What does the Bible say about sexuality and marriage?

Sexuality and marriage are deeply significant topics in the Bible, woven intricately into the narrative from Genesis to Revelation. These subjects are not only fundamental to human relationships but are also reflective of spiritual truths and the relationship between Christ and the Church. To grasp the biblical perspective on sexuality and marriage, it is essential to explore various scriptures and themes that illuminate the understanding of these profound aspects of human life.

The Creation Mandate: Genesis and the Foundations of Marriage

The biblical discourse on sexuality and marriage begins in the Book of Genesis. Genesis 1:27-28 tells us, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'" This passage not only establishes the inherent value and dignity of every human being by virtue of being made in God’s image but also introduces the complementarity and purpose of the male and female sexes.

Further, Genesis 2:24 provides the foundational decree for marriage, stating, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." This verse underscores the profound union of marriage, intended to be a lifelong, exclusive bond between a man and a woman. This union is not merely social or contractual but is deeply spiritual and physical, as the term "one flesh" suggests an unbreakable integration of lives.

Sexual Purity and Prohibitions: Levitical Laws and Prophetic Warnings

As the narrative of the Bible unfolds, the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy elaborate on various laws, including those governing sexual behavior. These laws were not arbitrary but served multiple purposes: protecting individuals from exploitation and abuse, promoting public health, and setting the Israelites apart from the surrounding nations whose sexual practices often involved idolatry and moral corruption.

For instance, Leviticus 18 and 20 enumerate prohibitions against incest, adultery, and other sexual relations that violate the boundaries God set. These laws underscore the principle that sexuality within the context of marriage is sacred and that any deviation not only harms individuals but also the community.

Prophets like Hosea and Jeremiah metaphorically use the violation of sexual ethics to illustrate Israel's unfaithfulness to God, further emphasizing the seriousness with which God views the covenant of marriage and the purity of sexual relations.

The Teachings of Jesus and Paul: Elevating Marriage and Celibacy

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ reiterates and deepens the Old Testament teachings on marriage and sexuality. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus refers back to Genesis, affirming the creation of male and female and the divine intent for marriage. He speaks against divorce, highlighting the sanctity and permanence of the marital bond, except in cases of sexual immorality.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, expands on the moral and spiritual dimensions of marriage and sexuality. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul encourages marriage as a remedy against sexual immorality but also elevates celibacy as a viable and honorable option for those who are called to it, allowing them to focus more fully on serving God without divided interests.

Ephesians 5: A Model of Christ-like Love in Marriage

Perhaps one of the most profound New Testament passages regarding marriage is found in Ephesians 5:22-33. Here, Paul uses the analogy of Christ and the Church to describe the relationship between husbands and wives. Husbands are called to love their wives "just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her," highlighting a love that is self-sacrificial, nurturing, and protective. Wives, in turn, are called to respect and submit to their husbands, mirroring the Church’s respect and submission to Christ.

This passage not only provides ethical instructions but also elevates marriage as a living symbol of the gospel, showcasing God’s love for humanity through the loving interactions of husbands and wives.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, sexuality and marriage are treated with great care and profound respect. They are ordained by God to fulfill purposes that are both human and divine—procreation, mutual companionship, societal stability, and the depiction of Christ’s covenant with His Church. The biblical call to purity and faithfulness in sexual matters is clear, rooted not in repression but in a vision for human flourishing and divine revelation.

As modern believers, understanding and adhering to these principles is not about legalism but about embracing a biblical vision of human relationships that fosters true intimacy, joy, and holiness. In a world where the meanings of sexuality and marriage are often confused and contorted, the Bible shines a light on their true purpose and beauty, inviting everyone into a deeper, more fulfilling experience of love as God intended.