The Laws of Sexual Morality in the Bible are a set of divine instructions and principles that govern sexual behavior, emphasizing purity, fidelity, and holiness. These laws are primarily found in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, and are reiterated and expanded upon in the New Testament. They serve as a guide for maintaining moral integrity and honoring God through one's body and relationships.

Old Testament Foundations

The foundation for sexual morality is laid out in the Pentateuch, where God provides specific commandments to the Israelites. Leviticus 18 and 20 are key chapters that outline prohibited sexual relations. These include incestuous relationships, adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality. Leviticus 18:6 states, "None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD." This establishes the principle of respecting familial boundaries.

Adultery is explicitly condemned in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). The gravity of this sin is further emphasized in Leviticus 20:10 : "If a man commits adultery with another man's wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death."

Homosexual acts are addressed in Leviticus 18:22 : "You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination." This prohibition is reiterated in Leviticus 20:13, underscoring the call to holiness and separation from the practices of surrounding nations.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament reaffirms the Old Testament's teachings on sexual morality, emphasizing purity and the sanctity of marriage. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, elevates the understanding of sexual sin by addressing the heart's intentions. In Matthew 5:27-28 , He states, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

The Apostle Paul further expounds on sexual morality in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 , he writes, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."

Paul also addresses the issue of homosexuality in Romans 1:26-27 , describing it as contrary to nature and a result of turning away from God. He calls believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, abstaining from sexual immorality and honoring God with their bodies.

Marriage and Fidelity

Marriage is upheld as the proper context for sexual relations, reflecting the covenant relationship between Christ and the Church. Hebrews 13:4 declares, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers." This underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity.

The Bible presents marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman, as established in Genesis 2:24 : "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This foundational principle is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6, affirming the divine intention for marriage.

Call to Holiness

The overarching theme of the biblical laws of sexual morality is the call to holiness. Believers are urged to live lives that reflect God's holiness and purity. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 instructs, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God."

These laws and teachings serve as a guide for Christians to navigate their sexual conduct, emphasizing the importance of purity, fidelity, and honoring God through their relationships and bodies.