Human Sexuality – God’s Building Block of a Pure Society
A Christian Response to “Same-Sex Marriage” and Same-Sex Attraction:
Part 3 of 5.
by Ken Endean
In part 2, I stressed the theological basis for moving forward in the marriage debate. We cannot allow opinion to be based on emotion or revulsion, rather our opinions must be informed by our Scriptural foundations. This emphasis is particularly important when approaching our understanding of human sexuality.
Christians must not separate sex from marriage, because marriage is foundational and precedes the one-flesh relationship.
It is imperative to develop a proper theology of physical intimacy. God clearly pronounces on the blessing of physical relations within marriage. These relations are honourable, undefiled, approved of God:
Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers [sexually immoral; fornicators] and adulterers God will judge.
When a society disregards marriage, warnings against pre-marital or extra-marital sex fail to carry significance. The idea of sexual intimacy consummating a marriage places the physical relationship within the covenant of marriage. God placed physical intimacy within the boundaries of marriage to preserve and protect it. In God’s place it is honorable, beautiful, and holy.
Guard the Purity of Sex
Adultery defiles the holy covenant and contradicts the faithfulness of God.
In the marriage ceremony, the minister announces that “we are gathered in the sight of God and these witnesses to join together this man and woman in holy matrimony.” Malachi 2 provides clarity that marriage is a covenant relationship made before God (v. 14 – the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth…), and sanctioned by God (v. 15 – But did He not make them one…). Faithfulness within marriage and fidelity to God’s plan for marriage is not based on cultural perspective of acceptability, but rather in seeing God’s design. Marriage is made before God, for His glory, and to reflect Christ’s love for His bride, the Church.
Adultery is a profound violation of the covenant relationship of marriage. It usurps that which rightfully belongs to another by a covenant pledge. The act of adultery is treacherous, selfish, and faithless; as such, it contradicts the character of the most holy God who sanctified the marriage. Adultery provokes the judgment of God as Hebrews 13:4 clearly declares.
Fornication demands God’s gifts while rebelling against His boundaries.
Not only was marriage God’s idea, but marriage belongs to God. Proverbs 5 pictures physical intimacy as a beautiful and refreshing steam within the bounds of marriage (v. 15). Outside that boundary intimacy is compared to a sewer running in the streets (v. 16). The refreshment of a beautiful stream is enjoyed in its purity. Intimacy outside of God’s established bounds is no longer a stream reflecting the graciousness of God, but a sewer asserting the selfishness of man.
Guard the Power of Sex
Sex is a wonderful gift from God, but not to become an idol. When flesh becomes god, lust reigns supreme (Romans 1:18ff; Colossians 3:5).
The uniqueness of the one-flesh relationship transcends biology. It is psychological, emotional, and the anatomical aspect complements these aspects. By committing sexual sin, a person sins against his body in a unique way (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Acknowledge the Procreative Purpose of Sex
In Genesis 1:28 God’s stated blessing spoke of fertility and procreation — be fruitful and multiply. Marriage is blessed by offspring and provides opportunity to raise up a godly seed (Malachi 2:15). Sexual fidelity does not guarantee one’s offspring will be godly, but the soil is much more receptive. It is difficult to teach faithfulness while living treacherously toward the one to whom you have covenanted to remain faithful. By displaying faithfulness in one’s marital relationship, a parent possesses credibility to declare God’s faithfulness.
The New Testament refers back to the created order when discussing marriage (Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 4:6-10; Ephesians 5:31-32). Homosexuality is an attack on God’s original design. Those who choose a certain lifestyle do not have the right to define marriage. Christians must endeavor to preserve and promote God-centered marriage.
Part 1 ♦ Part 2 ♦ Today’s Article ♦ Part 4 ♦ Part 5
Pastor Ken Endean is President of International Baptist College and Seminary.
This material was presented at a workshop during The Gospel Proclaimed Conference, March 8, 2016 at Tri-City Baptist Church, Chandler, AZ.