Sin and Sexuality
Every human being lives in a body of flesh and blood, and these bodies have various appetites and desires. The appetites themselves are not sin, but the direction of them can be. For example, there is nothing sinful about getting hungry. In fact, without it, one would die. But run amok such an appetite is destructive. A sexual appetite is not sin either. There is nothing evil about an interest in and desire for sex. Without it the human race would not perpetuate. But the expression of it can be either healthy or destructive.
Sin is a theological concept that makes no sense apart from God who is the ultimate Creator and authority over mankind. Sin is a religious concept based on the belief that there is a God, that He has created the world and all that is in it, including us, and that He has placed some actual requirements, prescriptions, and prohibitions upon us as His highest creation. From a Christian perspective, anything that falls short of His ideals for us is sin. (One classic definition.) From a Christian or Biblical perspective, all of us have sinned. The entire world, we included, has been (by proper theological and Biblical definition☺) messed up.
In these bodies, we all are tempted at many points, and have given in to many of these temptations. The Bible makes clear that “all have sinned.” To merely look down on others as sinners is to miss reality and heap additional sin upon ourselves. Each of us is more drawn to certain weaknesses, whether alcohol, drugs, food, sexuality, gossip, power, fear, etc., than others, and we all seem to want to justify our issues while condemning those of others.
For those blessed (and cursed) to be attractive to those around them, and to have a strong sexual appetite, and to have opportunity for a wider range of sexual expression, sexuality can be a real problem. Those without all those ingredients can not even begin to understand those that are more susceptible to greater sexual temptation. As a young man I envied those that seemed able to have many sexual connections, and of course longed for and envisioned many myself.
On the other hand for a lot of reasons, many have had fewer opportunities for sexual expression throughout their lifetimes. Some of these people may even be perceived as more pure or holy, when perhaps in actuality they may simply have had less desire, or lack of opportunity. Holiness is not achieved by abstaining from sexual activity. There are certainly some we should abstain from, but we are not thereby made holy. We are made holy only by confessing our weaknesses and sin and trusting in Jesus to forgive us and cleanse us.
Because sexuality is so ingrained in us, the Bible speaks much about it. Most of us inherently know that some things are wrong. For example, most civilized people agree that pedophilia, rape, incest, and bestiality at least are wrong. The Bible codifies sexual morality, claiming Divine authority to prescribe which sexual activities are acceptable from God’s perspective. It is not always made clear why something is wrong, though sometimes it seems obvious to most of us.
Though we may not always be told why, there is very little question about WHAT the Bible actually says and claims about various sexual activities. (Unless there is a large outcry asking for more Bible insight, I will not try to merely give a Bible study on sex, though I am open to discuss anything the Bible says if asked.) Though what the Bible teaches about sex is pretty easy to read, there is MASSIVE disagreement about what various people accept as legitimate and proper sexual expressions.
So, the impulse, desire, ability, or even temptation to sexual activity is not sin. God looked at Creation and said “it is good.” Having created male and female, He said it is “very good.” Genesis 1:31 By very definition the creation of male and female not only authorizes but mandates sexual activity. It is impossible to “be fruitful and multiply” without it!
But, since God created humanity He also reserves the right and authority to determine proper boundaries. Any sexual activity outside the boundaries established by God IS sin, and most of these boundaries are clearly expressed throughout scripture.
Sex is of God. Improper use of sex is of the world, and/or the flesh, and/or the enemy. And, since all of us are broken, (twisted if you will) I suspect none of us can understand fully the perfect expression of sexuality. We all miss it at points. The more nearly we do understand and implement God’s plan, the better things can be for us. But even at its best this life is imperfect and this life is not all there is.
If one engages in sexual activities contrary to Scriptural teachings or encourages others to do so, one must deal with God and the Bible. There are several possible ways to respond:
1. Some are simply ignorant of what God and the Bible require. Simple Bible knowledge is the cure for simple ignorance.
2. Some are ignorant of God and the Bible, yet reject known Biblical concepts for cultural or personal reasons. Many that vehemently argue against Bible morality actually have no idea what the Bible teaches.
