Asexuality refers to a lack of sexual attraction to others. Asexual people may still have romantic attractions and desire close relationships, but do not experience sexual attraction. While the Bible does not directly address asexuality, there are some relevant biblical principles to consider.
Marriage and Celibacy
The Bible presents marriage between a man and woman as the expected norm (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). However, it also honors celibacy and singleness as positive alternatives (1 Corinthians 7:7-9). Paul even suggests advantages to remaining single (1 Corinthians 7:25-35). Therefore, the Bible allows for both marriage and celibacy as honorable lifestyles for Christians.
For those who do not experience sexual attraction, celibacy may be a natural fit. Asexuality does not preclude romantic relationships, so an asexual person could still pursue a romantic but celibate marriage. However, this would require both spouses being amenable to a celibate relationship. Asexuals may also choose to remain single rather than marry. Either choice can be valid for Christians.
Sexuality and Identity
Our core identity is found in Christ rather than our sexuality (Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11). While sexuality is part of how God created us, it should not define our identity or determine our value and purpose. For asexual individuals, this truth frees them from feeling pressure to base their identity on their sexuality or lack thereof.
This also means asexuality need not invalidate someone as a person. All people are made in God’s image and can live for His glory, regardless of sexual orientation or experience. Asexual individuals can honor God with singleness or marriage and should be accepted as valuable brothers and sisters in Christ.
Controlling Sexual Desires
The Bible promotes controlling sexual desires and confining sexual activity to marriage (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 1 Corinthians 7:2). Since asexuality involves an absence of sexual attraction, it removes any need to control misdirected sexual desires.
However, asexual individuals may still choose to control lustful thoughts or temptations towards inappropriate behavior. Like all Christians, they are called to purity and should avoid sexual immorality (Colossians 3:5-6). But their lack of sexual attraction may make exercising self-control in this area less of a struggle.
Serving God with Singleness
Singleness allows greater freedom and availability to serve God (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Since celibacy often comes more naturally for asexual individuals, they have the benefit of channeling energy normally spent on spouses and children towards ministry. Their lack of sexual desires can be an asset in avoiding distractions from wholehearted service.
Of course, one need not be single or asexual to serve God well. But asexuality can provide some practical advantages for undistracted devotion to the Lord. Asexual Christians should steward their circumstances to effectively build God’s kingdom.
Developing Non-Sexual Intimacy
The Bible models deep, intimate friendships that are not sexual, such as David and Jonathan or Ruth and Naomi (1 Samuel 18:1-4, Ruth 1:16-17). God created us for connection. For asexual individuals, it may involve cultivating more non-sexual intimacy in friendships and marriage.
Developing emotional, spiritual, and intellectual intimacy are important alternatives to sexual intimacy. Asexual Christians can nurture meaningful relationships by sharing experiences, encouraging spiritual growth, and engaging in heartfelt conversation with friends and spouses.
Avoiding Sexual Immorality
The Bible strongly warns against sexual immorality, such as lust, adultery, and homosexual behavior (Matthew 5:27-28, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Though asexual people may not struggle with lust, they can still honor God by avoiding such sins.
Additionally, some asexuals may engage in immoral sexual behavior, such as homosexual relationships, in an attempt to fit cultural expectations. But obedience to Scripture should take priority over perceived societal pressure regarding sexuality.
Sanctification Process
Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ (Romans 6:19, 2 Corinthians 3:18). Though not inherently sinful, asexuality is part of our fallen human experience. In eternity, sanctified believers will experience intimacy beyond sexuality (Matthew 22:30).
Therefore, asexual Christians can recognize their orientation as a reflection of the fall while also stewarding it for godly purposes. It provides opportunities to grow in Christlikeness through celibacy, service, and relationship development. Ultimately, sanctification transforms all believers, regardless of sexuality.
