
Sexual thoughts are a topic of much discussion and debate among Christians, with some arguing that any sexual fantasy or thought is a sin, while others claim that it is only when these thoughts are acted upon or lead to lust that they become sinful. The Bible speaks about the importance of bringing even our fantasies into submission to God's will, indicating that sexual thoughts can be sinful if they are immoral, unethical, or go against spiritual teachings. However, it is generally agreed that sexual desire itself is not a sin, and that planned lust, or the intention to act on these desires, is what constitutes a sin. The key distinction lies in the objectification and dehumanization of another individual for one's own satisfaction, which goes against the teachings of Jesus.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Having sexual thoughts | Not a sin |
Having sexual thoughts about someone you're not married to | Sin, if it involves lust |
Lust | Sin |
Planned lust | Sin |
Looking at someone with lust | Sin |
Sexual desire | Not a sin |
Sexual arousal | Not a sin |
Sexual fantasy | Not a sin, unless it involves lust |
Sexual thoughts leading to sinful actions | Sin |
What You'll Learn
Sexual thoughts about your spouse are not sinful
God created sex. He made our bodies for a special purpose. When our first parents consummated their covenant, God was not shocked or horrified because He created our bodies for sex. The reason that sex is fun, wonderful, and pleasurable is that it reflects the loving goodness of God, who created it as a gift for us to steward and enjoy: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame" (Genesis 2:24-25). Sex is central to the process by which a husband and wife become one flesh.
Sexual thoughts and fantasies are a normal part of a healthy marriage. As long as they don't violate Scripture and both partners are comfortable with them, they can enhance the intimacy and pleasure of the marital union. However, it is important to ensure that these fantasies don't involve other parties, as that would introduce an adulterous mindset and external influences into the sacred context of the marriage.
The Bible provides guidance on how to manage sexual thoughts and desires. For example, Dr. Douglas Rosenau suggests a "one-second rule" where you avoid letting your gaze linger on other people and instead keep your eyes moving. This helps ensure that your attraction to others doesn't turn into lust or distract you from your spouse. Additionally, it's important to avoid media that promotes ungodly behavior and encourages sinful relationships such as adultery or casual encounters.
In conclusion, sexual thoughts about your spouse are not sinful as long as they are healthy and mutually respectful expressions of love and intimacy within the marriage.
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Sexual arousal and fantasy are not sinful
Sexual arousal and fantasy are not inherently sinful. While the Bible does speak about the sinfulness of lust, it is important to understand the distinction between lust and sexual desire or fantasy. Lust, as defined in the Bible, is the desire to unlawfully possess or use something that belongs to another person. In the context of sexual thoughts, lust refers specifically to the desire to entice someone into having sexual relations outside of the covenant of marriage. This interpretation is supported by the Biblical passages Matthew 5:27-28 and Job 31:1, which state that looking at someone with lust is akin to committing adultery in one's heart. However, simply finding someone attractive or entertaining sexual thoughts about them does not constitute lust, as long as there is no intention to act on those thoughts in a way that violates the boundaries of marriage.
The key factor in determining whether a sexual thought or fantasy is sinful lies in the intention behind it. If a sexual fantasy involves actions or words that contradict God's will, such as engaging in sexual acts with someone other than one's spouse, then it can be considered sinful. However, sexual fantasies about one's marriage partner may not be considered sinful if there is freedom to act upon those fantasies within the boundaries of the marital covenant. It is essential to recognize that imagination is a gift from God and that fantasies are a normal part of the human psyche. As humans, we cannot always control the thoughts that enter our minds, and sexual stimuli are prevalent in today's society.
It is worth noting that some Christian teachings have historically interpreted any sexual thought or fantasy before marriage as sinful. However, these doctrines are not explicitly stated in the Bible and reflect the early church's negative view of sexuality. In reality, God has not commanded humans to suppress their sexuality before marriage, and experiencing sexual thoughts or pleasure outside of the context of sexual relations is not inherently sinful. As long as one's sexual fantasies align with God's design for physical acts between a man and a woman, they can be considered righteous.
In conclusion, sexual arousal and fantasy, in and of themselves, are not sinful. The sin lies in lustful intentions or acting upon fantasies in a way that violates God's design for marriage and sexual relations. Christians struggling with sexual thoughts can find comfort in the knowledge that God understands the power of sexuality and has provided a way to honor and use it rightly.
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Looking at someone with lust is sinful
According to the Bible, looking at someone with lust is considered sinful. In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus said, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." This passage has been interpreted by many Christians to mean that having lustful thoughts about someone is equivalent to committing adultery in one's heart.
