Let’s face it—sex can feel like a “no-go” topic in many Christian circles, but it’s actually something the Bible speaks about quite a bit! God has a lot to say about sex, and it’s all good when we look at His design for it within marriage. It’s not just about physical connection; it’s about love, unity, and even reflecting something bigger—our relationship with Him.
So let’s dive into what Scripture really says about sex, because it’s far more than just a “marital duty.” It’s a gift, a glue, and, honestly, something to be enjoyed. Here’s a closer look!
1. Sex as Part of God’s Creation and Design
Let’s start right at the beginning. In Genesis, God creates Adam and Eve, establishes marriage, and tells them to “become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). This isn’t just a spiritual or emotional thing—God created sex as a real, physical connection between a husband and wife. It’s part of how He designed us as humans.
And here’s the kicker: God saw all that He had made and called it good. Sex within marriage isn’t shameful; it’s part of His intentional, beautiful design for us. It’s a way for a married couple to connect, and it’s a good, even holy, thing. So yes, sex is something God made on purpose, for us to enjoy within marriage.
2. Sex as a Picture of Intimacy and Covenant
The Bible tells us that sex isn’t just a physical act but part of the covenant bond in marriage. Think about it: Ephesians 5:31-32 talks about a husband and wife becoming one, comparing it to Christ’s love for the church. That’s not just anykind of love—that’s ultimate commitment. Sex within marriage becomes a way to live out that deep, committed love.
And then there’s the Song of Solomon, a book all about romance, attraction, and intimacy within marriage. This book shows us that romantic love is worth celebrating! God doesn’t just allow love and attraction; He created it to be part of the marriage relationship. So, sex isn’t just a physical connection but a way to strengthen the bond that represents the covenant between two people—and between Christ and His church. Talk about a big-picture view!
3. Sex and Purity: Boundaries that Protect
The Bible doesn’t shy away from setting boundaries around sex, but these boundaries aren’t about restriction—they’re about protection. Hebrews 13:4 says, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled.” Translation? God’s ideal for sex is within the safe, committed space of marriage. It’s not about taking the fun out of things; it’s about keeping sex special, meaningful, and secure.
Paul also tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, which means that what we do with them matters to God. By keeping sex within marriage, we’re honoring this gift and treating it as something sacred. Boundaries might sound restrictive, but they’re actually there to help us experience sex as something deeply fulfilling and safe—no baggage, no regrets, just a shared, beautiful experience between spouses.
4. Sex as a Way to Serve and Love Each Other
Here’s a fun twist: the Bible encourages us to think about sex as a way to serve our spouse. In 1 Corinthians 7:3-4, Paul reminds husbands and wives to “fulfill their marital duty” to each other, recognizing that their bodies belong to each other. Now, this isn’t about control but about mutual love and respect. It’s about caring for each other’s needs and desires in a loving way.
Think of it as the ultimate “I’ve got your back” kind of love. Just like Christ serves the church, we’re called to serve each other in marriage, which includes creating a safe, loving space for intimacy. When both partners are focused on each other’s needs, sex becomes not just enjoyable but a way of living out sacrificial love.
5. Sex and Joy: Embracing the Gift
Yes, the Bible actually celebrates sex as a joyful, fun part of marriage! Proverbs 5:18-19 gets specific, saying, “May you rejoice in the wife of your youth… may you ever be intoxicated with her love.” God’s not hiding behind any formalities here; He’s all for the enjoyment that comes with marital love. He created pleasure as a gift, not as something to be embarrassed about.
It’s easy to get the idea that sex should be viewed as a “chore” or “just something we have to do.” But Proverbs and the Song of Solomon show us that joy is a central part of intimacy. So if you’re married, don’t feel like you have to downplay or hide your enjoyment of sex! It’s something God wants us to appreciate and even celebrate within marriage.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, the Bible gives us a refreshing, purpose-filled view of sex. It’s a God-given gift designed for connection, joy, and love within marriage. When we approach it with gratitude, respect, and love, it becomes more than just a physical act; it becomes a beautiful reflection of our relationship with God.
So, if you’re wondering what the Bible says about sex, it’s this: Sex is good, it’s intentional, and it’s sacred. God’s vision for sex within marriage is powerful—it unites, it deepens love, and it gives us a glimpse of His love for us. So let’s honor it, enjoy it, and thank Him for such a unique gift.
And if you’re looking for tools to help foster deeper intimacy, check out our podcast here!