Sexual immorality, also called fornication in the Bible, means “a surrendering of sexual purity.” It occurs when individuals engage in sexual practices or activities outside the parameters of biblical marriage. It also transpires when married individuals engage sexually with someone other than their spouse or participate in sexually immoral activities.
Sexually immoral practices include, but are not limited to, premarital fondling or intercourse, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, polygamy, polygyny, polyamory, bestiality, pedophilia, molestation, incest, and rape. Although various cultures or communities may consider some of these behaviors acceptable or normal, none fit God’s criteria for sexual purity and holiness.
God is the creator of sex, sexual expression, intimacy, and pleasure. He uniquely designed these gifts for marriage—to be shared exclusively between one man and one woman for a lifetime. When spouses engage with each other sexually, it is a blessed and sacred event (Song of Solomon; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5; Hebrews 13:4). However, when individuals not fitting this criterion engage with others sexually, it is sinful and unholy because they are misappropriating God’s marital gift.
Jesus calls all born-again believers to abstain from every form of sexual immorality and pursue godliness and purity instead. They are instructed to walk in the Holy Spirit's power, crucify their carnal desires, and practice righteousness. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."
When born-again believers engage in sexually immoral practices, Jesus commands them to repent. Repentance means they change their mind about their sinful activities, agree with Jesus that they are wrong, and ask for His forgiveness. They also must change their direction from pursuing immorality to practicing holiness. When believers genuinely repent, Jesus forgives and cleanses them from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9-10).
When unbelievers engage in sexually immoral activities, God calls them to repentance and salvation. They must not only change their mind about their sinful activities and agree with Jesus that their actions are wrong, but they also must place their faith in Jesus for salvation. When an unbeliever genuinely repents and trusts Jesus by faith for their forgiveness and redemption, they "have passed out of death into life” (John 5:24) and are cleansed from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9-10 Ephesians 1:7-8).
I hope this information on sexual immorality has been helpful and informative. For more Scripture verses on this topic, click here.
