What Is Sexual Immorality?

What is Sexual Immorality?

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. ' .....Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (1 Corinthians 6:9,18-20, NKJV)

"Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer." (1 Corinthians 10:6-10)

The Oxford Dictionary defines sexual immorality as follows: 'behaviour that does not follow accepted standards of sexual behaviour'. Interesting, I would say. But who defines what is moral or immoral? Societal attitude towards sexual behavior has evolved over the decades. There was a time when sexual activity between unmarried couples was frowned upon. Then people became 'liberated' and premarital sex was accepted by society. It was reckoned that premarital sex was okay for those who are 'in love'. Of course, extramarital affairs have been on the horizon for as long as man has existed. Most people would decry adultery. However, man's standards change but God's standards never change. Today, some people have married their pets in the name of 'love' providing a precursor to acceptability of bestiality. Is that moral?

God is the Creator of mankind and therefore has the right to prescribe acceptable sexual behaviour. Sexual immorality according to God's Word includes fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and sodomy. In the Old Testament God commanded the children of Israel not to commit adultery (Exodus 20:14) because it is immoral. It is God who decides what is moral or immoral not man and because God is unchangeable we should expect His definition of morality to remain sacrosanct. 

According to the Word of God, fornicators, adulterers, sodomites and homosexuals will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Period. In the OT, a man lying with a man as with a woman was an abomination (Leviticus 20:13) and from a biological perspective, there are only two sexes, male and female. They are different from an anatomical perspective and people of the same sex do not have the capacity or ability to reproduce as a result of their sexual activity. The difference between sexes is an important reality in any discussion of them.

Apostle Paul in writing by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit stated, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,...Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due." (Romans 1:18, 24-27, NKJV)

God considers sexual activity between men and men or women and women unnatural. This constitutes sexual immorality just as fornication and adultery are part of sexual immorality. In the wilderness, the children of Israel engaged in sexual immorality with the women of Moab. The New King James Version of the Bible states that "the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab." (Numbers 25:1) and God punished them for contravening His laws and commands.

Sexual immorality in any form or shape is an abomination. Heterosexuals who indulge in fornication and adultery are committing an abomination in the eyes of God. Same sex individuals who decide to engage in sexual activity are involved in what God considers to be an abomination. People who decide to indulge in bestiality are also committing an abomination in the sight of God. You see, it is all about what is right or wrong in the sight of God and I have decided to obey God 100%. Have you?

In the beginning, we are informed that "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:27). Today, some individuals have decided to reject binary sexuality (male and female) and want to be identified as "...genderfluid, agender (without gender), genderqueer, or something else entirely." (VeryWellMind) Basically the non-binary mindset is prevalent today.  

I suppose people have the right to call themselves whatever they want. It is their right and that right must be recognized. However, the rights of others to embrace and uphold the fundamental truth of God's Word must also be recognized. And these rights can all be recognized in an atmosphere of civility, courtesy, and mutual respect. You see, at the end of the day it boils down to personal choices and we are all accountable for the choices we make. Furthermore, we cannot absolve ourselves from the consequences of our actions which emanate from our choices. One day we shall all stand before God whether we like it or not and no behavior or belief contrary to His Word will be acceptable. 

Heterosexuals have no right whatsoever to abuse, insult or discriminate against gay men and lesbians. At the same time, the LGBTQ community has no right to impose their beliefs or lifestyle on others. Someone may decide to live straight and another may decide to live a gay/lesbian lifestyle; that is their choice which incidentally God recognizes. However, the beliefs of the Christian community who have decided to live in accordance with God's Word must be recognized and honored.

I would like to add that John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" applies to everyone, straight, gay or otherwise. God loves the sinner and hates the sin but He will not compromise on His standards. True Christians love gay/lesbian individuals and invite them to surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart. JESUS LOVES YOU irrespective of your inclinations and He wants to make you whole. 

I pray that the grace of God, His love and protection will be your portion in Jesus' Name.