Lust is often seen as a distortion of human procreative drive and desire for love and companionship. It is a craving for another person that objectifies them and reduces them to their physical attributes, dehumanizing them to satisfy one's own desires. This can be considered a form of planned lust, which is different from simply having sexual thoughts or finding someone attractive. Planned lust involves intentionally objectifying another person and can lead to other sins, such as adultery or fornication.
However, it is important to note that not all sexual thoughts are considered sinful. Sexual desire itself is not a sin, and it is natural for humans to experience sexual attraction. The key distinction lies in how one chooses to act on these thoughts and desires. If one entertains lustful thoughts and allows them to persist, it can lead to sinful behaviour. However, if one rejects these thoughts and directs their attention elsewhere, it is not considered a sin.
Additionally, sexual fantasies about one's spouse or partner may not be considered sinful if both individuals are morally free to act upon them. These fantasies can be seen as a way to enhance their relationship and create a stronger bond.
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Planned lust is sinful
Lust is a sin if it is "embraced at first impulse and beyond". It is a disordered craving of another for the purpose of self-satisfaction without regard for or love of another within the bonds of marriage. It is a distortion of the human procreative drive and desire for love and companionship.
Planned lust is when someone goes out of their way to experience the desire to possess rather than relate. For example, going to the beach to ogle women or men, or consuming pornography. It is a sin to consciously choose to dehumanize someone by reducing them to their sexual parts and objectifying them to satisfy your lustful desire.
Lust is a slippery slope. Unbridled lust can become very evil very quickly. It can lead to rapists and child molesters, the worst extremes of evil. Even without reaching those extremes, lust can leave you feeling empty.
Lust is a sin if it is entertained or dwelled on, and then deliberately relished and enjoyed. It is also a sin if it is then acted upon.
Lust is not merely a feeling, but an action. It is a choice. It is a sin when it is an attempt to entice someone into having sexual relations outside of marriage.
Jesus said, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."
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Sexual thoughts without acting on them are not sinful
It is important to distinguish between sexual desire and lust, as the latter is often associated with sin in the Bible. While sexual thoughts themselves may not be sinful, it is the intention and context behind them that determine their morality.
Sexual desire is a natural part of human nature, and Christians believe that God created people with this desire. However, the Bible differentiates between sexual desire and lust, which is considered a sin. Lust is defined as a "disordered craving of another for the purpose of self-satisfaction without regard for or love of another within the bonds of marriage." It involves objectifying another person and reducing them to their physical attributes, dehumanizing them, and intending to possess them rather than relate to them.
According to the Bible, sexual thoughts become sinful when they involve lustful intentions or desires to act on them inappropriately. This is supported by the passage in Matthew 5:28, where Jesus says, "whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Similarly, Job 31:1 states, "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" These passages emphasize that it is not the sexual thought itself but the lustful intention behind it that is condemned.
The key distinction, therefore, lies in the intention behind the sexual thought. If a person simply finds someone attractive or has sexual thoughts without acting on them or intending to objectify or possess the other person, it is not considered a sin. This is reflected in the following four scenarios that indicate varying levels of sinfulness in sexual thoughts:
- The thought crosses my mind, and I reject it and direct my attention elsewhere. This is not a sin.
- I entertain or dwell on the thought momentarily before rejecting it. This can be considered a venial sin as I have embraced a sinful thought with my will, even if only briefly.
- I deliberately entertain and relish the thought whenever it arises. This is considered mortal sin territory.
- I act or attempt to act on the thought. This is unquestionably a mortal sin.
In conclusion, sexual thoughts, in and of themselves, are not inherently sinful. It is the intention and context behind them that determine their morality. As long as one does not act on sexual thoughts or allow them to lead to lustful or objectifying intentions towards another person, they are not considered sinful in the Christian perspective.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the nature of the thought. If the thought is about enticing someone into having sex outside of marriage, then it is a sin. However, if it is simply about finding someone desirable or imagining what it would be like to have sex with them, it is not a sin.
Sexual desire is a natural part of being human and is not a sin. Lust, on the other hand, is a disordered craving of another person for the purpose of self-satisfaction without regard for or love of the other person. It is a distortion of the natural procreative drive and desire for love and companionship.
Yes, it is a sin to act on sexual thoughts that go against God's design of sex, which is the one-flesh union between husband and wife within the covenant of lifelong marriage.
While it is impossible to control the initial thoughts that pop into your head, you can control what you do with those thoughts. You can entertain them, allowing them to erupt into full-blown fantasies, or you can reject them and direct your attention elsewhere. Developing the spiritual muscles of self-control and guarding your thought life will be a tremendous blessing to you and your future spouse.