Fornication

in every form of it was sternly condemned by the Mosaic law (Lev. 21:9; 19:29; Deut. 22:20, 21, 23-29; 23:18; Ex. 22:16). (See ADULTERY.)

But this word is more frequently used in a symbolical than in its ordinary sense. It frequently means a forsaking of God or a following after idols (Isa. 1:2; Jer. 2:20; Ezek. 16; Hos. 1:2; 2:1-5; Jer. 3:8,9).

See CRIMES.

See Immorality, Sexual

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[N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible

[E] indicates this entry was also found in Easton's Bible Dictionary

[J] indicates this entry was also found in Jack Van Impe's Prophecy Dictionary

Sexual relations without marriage

In ancient Israel it was of greatest importance to maintain one’s virginity up till the time of marriage (Deut 22:13-21). Fornication by a person engaged to be married was treated as adultery (Deut 22:22-27; see ADULTERY). Unengaged people who had sexual relations were to marry, unless the girl’s parents objected (Exod 22:16-17; Deut 22:28-29).

These laws impressed upon people that sexual intercourse is not merely a physical activity that people may engage in for their own pleasure, regardless of other considerations. It is part of a total commitment of a man and a woman to each other in a lifelong relationship (Rom 7:2). Those who treat sexual intercourse as no more than a physical function reduce themselves to the level of animals. They deny the dignity that God has given them as human beings designed for full inter-personal relations (Rom 1:24-27; 1 Cor 6:13,18; 2 Peter 2:12).

Wrong desires produce wrong behaviour

Often fornication occurs because people, instead of trying to avoid sexual temptation, encourage it. They do not control their thoughts and feelings, and soon they find that they cannot control their behaviour (Prov 6:23-27; 7:6-23; Matt 5:28; Col 3:5; 2 Tim 2:22; 1 Peter 2:11; cf. Gen 39:7-10; see TEMPTATION).

Human sexuality is one of God’s gifts (Gen 2:18; 1 Tim 4:1-4) but, as with all God’s gifts, people can properly enjoy it or shamefully abuse it. No matter how strong a person’s sexual urges may be, the only satisfaction God allows for those urges is within the exclusive commitment of one person to another in lifelong marriage (1 Cor 7:2,9; 1 Thess 4:3-4; Heb 13:4; see MARRIAGE). As for prostitution, bestiality, incest and homosexual practices, God condemns them as perversions (Lev 18:6-18,22-23; 19:29; 20:10-21; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9-10,13-18; 1 Tim 1:9-10; Rev 21:8).

Some people may feel no shame concerning their sexual misbehaviour and may not even see it as sinful (Eph 4:19; 1 Peter 4:3-4; 2 Peter 2:12-14). This may be common among people who do not know God (Eph 4:17-19; 1 Thess 4:5), but should not be tolerated among those who call themselves Christians. The church should remove from its fellowship those who openly reject God’s standards by persisting in shameful sexual misconduct (1 Cor 5:1-5,11).

There will always be people, both from outside the church and from within, who, being genuinely sorry for their sexual misconduct, turn from it and ask God’s forgiveness. They can be assured that God will forgive, but they must also be assured that the church will forgive. Christians must be compassionate and understanding in giving support to those who have fallen into wrongdoing and need help (Matt 9:12-13; John 8:10-11; 1 Cor 6:9-11; 2 Cor 2:7; Gal 6:1-2; Heb 8:12).