Fornication is discussed in several places within the Bible. Some of the notable passages include: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4. These references provide a clear indication of the Bible’s stance on fornication, presenting it as behavior to be avoided in pursuit of a holy life.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? .For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21
Ephesians 5:3
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Ephesians 5:3
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
What does the Bible say about fornication?
In the heart of the Bible’s teachings, there’s a clear message that fornication – which means having sexual relations outside of marriage – is something to steer clear of. It’s like the Bible is saying, «This is really important, so pay attention.» Let’s take a gentle walk through what it says, keeping it simple and straight from the heart.
Starting with 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, the Bible uses a strong word: «Flee.» It’s like saying, «Run as fast as you can in the other direction.» Why? Because fornication is not just any mistake; it’s a unique kind of wrong that affects you deeply, inside and out. It’s about respecting the fact that your body isn’t just yours. It’s like a home for the Holy Spirit, given to you by God. You’re special, bought at a great price, so your body and spirit should reflect the goodness and beauty of God.
Then, in Galatians 5:19-21, fornication is listed among other serious missteps, like jealousy, anger, and living just for ourselves without caring for others. It’s like a warning sign saying, «Watch out! These things can lead you away from the beautiful life God wants for you.» It’s serious business because these actions can block the path to the Kingdom of God, a place of peace and joy with Him.
Ephesians 5:3 takes it a step further by saying fornication shouldn’t even be a topic of conversation among you, as if to say, «This doesn’t fit who you are.» You’re called to be saints, living in a way that lights up the room, showing kindness, respect, and love in everything you do.
Lastly, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 speaks about living a life that’s clean and honorable, where you treat yourself with respect and dignity. It’s about knowing how to «possess your vessel» – which means understanding how to live in your body in a way that honors God and yourself.
So, in a nutshell, the Bible is guiding us towards living a life that’s full of respect – for God, for others, and for ourselves. It’s like a loving reminder that our choices, especially those about our bodies and relationships, matter deeply.