Fornication, also referred to as sexual immorality in the Bible, means a surrendering of sexual purity. It comes from the Greek word “porneia” and encompasses all sexual practices and activities outside the parameters of biblical marriage.
Sexual expression, intimacy, and pleasure were designed by God to be shared and enjoyed within marriages that consist of one biological male and one biological female exclusively (see Song of Solomon, 1 Corinthians 7:1-5, and Hebrews 13:4). Those who engage in sexual practices or activities outside of those biblical parameters commit fornication because they misappropriate God’s gift of sex.
Some behaviors and activities qualifying as fornication are premarital fondling or intercourse, pornography, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, polygamy, polygyny, polyamory, and bestiality. Although various cultures or communities may consider some of these activities acceptable or normal, none fit God’s criteria for sexual purity and holiness.
Believers who commit fornication are called by God to repent and practice holiness instead of immorality. When they genuinely repent, Jesus forgives and cleanses them from all unrighteousness, including fornication. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Unbelievers who commit fornication are called by God to repent and trust Jesus by faith for their forgiveness and salvation. When they genuinely repent and accept Christ as Savior, Jesus immediately takes them from spiritual death to everlasting life, cleansing them from all sin and sending the Holy Spirit to indwell them. Jesus said in John 5:24, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”
I hope this brief definition and explanation of fornication has been helpful and informative, and equips you to assist others in understanding God’s will for sexual purity.
