What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Purity?
What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Purity? The Bible calls believers to sexual purity — reserving sexual intimacy for marriage between husband and wife and fleeing all forms of sexual immorality.
Key verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJV)
The Bible calls believers to sexual purity — reserving sexual intimacy for marriage between husband and wife and fleeing all forms of sexual immorality.
The Bible calls believers to sexual purity — reserving sexual intimacy for marriage between husband and wife and fleeing all forms of sexual immorality.
"This is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication." — 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
First Thessalonians 4:3 states plainly, 'This is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.' Hebrews 13:4 affirms, 'Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.' Sexual sin is uniquely addressed: 'Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body' (1 Corinthians 6:18). The body is 'the temple of the Holy Ghost' (1 Corinthians 6:19), making sexual sin a desecration of God's dwelling. Jesus broadened the standard beyond physical acts to the heart: 'Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart' (Matthew 5:28). Joseph exemplified purity by fleeing Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:12). Paul commanded, 'Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire' (Colossians 3:5 ESV). Purity is not repression but the proper channeling of God's good gift of sexuality within His design.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
God's design for marriage, the roles of husband and wife, and building a Christ-centered relationship.
Key Scripture References
"This is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication."
"Flee fornication... your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost."
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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How Can Christians Resist Temptation?
The Bible promises that God provides a way of escape with every temptation and instructs believers to use Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit's power to overcome.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
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How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
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Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Thessalonians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Thessalonians on day 322 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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