Common Grace and Conscience
God shows common grace by maintaining order and restraining evil in the world (Genesis 8:21-22, Matthew 5:45). His common grace allows the human conscience to function even without special revelation (Romans 2:14-15). Thus, nonbelievers can exhibit moral wisdom, including about sexuality, by following their consciences.
This suggests aspects of asexuality align with conscience and common grace. Life absent sexual attraction allows focus towards more spiritual pursuits, consistent with general revelation. So in a fallen world, asexuality may reflect restraining grace.
Celibacy as a Spiritual Gift
The New Testament teaches celibacy is a spiritual gift, not mandatory for all believers (Matthew 19:10-12, 1 Corinthians 7:7). Since God dispenses spiritual gifts, some individuals receive the gift of contented celibacy, possibly including asexual Christians.
Just as all gifts should be used to serve others (1 Peter 4:10), this gift can build God’s kingdom. Asexual Christians gifted with celibacy can joyfully devote themselves to ministry. Their Spirit-given orientation need not detract from service but can enhance it.
Freedom in Christ
Scripture grants freedom in cultural matters not directly addressed, so believers should follow their biblically informed conscience (1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23). Since the Bible does not directly discuss asexuality, Christian asexuals have liberty to make personal decisions about relationships, intimacy, and living consistently with their orientation.
However, both married and single asexuals should uphold biblical morality and pursue holiness, loving others through celibate or committed married relationships. Christian freedom never condones sin.
All Are Welcome in Christ
The Bible teaches that in Christ, all are welcome without discrimination (Galatians 3:28, James 2:1-9). As image-bearers of God, asexual individuals deserve kindness, compassion, and fair treatment within the church. Categorically excluding or shunning them from the body of Christ over their orientation violates the biblical mandate to love.
Rather, Christian communities should show hospitality and grace to asexual members. Churches must ensure they find acceptance, understanding, and opportunities to exercise their spiritual gifts to the glory of God.
God Values All Ethically Lived Out Callings
The Bible shows God values ethical living within diverse vocations, relationships, and life stages (Colossians 3:17, 23-24). Therefore, single or married asexuals can honor Him by obeying biblical principles. God is pleased when believers build intimacy, resist temptation, and serve others in their circumstances.
There is no hierarchy of godly sexual orientations. Asexuality, heterosexuality, and celibacy all allow for loving God and neighbor when lived out with biblical ethics. What matters most is pursuing holiness and Christian love in whatever state we find ourselves.
Focus on Spiritual Birth, Not Physical Birth
While Scripture presents children as a blessing (Psalm 127:3-5), it prioritizes spiritual rebirth over physical procreation and family (Matthew 12:46-50, Luke 18:29-30). In Christ, believers gain eternal spiritual children through evangelization.
This puts reproduction in proper perspective. For asexual couples who do not experience sexual desire, lack of children does not preclude fulfilling God’s prime directives to follow Jesus, love others, and make disciples.
Christian Liberty in Grey Areas
Asexuality involves navigating unclear issues not directly addressed in Scripture. In such grey areas, the Bible grants freedom in Christ (Romans 14:1-4). As long as asexual believers are submitted to God, pursuing holiness, and avoiding explicit sin, they can make personal decisions about marriage, celibacy, and intimacy.
However, they should also be sensitive to other Christians’ views when it comes to disputable matters. While avoiding legalism, asexuals can show grace and deference in areas of ambiguity.
Asexuals Are Not Fundamentally Flawed
All humans are created good but fallen due to original sin (Genesis 1:31, Romans 3:23). As such, asexual orientation is not fundamentally flawed or sinful. It simply reflects life in a fallen world. Like others impacted by the fall, asexual people are fully loved by God and capable of worshipping Christ.
The church must avoid stigmatizing, shaming, or ostracizing asexual individuals. Rather, Christian communities should show God’s unconditional love and help asexuals grow in their gifts and callings for Christ.
