Biblical explanation
Paul writes: “This is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (). He continues by calling believers to sexual self-control and holiness. Hebrews says: “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled” (). The biblical pattern begins in Genesis, where sexual union is connected with the marriage covenant: “They shall be one flesh” (). Paul tells unmarried believers who struggle with sexual temptation that marriage is the appropriate context for sexual intimacy. . The biblical sexual ethic places sexual intimacy within marriage. This teaching applies to sexual relationships generally, not merely to one particular category of sexual behavior.
In brief
Paul writes: “This is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” ().
Bible references
Go deeper into this topic God's Design for Marriage and Family Start the studyThis answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.