Thinking about Sex

Over the past week I have been involved in a discussion with a couple of friends about pre-marital sex. The question was raised as to whether or not the bible really speaks against it. Most of the scriptures use the word sexual immorality and then list several types of specific acts when referring to prohibited activity but premarital sex is never specifically mentioned.

On the surface Sexual immorality is not strictly defined but after doing some research I discovered that the Greek word used in most places is porneia and according to several Greek dictionaries this word can be translated to mean fornication or sex between two unmarried persons. Reading the bible references in light of this translation makes it pretty clear that Christians are not to engage in pre-marital sex. This is for our own benefit as the bible says that sexual immorality is not only a sin against God but also a sin against our own bodies. More so, the bible instructs us to flee or run away from sexual immorality because it understands the strong hold sex can have over our lives. Instead many of us linger around and wonder why we don't have the self control to beat temptation.

The good news is that even those who have not held to this standard in the past, they can start new today. Sex is a powerful sin but God is more powerful than any sin and strong enough to forgive and change lives regardless of past mistakes. This goes for people who have had sex before marriage, those who have cheated on their spouses, those who are homosexual and for those who struggle with pornography.

Make no mistake, the bible is clear that we are to live lives of sexual purity and we will be held accountable for our actions. But God also graciously provides us the power to live such lives.