6237 sexual sin, nature of

Any transgression of the limits that God has set for the enjoyment of sex. Such sins are often life-dominating, but may be broken through the power and grace of Jesus Christ.

The origin of sexual sin

Fallen human nature Gal 5:19 See also Ro 13:12-14; Col 3:5-6

The heart Mt 15:19 pp Mk 7:21-22

The offensiveness of sexual sin

It defiles the sinner Mt 15:20 pp Mk 7:23 See also Ro 1:24; 1Co 6:18

It defiles society Lev 18:24-25 See also 1Co 5:6; Rev 19:2

It offends other people 2Pe 2:7-8 See also Ge 9:22-25; Ge 34:7; Ge 38:24; 2Sa 13:21-22; 2Co 12:21

It offends God 2Sa 11:27 See also Jer 13:26-27; Mal 3:5

Sexual sin under the old covenant

Pre-marital sex Dt 22:13-21

Adultery Ex 20:14 pp Dt 5:18 See also Lev 18:20; Dt 22:22-24

Prostitution Lev 19:29; Dt 23:17-18

Rape Dt 22:25-29

Homosexual intercourse Lev 18:22 See also Lev 20:13

Bestiality Ex 22:19; Lev 18:23; Lev 20:15-16; Dt 27:21

Incest Lev 18:6-18; Lev 20:17,19; Dt 22:30; Dt 27:20,22-23; Eze 22:11

Intercourse during menstruation Lev 18:19; Lev 20:18

Sexual sin under the new covenant

The OT laws are confirmed and strengthened Mt 5:27-28 See also Mt 5:31-32; Ro 1:24-27; 1Co 6:15-16; 1Co 7:9; Heb 13:4

The need for holiness in the lives of believers 1Th 4:3-7 See also Ac 15:29; Eph 5:3; Heb 12:16; 1Pe 1:15-16; Lev 11:44; 1Pe 4:1-3

The church must be kept pure Rev 2:14-16 See also 1Co 5:1-5,9-11; Rev 2:20

God’s judgment on sexual sin

In this life Rev 2:21-23 See also Ge 19:24; Nu 25:1-9; 2Sa 12:11-12; Pr 7:26-27; 1Co 10:8

In the world to come Rev 21:8 See also Eph 5:5-6; 2Pe 2:6; Jude 7; Rev 22:14-15

God’s power over sexual sin

It can be forgiven Jn 8:10-11 See also 2Sa 12:13; Ps 51:1 Title; Mt 21:31-32; Lk 7:36-38,47-50; Rev 2:21

Hearts can be changed 1Co 6:9-11

Resisting sexual sin

By remembering God’s word Ps 119:9 See also Pr 6:23-24; Pr 7:5

By resisting temptation Ge 39:6-12; Pr 7:24-25

By mortifying lust Job 31:1 See also Mt 5:29-30

By living in the Spirit Gal 5:16

By living for holiness Ro 6:19

By enjoying sex within proper limits Pr 5:18-20; 1Co 7:2,9

See also