What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Purity — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

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.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages