The Bible presents human sexuality as a divine gift with profound spiritual significance – neither to be feared as dirty nor abused as trivial, but honored as part of God’s holy plan for humanity.
The Dual Purpose of Sex
Scripture reveals God’s intentions for sexual intimacy:
- Procreation: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) establishes sex as the means for fulfilling God’s creation mandate
- Sacred Union: “The two shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) shows sex creates spiritual bonding beyond physical pleasure
The Marriage Covenant Context
Biblical sexuality flourishes within specific boundaries:
- Exclusive Commitment: “Let the marriage bed be undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4)
- Total Intimacy: The “one flesh” union represents complete emotional, spiritual and physical connection
- Mutual Responsibility: “The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband… and likewise the husband” (1 Corinthians 7:4)
Biblical Warnings About Sexual Sin
Scripture consistently warns against misuse of sexuality:
- Adultery Violates Covenants: Breaking both human trust and divine law (Exodus 20:14)
- Unique Spiritual Damage: “Sexual immorality sins against one’s own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
- Broader Sexual Ethics: Includes warnings against fornication, lust, and improper desires (Matthew 5:28; Galatians 5:19)
Redemptive Hope for Sexual Brokenness
The gospel offers transformation:
- “Such were some of you. But you were washed…” (1 Corinthians 6:11)
- Christ’s power to restore purity (Ephesians 5:3-12)
- God’s grace to renew minds (Romans 12:2) and redirect desires
Honoring God With Our Sexuality
In a culture that both idolizes and trivializes sex, the biblical vision calls us higher – to view our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and our sexuality as a sacred trust to be stewarded for God’s glory and our ultimate good.
