What the Bible says About Fornication

Sexual immorality is mentioned many times in the Bible, and always with a negative tone. Fornication is defined as “sex outside the marriage relationship”, and is labeled as sin in the Bible. It is wrong in God’s eyes and far from the sanctified life He wants for each of us, and it also is a sin against one’s own body. Here is a list of verses from the Bible concerning the topic of fornication, each followed by a brief explanation so that we can better understand this iniquity.

1. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
   • “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
   • This passage advises believers to avoid sexual immorality, emphasizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we should honor God with our physical bodies.
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
   • “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
   • This verse instructs Christians to live a life of sanctification by abstaining from sexual sins and controlling their bodies in a way that is holy and honorable.
3. Ephesians 5:3
   • “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.”
   • Paul exhorts the Ephesian church to be pure, stating that sexual immorality shouldn’t even be a topic of conversation among them, reflecting their identity as saints.
4. Hebrews 13:4
   • “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
   • This verse underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of keeping the marriage bed pure from sexual sins, as God will judge those who defile it.
5. Colossians 3:5
   • “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
   • Believers are called to actively rid themselves of sinful earthly desires, including sexual immorality, which is likened to idolatry.
6. Matthew 5:28
   • “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
   • Jesus expands the commandment against adultery, teaching that even lustful thoughts can be equivalent to the act of adultery.
7. Galatians 5:19-21
   • “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, and such like…those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
   • This list of the works of the flesh includes sexual sins, warning that those who engage in such behaviors will not inherit God’s kingdom.
8. 1 Corinthians 5:1
   • “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans; for a man has his father’s wife.”
   • Paul addresses a case of egregious sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, highlighting the severity of the sin involved.
9. 1 Corinthians 7:2
   • “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
   • This verse suggests marriage as a safeguard against sexual immorality, providing a legitimate outlet for sexual desires.
10. 2 Corinthians 12:21
    • “I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin, and debauchery in which they have indulged.”
    • Paul expresses his concern that some in the Corinthian community have not repented from past sins of sexual immorality, indicating the ongoing struggle with these issues.
11. Revelation 21:8
    • “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
    • This verse provides a stern warning about the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin, including sexual immorality.

These verses collectively provide a biblical perspective on fornication, emphasizing its seriousness and the importance of purity in the eyes of God.