What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Purity?
What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Purity? The Bible calls believers to reserve sexual intimacy for marriage, honoring God with their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 (KJV)
The Bible calls believers to reserve sexual intimacy for marriage, honoring God with their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible calls believers to reserve sexual intimacy for marriage, honoring God with their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
"Flee fornication... What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" — 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Sexual purity is a consistent biblical theme. God designed sex as a gift within marriage (Hebrews 13:4). Paul lists sexual immorality among sins believers must flee (1 Corinthians 6:18) and states that the body is 'the temple of the Holy Ghost' (1 Corinthians 6:19). Jesus expanded the standard beyond actions to the heart: 'whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery already in his heart' (Matthew 5:28). Paul urged believers to possess their bodies 'in sanctification and honour' (1 Thessalonians 4:4). Practical advice includes: flee temptation rather than fight it (2 Timothy 2:22), guard your eyes and mind (Job 31:1), pursue accountability (James 5:16), and fill your mind with what is pure (Philippians 4:8). Purity is not repression but the stewarding of a powerful gift according to its Designer's intention.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Sex & Sexuality?
Biblical teaching on sex, sexual purity, and God's design for intimacy within marriage.
Key Scripture References
"Flee fornication... What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure... think on these things."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
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While the Bible doesn't mention modern dating, it provides principles for relationships: purity, wisdom, equally-yoked partnerships, and honoring God in romance.
What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?
Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and a discipline essential for godly living, resisting temptation, and honoring God with our bodies.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Sex & Sexuality
Biblical teaching on sex, sexual purity, and God's design for intimacy within ma
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Corinthians on day 324 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Purity?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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