I recently listened to an excellent podcast by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors about the sexual identity construct. I recommend listening to it here (part 1) and here (part 2).

Sexual sins are not new. Yes, in this current age the LGBTQ movement is rampant. Pornography, incest, rape, pedophilia, and all other forms of sexual deviance are impacting society in an increasingly destructive manner.

Sex in its most sinful forms is not about sacrifice, but rather authority. It’s about taking authority over someone or something else to satisfy their desires.

In Jude 6 we understood how pride tempted the angels and spiritual beings to rebel against god, to leave their domain, and forsake their purpose. What they did in part was exercise wrongful authority over humans, having sex with them (The Nephilim).

This was so bad, God poured out his judgement in the flood, yet according to his covenant of grace spared Noah and his family for His righteousness sake.

Again, in Jude 7 this pattern of sexual immorality was displayed.

Jude 7 (NET): So also Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring towns, since they indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire in a way similar to these angels, are now displayed as an example by suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

If your not familiar with what happened in Sodom and Gomorrah read it here.

God doesn’t take sexual immorality lightly. In fact, it goes against the first commandment and principle purpose of creation. Just like the angels were given their proper dominion and purpose, so was man. In Genesis 1:28 we read “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion…”. We were made to live as kings and queens over Eden, Gods earthly footstool. To be his stewards and live in harmony with his perfect creation. Our natural desire is to produce life, create thriving families and institute flourishing communities. Al of this, for the purpose of glorifying God.

In Jude 7 the word translated sexual immorality is the Greek word “ἐκπορνεύσασαι” which means to give oneself over, or give up yourself and in this specific case to fornication. Again, to surrender your dominion (let someone of something control you) and go against Gods authority.

So then, what is moral sex?

Without getting too philosophical, morality is the distinction between what is right or wrong, and this according to a higher authority. In the christian wordview, we understand God is the creator of everything and supreme authority. He is the foundation of morality. God designed sex and provided moral laws to govern it. At the most basic levels sex is between a man and woman, who are in a covenant relationship to each other. As has already been said, moral sex is for producing life and advancing a flourishing society. It is a gift, and the true intimacy and union of flesh that is developed through moral sex is good and beautiful (watch this on the Song of Songs). It is a picture of our union to Christ. God glorifying sex is one that is rooted in humility and sacrifice, not authority over someone else, or prideful self serving desires.

We mourn the tangible sexual immorality in our generation and it’s impact on individuals, families and communities. We should seek the lord to identify where we “give ourselves up” and subject ourselves to domination of the flesh, the world and the spiritual powers of this age, even Satan himself. Christ warned us that even looking at a woman with lust was adulterous! We pray for sexual purity in this generation, that God may be gracious with us.

I recommend Robert Kellemens book, Sexual Abuse: Beauty for Ashes for further reading.