The Bible has a lot to say about pornography, as it goes against God’s design for sexuality and relationships. Here is an overview of some key biblical principles regarding pornography:
Pornography is sinful and defiles a person
Several verses describe how sexual immorality defiles and stains a person’s heart and life. Pornography clearly falls into the category of sexual immorality:
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) Viewing pornography stains and scars the heart, making it impure.
Pornography is adultery in God’s eyes
Jesus took the Old Testament commandment against adultery and expanded it to say that lustfully looking at someone is equivalent to adultery:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)
Pornography clearly involves lustfully looking at and desiring people other than your spouse, which Jesus equates to adultery of the heart.
Pornography promotes sexual immorality and impurity
The content and fantasies promoted by pornography directly contradict biblical commands for sexual purity and faithfulness in marriage:
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” (Ephesians 5:3)
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4)
“You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)
Pornography is corrupt, unwholesome, and worthless
The Bible tells us to dwell on and fill our minds with things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Pornography promotes the opposite – corruption, impurity, and worthlessness:
“Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.” (Proverbs 6:25-26)
“Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.” (Colossians 3:5-6)
Pornography leads to slavery and addiction
Pornography is highly addictive. It tricks the brain and twists God’s design for sexuality. Viewing porn can easily become a compulsive behavior that leads to worse sin:
“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16)
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Pornography objectifies people made in God’s image
Pornography commodifies people, often women, who are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). It reduces them to mere objects of lust and sexual gratification. This contradicts biblical commands to love others:
“In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:28)
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
Flee from sexual temptation
The Bible repeatedly instructs believers to flee from sexual immorality and temptation. With pornography being so widespread today, this means being proactive in avoiding and resisting it:
“Flee from sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” (Titus 2:11-12)
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8)
Be transformed and renew your mind
Lasting freedom from pornography comes from having a renewed mind and transformed heart. This involves replacing lies with biblical truth:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)
God offers forgiveness, cleansing and freedom
For those already trapped in pornography addiction, God offers hope, forgiveness and freedom through Jesus Christ. There is no shame or bondage too great for God’s healing and transforming power:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
“God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8)
In summary, the Bible clearly indicates that pornography is a corrupt, addictive sin that defiles people made in God’s image. But through God’s grace, forgiveness and power to transform lives, there is hope and freedom available to all who struggle with this temptation.