Intimacy Is Multidimensional
The Bible models intimacy as extending beyond sexuality to include fellowship, affection, comfort, vulnerability, and deep friendship (Job 2:11-13, John 13:23, Acts 20:37). Asexual Christians can develop significant intimacy in relationships through non-sexual means, including spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and experiential connection.
Couples can be intimate when gardening together, reading the Bible, serving in ministry, talking for hours, holding hands, praying, and doing life side by side. Intimacy in marriage and friendship transcends physicality.
Committed Friendships Are Honored
Scripture highlights deep, committed same-sex friendships. David and Jonathan shared a strong bond described as “one in spirit” (1 Samuel 18:1), while Paul honored his fellow worker Timothy as “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). The Bible esteems close, devoted friendships outside of marriage.
For asexual individuals who seek connection without sexual attraction, committed same-sex friendships can be a cherished alternative. All Christians would benefit from pursuing this type of biblical friendship.
Marriage Still Honors God Without Sex
Some asexual Christians marry non-asexual partners. In these circumstances, they can honor God by cultivating intimacy and servanthood as unto the Lord (Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 5:21-33). While sex may be absent, the marriage covenant remains sacred.
Spouses in this situation should freely agree to a celibate partnership, being open and understanding towards one another. Mutual sacrifice, compromise, and effort to meet the other’s needs while upholding biblical ethics are key.
We Cannot Go Beyond Scripture
The Bible warns against going beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6). Speculation apart from Scripture often leads to false doctrine. Therefore, the church should be cautious about making definitive theological statements about asexuality absent specific biblical commentary.
Rather than pontificating, Christians are safest finding general scriptural principles about morality, celibacy, identity in Christ, andlove that apply to asexuals. We should avoid dogmatism regarding issues on which the Bible is silent.
Marriage Is Not Mandatory
While instituted by God, Scripture does not mandate marriage. Many key biblical figures remained celibate, including the prophet Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and the Apostle Paul (Jeremiah 16:2, Matthew 11:18, 1 Corinthians 7:7-8). Jesus Himself never married.
Therefore, asexual individuals who feel called to singleness can serve God with joy and freedom. Celibacy, including a sexless life, has rich scriptural precedent. Marriage and celibacy both honor the Lord when rooted in biblical values.
Common Struggles Are Redeemable
Every person faces struggles resulting from the fall (Romans 3:23, 8:18-25). For asexual Christians, this may include loneliness, feeling abnormal, pressure to conform, misunderstanding, or navigating relationships. However, God redeems suffering for purposes of Christlike growth (Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4).
By leaning on divine strength, asexual believers can overcome challenges associated with their orientation for God’s glory. Hardships prod dependence and endurance. All Christians must steward struggles for spiritual benefit.
Cultivating Christlike Character
The Bible emphasizes manifesting the fruit of the Spirit like love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control as central to the Christian life (Galatians 5:22-23). These transcendent virtues shape Christlike character regardless of sexual orientation.
Asexual individuals exhibit these traits when pursuing intimacy, resisting temptation, and serving others in singleness or marriage. Becoming more like Christ gives all aspects of life, including sexuality, eternal significance.
God Understands Complex Sexuality
Human sexuality reflects the complexities of a fallen world. As the omniscient Creator, God understands and empathizes with these struggles more than anyone (Psalm 139, Hebrews 4:14-16). Asexual individuals can take comfort knowing the Lord intimately comprehends their unique orientation and desires to redeem it for their good (Romans 8:28).
Rather than facing confusion alone, asexual Christians have a compassionate High Priest who identifies with their vulnerabilities. His grace is sufficient amid life’s complexity.
Summary
Though the Bible does not directly address asexuality, relevant scriptural themes emerge. God honors both marriage and celibacy when rooted in biblical values. Asexual Christians have liberty in Christ to steward their orientation for God’s glory through moral living. They also deserve compassion as whole persons made in God’s image. Most importantly, their identity is found in Christ rather than their sexuality.
