Why Sex Belongs to Believers: Embracing God's Design for Intimacy

Why Sex Belongs to Believers

Sex is a topic that has always been controversial and provocative. It is a powerful force that can bring about joy, pleasure, and procreation, or destruction, pain, and shame. As Christians, we believe that sex is a gift from God, and it should be enjoyed and celebrated within the confines of marriage. However, this view is not always shared by the world. Today, many people view sex as a recreational activity that can be enjoyed with anyone, at any time, without any moral consequences. This view has led to a cheapening of sex and a devaluing of human life. As believers, we need to understand why sex belongs to us and how to use it in a way that honors God and blesses ourselves and others.

The Biblical View of Sex

The Bible has a lot to say about sex. From the creation story in Genesis to the Song of Solomon, the Bible affirms that sex is a good and beautiful thing that God has given us to enjoy. In Genesis 1:27-28, we read that God created man and woman in his image and blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it." This command involves sex, as it is the means by which procreation occurs. Sex is not only for procreation, however. In the Song of Solomon, we see that sex is also a means of expressing love and intimacy between a husband and wife.

However, the Bible also teaches that sex is to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage. In 1 Corinthians 7:2-5, Paul writes, "But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control."

Here, we see that sex is to be enjoyed only within the confines of marriage between a man and a woman. This is because sex is a powerful force that can bond two people together in a way that is meant to be permanent. Sex outside of marriage can lead to all kinds of problems, such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, emotional pain, and broken relationships.

The World's View of Sex

The world's view of sex is very different from the biblical view. Today, sex is often portrayed as a recreational activity that can be enjoyed with anyone, at any time, without any moral consequences. This view is promoted in movies, television shows, music, and advertisements. It is also reinforced by the prevalence of pornography, which has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Pornography has a devastating effect on individuals, families, and society as a whole. It objectifies women, promotes promiscuity, and distorts the true nature of sex.

Sex outside of marriage is also promoted through the normalization of cohabitation. Many young adults today believe that it is acceptable to live together before marriage in order to "test the waters" and see if they are compatible. However, research has shown that couples who cohabit before marriage are more likely to divorce than those who do not.

The Consequences of the World's View of Sex

The world's view of sex has had devastating consequences. One of the most obvious consequences is the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections in the United States each year. These infections can cause infertility, cancer, and other serious health problems.

Another consequence of the world's view of sex is the breakdown of the family. When sex is viewed as a recreational activity that can be enjoyed with anyone, at any time, without any moral consequences, it becomes difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Couples who engage in casual sex are less likely to form lasting relationships, and children who are born out of wedlock are more likely to grow up in poverty and experience a host of other social problems.

How Believers Can Respond

As believers, we need to respond to the world's view of sex with a biblical perspective. This means understanding the true nature of sex and the importance of waiting until marriage to engage in sexual activity. It also means speaking out against pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation.

We can also respond by promoting healthy relationships and supporting organizations that work to strengthen families. We can mentor young people and provide them with positive role models. We can also pray for individuals who are struggling with sexual addiction or other sexual issues.

Conclusion

Sex is a powerful force that can either bring about joy and blessing or destruction and pain. As believers, we need to understand why sex belongs to us and how to use it in a way that honors God and blesses ourselves and others. We need to reject the world's view of sex and embrace the biblical view, which affirms that sex is a good and beautiful thing that God has given us to enjoy within the confines of marriage. By doing so, we can promote healthy relationships, strengthen families, and bring about lasting change in our society.