What Does the Bible Teach About Marriage and Sexuality?
The Bible's teaching about marriage does not begin with a list of rules.
It begins with creation.
After creating man and woman in His own image, God brought them together and established the first marriage.
Genesis says,
"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)
Marriage was not invented by society.
It was established by God.
Jesus affirmed this same pattern when He was asked about marriage.
He pointed His listeners back to Genesis and said,
"Have you not read that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female'?... Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Matthew 19:4-6)
Rather than beginning with the customs of His own day, Jesus began with God's original design.
Throughout Scripture, marriage is presented as a covenant relationship between one man and one woman. It provides the God-given setting for sexual intimacy, the nurturing of families, and the lifelong companionship of husband and wife.
The New Testament also uses marriage to illustrate the relationship between Christ and His church.
Paul writes,
"This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:32)
Because marriage reflects God's design, the Bible consistently calls His people to honor it.
Sexual intimacy is presented as a good gift from God when enjoyed within the marriage covenant.
At the same time, Scripture consistently calls God's people to sexual purity.
The Bible speaks plainly about sexual immorality, adultery, and every form of sexual behavior outside God's design for marriage.
These instructions are not given to burden people.
They are given because the God who created us knows what leads to human flourishing and faithful relationships.
Like every area of discipleship, this one calls us to trust God's wisdom above our own.
Following Christ sometimes requires difficult choices.
Jesus called all of His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
Every Christian, whatever his or her particular struggles or temptations may be, is called to submit every part of life to the Lordship of Christ.
As Christians, we must also remember how Jesus treated people.
He never lowered God's standard.
Neither did He treat people with contempt.
He showed compassion to those who struggled, offered forgiveness to those who repented, and invited everyone to follow Him.
His followers are called to do the same.
The Bible's teaching on marriage and sexuality is therefore not merely a list of prohibitions.
It is part of God's good design for human life.
As we trust His wisdom and walk in His ways, we honor both our Creator and the One who came to redeem us.
Continue Your Study
How Should Christians Live in a Changing World?
How can Christians remain faithful to Christ while living in a society whose values often differ from those of Scripture?
What does it mean to speak the truth in love?
And how can we be both faithful and compassionate?
Related Bible Studies
What Does the Bible Teach About Human Identity?
Who Decides Right and Wrong?
Biblical Authority
The Story of Redemption
Companion Video
What Does the Bible Teach About Marriage and Sexuality?
Read First. Conclude Later.