From the very beginning, the Scriptures present sexual relations within marriage as part of God’s perfect design—blessed, intimate, exclusive, and purposeful. At the same time, the Bible calls believers to purity, honoring God’s will in singleness, marriage, and moral conduct.

Marriage and Sexuality as Instituted by God

The biblical narrative begins with a clear affirmation of human identity and sexuality. In Genesis 1:27–28, the text declares that God created humans in His image, both male and female, and blessed them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” In the immediate next chapter, Genesis 2:24 describes the profound union between husband and wife: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” This “one flesh” relationship encompasses emotional unity, spiritual bond, and yes, sexual intimacy—establishing the covenantal and exclusive nature of marital sex within God’s design.

Sexual Intimacy Within Marriage

Rather than viewing sex as merely procreative, Scripture celebrates marital intimacy as a gift meant to foster deep connection and joy between spouses. Proverbs 5:18–19 invites husbands to “rejoice in the wife of your youth… let her breasts satisfy you at all times; be intoxicated always in her love,” portraying sexual expression as vibrant and enriching. The apostle Paul reinforces this mutual privilege in 1 Corinthians 7:2–5, urging couples to fulfill each other’s needs, granting equal authority over each other’s bodies, and avoiding prolonged abstinence—in part to prevent temptation to sexual immorality.

These verses reveal that God intends marital sex to be frequent, mutual, and protective—not transactional or exploitative.

The Bible’s Rejection of Sexual Immorality

While affirming sexual intimacy within marriage, Scripture unequivocally condemns all forms of sexual activity outside that covenant—defining them as immoral and dishonorable. Hebrews 13:4 instructs: “Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.” The seventh commandment, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), is elevated by Jesus in Matthew 5:27–28, where He teaches that lustful intent equates to adultery. Thus the biblical standard is holistic—maintaining purity in heart, thought, and deed.

Singleness and Celibacy: Honored Paths

Not all are called to marriage. Jesus Himself spoke of those who “made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom” in Matthew 19:12, indicating not inferiority, but a different calling. Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 7:7–8, stating celibacy is a commendable state for those who can accept it, not as an apostolic mandate. Indeed, 1 Corinthians 7:32–35 notes that singleness can allow greater devotion to God, free from familial burdens. Thus both marriage and singleness are valid, honored by Scripture, and gifts from God—each with unique blessings and responsibilities.

Divorce and Remarriage: Upholding Covenant Faithfulness

God’s design for marriage is lifelong. He proclaimed in Malachi 2:16, “I hate divorce,” and Jesus reaffirmed this in Matthew 19:4–6: “What God has joined together, let no man separate.” Yet Jesus recognized the reality of sin and offered an exception in Matthew 19:9 (“except for sexual immorality”). The apostle Paul further outlined circumstances for separation in 1 Corinthians 7:12–16, particularly when an unbelieving spouse departs peacefully. Therefore, marriage is a permanent bond intended by God, with divorce permissible only in cases where unfaithfulness has violated the covenant.

Contraception and Family Planning

The Bible affirms the importance of procreation in the early passages, but it does not command contraception or specify methods. Couples may prayerfully consider birth control that does not terminate life. As Psalm 139:13–16 attests, life is precious even in utero. Therefore, non-abortive contraception may be used responsibly. Romans 14:4 cautions against passing judgment on others in these personal decisions. The key biblical principle is stewardship of the body, marriage, and life—not slavish adherence to cultural norms or legalism.

Guarding Purity in Marriage

Sexual fidelity and satisfaction are core to marital strength. Proverbs 5:15–20 urges faithfulness to one’s wife, foreseeing temptation as akin to the seductive “strange woman.” The apostle Paul’s image in Ephesians 5:25–33 frames marriage as Christ and His church—a model of sacrificial love and respectful submission. Sexual intimacy, therefore, becomes a concrete expression of these deeper spiritual truths—bonding husband and wife in love, trust, and mutual respect.

Celibacy: Gift, Not Mandate

Scripture never mandates celibacy; rather, it warns against false teachers saying so. 1 Timothy 4:1–3 cautions that forbidding marriage is a sign of apostasy. Celibacy is a voluntary calling, not compulsory for clergy or believers. Those who choose it for kingdom purposes do well, as Paul demonstrates, but is not reserved for spiritual elite. Everyone is free to follow Christ in marital or single status—honored and blessed by God.

---

Summary of Biblical Principles

1. Marriage is God’s design. He created men and women as complementary, united into one through covenant marriage.
2. Sex inside marriage is blessed. It is mutual, joyful, and protective against impurity.
3. Sex outside marriage is sinful. Adultery, fornication, lust—whatever violates marital exclusivity—are wrong.
4. Both marriage and singleness are honored. Each is a gift, with unique benefits and responsibilities.
5. Divorce is allowed—but only when covenant is broken (sexual immorality).
6. Contraception must respect life. Couples may use non-abortive methods according to conscience.
7. Marital intimacy supports mutual love and trust. It reflects Christ’s relationship with the Church.
8. Celibacy is a free calling—not a mark of higher spirituality.
9. God’s design demands purity, covenant faithfulness, and mutual respect.

---

Practical Implications for Believers

For married couples: invest in sexual intimacy, communicate about needs and desires—let marriage cradle joy and guard sanctity.
For singles: honor the gift of celibacy; serve the Lord wholeheartedly, trusting that God has a purpose beyond earthly intimacy.
For everyone: pursue purity of heart and body—guarding against lust, honoring marriage, and speaking gospel truth in a culture of sexual confusion.

---

Final Reflection

God speaks clearly through Scripture—sexuality is not taboo or merely private; it is woven into His design for human flourishing. Within marriage, it is sacred, mutual, and reflective of divine love. Outside the covenant, it is defiled and destructive. Whether married or single, each believer is called to honor God in their body, emotions, and actions—reflecting His holiness and embodying His grace in a world that often misuses intimacy.

Let us steward this gift wisely—loving God, loving spouses, and honoring His design for life, love, and unity.

You May Also Enjoy

How Do We Reconcile the Christ of Faith with the Historical Jesus?

See more

About the Author