The Big Questions About the Bibleናሙና

What Does the Bible Say About Sex?

Surprisingly, the Bible has quite a lot to say about sex. Perhaps even more surprisingly, the most important thing it has to say about sex is that it’s good. This might come as a shock to people who think Christianity is all about repressing sexuality and seeing it as evil, but you won’t find that in the Bible.

The Bible says the first man and woman were created naked, and they felt no shame. God declared the way he made them was “very good.” It’s true to say the sexuality issue, like everything else, has been corrupted by the entry of sin into the world, and things have changed, but it’s important to remember God created sex, and it was “very good.”

According to the Bible, sex isn’t just about having kids. While it’s true procreation is an essential reason for sex, it’s not the only reason, and it’s not even the most important reason. The Bible, talking about the first union between Adam and Eve, says, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Gen 2:24, NIV).

This passage talks about the ideal union between husband and wife, both physical and emotional togetherness in the word’s deepest sense, even becoming “one flesh.” Sex is a significant means of achieving and reflecting this.

The Bible repeatedly states that sex is a privilege reserved for married couples. We are not animals in a mindless universe. Sex is about so much more than just pleasure or having kids. God wants us to form the deepest possible connection with another. God consistently presents the marriage relationship as a metaphor for the relationship he wants to have with us! Outside of marriage, sex doesn’t fulfill its purpose, and in fact, it can be positively harmful.

The Bible also says sex should be mutual. This is particularly relevant in an age in which consent is frequently discussed in the media and among legislators. Too often, sexuality is about one person exerting power over another, but that’s not how it should be. It’s about mutual submission between equals.

While the Bible tells us sex is good, it’s not the ultimate good. Our culture has, in many ways, put it at the center of life, but it isn’t. The greatest good is having a great relationship with God. From that, everything else will flow.

– Eliezer Gonzalez