Chastity is the virtue of abstaining from sexual conduct according to one’s state of life. It means practicing purity in thoughts, words and actions. The Bible has a lot to say about remaining chaste and pure.
In the Old Testament, chastity was valued highly. The laws given to Moses included prohibitions against adultery and other sexual sins (Exodus 20:14). Premarital sex was considered sinful and shameful (Deuteronomy 22:13-21). Prostitution was forbidden and seen as defiling (Leviticus 19:29). The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes warn against the dangers of sexual immorality and impurity (Proverbs 5-7, Ecclesiastes 7:26).
Jesus strongly affirmed the virtue of chastity in the New Testament. He exhorted people to purity of heart and mind, warning that lustful thoughts can be as sinful as physical acts (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus discouraged divorce and remarriage, emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage (Matthew 19:3-9). The apostle Paul instructed Christians to glorify God with their bodies and abstain from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). He wrote that God’s will is for people to be sanctified and avoid impurity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8).
The Bible describes chastity as God’s plan for human flourishing. Sexual purity enables closeness with God. It maintains the sacredness of marriage and protects families. Chastity respects the dignity and well-being of oneself and others. It requires self-control and honoring God with our bodies. Scriptures warn that those who are sexually immoral will face judgement, while the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8; Hebrews 13:4).
Here are some key passages in Scripture about chastity and sexual purity:
Old Testament Teachings on Chastity
The Seventh Commandment – Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.” This commandment from the Ten Commandments forbids sexual relations outside of marriage.
Laws About Premarital Sex – Deuteronomy 22:13-21
These laws call for stoning a woman who has had premarital sex, as it is considered a disgraceful act.
Avoid Sexual Immorality – Leviticus 18
This chapter prohibits incest, adultery, male homosexuality, bestiality and other sexual sins. God rejects these behaviors as abominations.
Proverbs 5-7
These chapters warn men about the dangers of adultery. “Drink water from your own cistern” means staying sexually pure in marriage (Proverbs 5:15). Adultery is described as foolishness that destroys a man.
New Testament Teachings on Chastity
Jesus on Lust – Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Looking with lust is equated with physical acts of adultery.
Avoid Sexual Immorality – 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” Christians are instructed to glorify God with their bodies by being pure.
God’s Will for You – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.” Staying pure honors God and His call on our lives.
Matthew 19:4-6
Jesus emphasizes that marriage is permanent in God’s eyes: “Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Divorce and remarriage are strongly discouraged.
Benefits of Chastity
The Bible describes many benefits that come from practicing chastity and purity:
- Close relationship with God (Matthew 5:8)
- Wisdom and discretion (Proverbs 2:10-11)
- Avoiding harm and ruined reputation (Proverbs 6:23-33)
- Self-control and honorable behavior (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
- Oneness and intimacy in marriage (Genesis 2:24)
- Setting a godly example for others (1 Timothy 4:12)
- Confidence on judgment day (1 John 2:28, 4:17)
Chastity Requires Obedience and Self-Control
The Bible makes it clear that staying sexually pure requires determination and self-restraint. We must flee temptation, avoid compromising situations, control our thoughts and eyes, and actively pursue righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22). Our bodies and desires must be submitted to the Lord (James 4:7). Thankfully, scripture promises that God will provide a way out of temptation if we rely on Him (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Guard Your Heart – Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our thoughts and desires affect our actions. Staying pure requires guarding our minds and hearts from lust.
Avoid Evil Desires – 1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” Giving in to lust and passion goes against our new life in Christ.
Look Straight Ahead – Proverbs 4:25-27
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Don’t let your eyes lead you into temptation.
Consequences of Sexual Immorality
The Bible sternly warns believers to avoid all sexual sin. Those who disregard God’s commands about purity will face difficult consequences:
- Damage to relationships and marriage (Proverbs 6:32-35)
- Enslavement to sinful desires (2 Peter 2:19)
- Judgement and wrath from God (Colossians 3:5-6)
- Exclusion from God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
- Possible physical consequences (Proverbs 7:21-23)
God Will Judge – Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Sexual sin provokes God’s judgement.
Flee Sexual Immorality – 1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” Paul urges believers to run from sexual temptation because of its damaging impact.
Chastity Demonstrates Devotion to God
Above all, the Bible calls believers to chastity because honoring God with our bodies demonstrates our sincere love and commitment to Him. We glorify the Lord through our purity and holiness (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Our lives are an act of worship, so all aspects including sexuality are to reflect His virtues.
Offer Your Body as a Living Sacrifice – Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Honoring God with our bodies is part of our spiritual act of worship.
Pursue Holiness – Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Sanctification helps us become more like Christ.
Be Imitators of God – Ephesians 5:1
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Our lives should imitate Jesus, reflecting His purity and selfless love.
In summary, the Bible consistently elevates chastity as God’s plan for sexual purity. Honoring marriage, avoiding lust, controlling our bodies, and fleeing immorality allows us to pursue holiness and bring glory to God. With the Holy Spirit’s help, believers can live in a way that reflects Christ’s love and righteousness.