Is Sex a Sin?
Sex is a gift from God. Like His other gifts, it can become something harmful and twisted when we misuse it or use it selfishly. And when we do misuse it, it can become something shameful that creates consequences like depression, abortion, divorce, etc. This is when it is defined as sin. But when we understand why God gave us this wonderful gift of sex, and when we use it in accordance with His will, then it can be a source of great happiness and joy.
Why did God give us sex? The biggest reason is to continue the human race from one generation to another. God told Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28).
God also gave us the sexual relationship for our pleasure. There is nothing wrong with this—as long as our passions do not control us and dominate our thoughts—and God delights in giving us good things. Sex is also an expression of love and unity between a husband and wife. It is a sign of their commitment to each other within marriage.
This is why the Bible tells us that sex is to be practiced only within marriage. The sexual relationship should be a sign of commitment and love—the kind of commitment that is part of the marriage vow between a man and woman. “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4). Realize that God did not intend for sex to be sinful, but beautiful—when it is used in accordance with His standards.
God did not make a mistake when He commanded, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Why did He give us this command? Incidentally, the command covers all types of sexual sin but it wasn’t given to restrict us and make us unhappy. He did it because He loves us, wants to protect us and knows what is best for us.
But God also understands that we can only love and follow His ways with His help. Through a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ, we receive a new heart with new desires to honor God with our bodies and receive His good gift as He designed it.
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
