“Biblical Principles for Human Sexuality- Part 1”

“Biblical Principles for

Human Sexuality- Part 1” By David Closson

This week’s article is from the Family Research Council, written by David Closson.

The sexual revolution of the 1960’s emerged partly from our culture’s shifting views of right and wrong–a moral revolution. At least four developments in the twentieth century contributed to the moral revolution and can account for our society’s increasingly hostile attitude toward Christian beliefs about marriage and human sexuality.

First, the rise of urbanization helped remove a societal check against premarital and extramarital liaisons by lowering the chance of exposure. Second, advances in contraceptive technology allowed for seemingly consequence-free sexual activity by separating sex from potential pregnancy. Third, laws that had restricted certain sexual behaviors and conduct were replaced or overturned. Fourth, Christianity lost a considerable share of its cultural influence. As a result, fewer people today understand or hold Christian convictions, including those related to sexual morality.

DEFINING SEXUALITY AND MARRIAGE

What is sexuality? Many people do not have a clear definition of sexuality and take their cues from recent academic studies, marketing campaigns, or cultural norms. Christians, however, ought to follow the Bible.

While the Bible does not provide a succinct definition for sexuality, it does provide a robust framework for one. From this framework, we can define sexuality as the basis of the desire for male and female to be united in a one- flesh union called marriage. Such a union is physical, relational, exclusive, and permanent.

God intended for sexuality to draw people together in marriage, not merely to have sex. Therefore, understanding what the Bible teaches about the nature and purposes of marriage is essential to a biblical understanding of sexuality.

THE BIBLE’S TEACHING ON MARRIAGE

Genesis 1-2

The account of the first marriage provides us with four principles that frame and inform all subsequent biblical reflection on marriage:

First, marriage is permanent. A man and woman leave their families of origin and are united together in a life-long relationship. Second, marriage is exclusive. Third, marriage is a sacred covenant. Fourth, sexual differentiation is part of God’s plan for marriage. God did not create androgynous beings; He created two complementary, biologically and genetically sexed individuals.

DEPARTURES FROM GOD’S DESIGN FOR SEXUALITY

Although sexuality is supposed to lead men and women to unite in the permanent, exclusive, one-flesh union of marriage, this truth is often denied, suppressed, and disobeyed. Departures from God’s design for sexuality include homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and transgenderism.

Part 2- Next Week!