3. Some know what the Bible teaches, but opt to not believe it because it is not culturally or personally acceptable or politically correct or in vogue.
4. Some know what the Bible teaches and actively misrepresent what it says for cultural or personal reasons.
5. Some know what the Bible teaches, but hold the personal right to determine what parts are relevant or not. This essentially places their understanding ahead of scripture in authority.
Perhaps there are other motives and responses, but one way or another one that has access to the Bible must deal with it, as it clearly claims Divine authority, and has been accepted as such for nearly two millennia in the case of the New Testament and perhaps four or more millennia for the Old Testament.
Today most are abysmally ignorant of the Bible, many want to change or disregard it, and still others claim the authority in themselves (or for experts with whom they agree) to nullify parts they don’t like.
Since sexuality is such an immense and intense drive in us, cultural influences have a profound impact on us. Popular culture can influence desire, inhibitions, and even opportunity. (For example, many, if not most, pedophiles use pornography as a way of grooming and/or lowering the inhibitions of their victims. Highly sexualized media impact young, and perhaps older, people’s chances of “scoring.”)
In a world where technology has dramatically ramped up the anonymity factor, and where any sexual fantasy can be witnessed in vivid color, which, if any, of the old mores or values are valid?
If there is no God as the Bible portrays, and no real purpose or destiny beyond this world, there is very little objective reason for people to not simply “do whatever feels good.” If indeed the final fate of man is simply to die, and this world is all there is, the epicurean idea of “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die,” makes some sense.
Certainly a case can be made for abstinence and/or monogamy regarding disease, animosities, jealousies, paybacks, financial considerations, domestic tranquility, child rearing, social order, etc., but if God is removed, morality is pretty subjective. Morality is either defined by culture, as law or mores, or by religion, or possibly one’s conscience. (Which is itself profoundly shaped by both culture and religion) Temperament and opportunity may even play into one’s perspective on morality.
But, if the Bible accurately expresses God’s will and law, then those who believe in God have a different standard of morality. Such is not subjected to the whims of any given culture, but given by God for all men of all ages for all times.
Christians, by definition, are those who believe in Christ. One cannot be a Christian without believing in Jesus and His Deity. (His virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious death, bodily resurrection, and coming return, are expressions of that.) If Jesus were merely a teacher, philosopher, prophet, or all around swell guy, He certainly could not have died in our place! The Bible is the steady source of our knowledge and revelation about Christ. The Bible speaks of Christ as Creator, lawgiver, and hence origin of all morality. Jesus claimed to be “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) While we certainly do not and can not understand everything about God, we are given enough information to successfully live in this world and have a hope for the next based upon what Jesus offers to all who trust in Him.
As it relates to sexuality, the sexual nature is not sin. Sexual desire or sexual activity is not sin. God invented it and said of it, “it is very good.” If misused, it becomes sin just as any other act of rebellion against God is sin.
Another interesting thought I have pondered much. Jesus Himself had to have been tempted sexually if I understand Hebrews 4:15 properly. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet was without sin.” NIV
No matter who we are, what we’ve done, or what we are currently involved in, Jesus understands. We have been tempted, and we have all succumbed to it. Because Jesus hasn’t, but has been tempted like us, He understands, and also is willing to forgive and deliver. That is way cool. Whatever your sexual history, desires, proclivities, or activities, Jesus knows, understands, loves, and offers forgiveness, deliverance, and direction.
However, if one continues in rebellion against God that is the very essence of sin. Until there is an acknowledgement and confession of sin there is no forgiveness. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is sufficient for all, but efficient only for those that apply for it!! It is available for all, but forced upon none. But, there are consequences for our response to God, both in this life, and the life to come.
I welcome specific questions and input, and hopefully will be posting additional thoughts on this and other topics as time and energy permit.
