Sexuality is a complex and nuanced topic in the Bible. On one hand, the Bible celebrates sex within marriage as a gift from God. On the other hand, it warns against sexual immorality and improper desires. So are sexual desires themselves inherently sinful? A comprehensive look at Scripture reveals some key principles:
1. Sexual desire in and of itself is not sinful
Genesis 1:27 states that God created humans male and female in His own image. Genesis 2:24-25 further depicts the sexual union of husband and wife as part of God’s original perfect design: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” In the confines of marriage, sexual desire and intimacy are presented as good things to be celebrated.
Sexual desire and attraction exist by God’s design. Sin did not introduce these instincts, but rather distorted their rightful place and purpose. Jesus Himself stated that lustful intent, not merely the sexual urge itself, defiles a person (Matthew 5:28). Sexual desire only becomes sinful when exercised outside God’s parameters.
2. Sexual immorality is repeatedly condemned
The Bible consistently prohibits any expression of sexuality outside of monogamous, heterosexual marriage. Adultery breaks the marital covenant (Exodus 20:14). Premarital sex violates the call to chastity (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Lustful intent equates to adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:28). Homosexual relations go against God’s natural design (Romans 1:26-28). Pornography feeds individual lust (Matthew 5:29). Prostitution and sexual exploitation damage human dignity and relationships (1 Corinthians 6:15-16).
Scripture offers no latitude on these points. There is never justification for pursuing sexual activity outside God’s intended framework. The Bible consistently portrays such acts as damaging, destructive and antithetical to God’s purposes.
3. Improper sexual desires stem from distorted values
Why does Scripture adamantly oppose sexual immorality? Because it stems from and propagates idolatrous values. Illicit sexual desire flows out of a heart that cherishes personal pleasure above God’s glory (James 1:14-15). It represents the supremacy of selfish fleshly appetites over the Spirit. Sex becomes about self-gratification rather than the sacred union of man and wife (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).
This distorted perspective turns sex into an idol. It seeks to extract pleasure meant to strengthen the marital bond and channel it toward selfish ends. This damages relationships and dehumanizes others into objects of lust. So sexual sin issues forth from hearts that harbor improper desires and disordered values.
4. Obedience requires rejecting improper desires
Since sexual immorality traces back to corrupted desires, followers of Christ must target these desires for transformation. This happens by aligning with the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17). It involves taking every improper thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Believers must make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14).
Thankfully, God promises to replace ungodly desires with those in step with the Spirit, when we submit to Him (Psalm 37:4-5). His sanctifying grace empowers believers to reject lust and walk in purity. Fulfilling sexual desire God’s way requires obeying Him above errant wants.
5. Marriage provides a legitimate outlet for desires
Within marriage, sexual desire rightly manifests in intimate union and pleasure. In fact Scripture celebrates marital sex as the ideal context for enjoying sexual relations (Proverbs 5:18–19; Song of Solomon 4:9-12). God created marriage to provide a wholesome place to fulfill legitimate physical desires.
Husbands and wives have a duty to meet one another’s sexual needs and reserve such activity for their spouse exclusively (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). While exercise restraint when necessary, they should regularly delight in sexual intimacy.
6. Celibacy also has legitimacy
Marriage is not the sole godly option for dealing with sexual desire. Some may choose celibacy, and Paul actually encourages this for undivided devotion to Christ (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). He explains that celibacy is a gift, just as marriage is.
So the person able to exercise self-control and remain celibate can use their energies to wholly serve the Lord. Celibacy does not condemn all sexual desire as evil, but subordinates it to higher kingdom purposes for a time.
7. Temporary celibacy is needed for unmarried
Paul urges unmarried people to remain celibate, as he was (1 Corinthians 7:8-9). They must exercise self-control despite desires and focus on pursuing righteousness during this season. The unmarried state provides unique opportunities to serve God without distraction.
Of course, Paul explains this is a temporary state. For most, it gives way eventually to the marital union where sexual desires find legitimate expression. Either way, single believers must prize obedience to Christ above indulging physical appetites.
8. Desires will be removed in eternity
While God created sex for this earthly life, it has no essential place in the eternal state. Jesus explained that marriage will not carry over into eternity (Matthew 22:30). Presumably sexual desire and physical sex will also not persist.
Eternity promises wholehearted intimacy with Christ free from fleshly temptation. This implies desires with any potential to compete with loving God and neighbor will not remain. Sexual desire will give way to unhindered relationship.
9. Holiness now is preparation for eternity
How believers deal with sexual desires and conduct now has implications for eternity. Scripture warns that the sexually immoral will not inherit God’s kingdom, but will suffer judgment (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8).
On the other hand, those who honor God with their bodies can joyfully anticipate reward (1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:22). So remaining faithful even in the face of unfulfilled desire builds character and obedience muscles. It prepares believers to thrive in an eternity with different priorities.
10. God’s grace empowers purity
None of the above implies salvation is earned through perfect sexual behavior. Believers still struggle with warped desires requiring continual mortification. But Scripture reminds that God’s grace empowers believers to overcome sinful passions and walk in newness of life (Titus 2:11-12).
Sanctification is a process enabled by the Spirit. While sexual temptation remains this side of eternity, God provides strength to subdue ungodly desires and channel them appropriately. His grace enables by grace believers can reject debilitating lust and cultivate healthy sexuality according to His design.
In summary, sexual desire itself is not inherently evil. But Scripture prohibits its improper expression through sexual immorality. Believers must fight disordered desires by God’s power, reserving sex for marriage and service for chaste singleness. Both now and in eternity, holiness requires subordinating fleshly appetites to the true priority – undivided intimacy with God.