By definition, fornication is sexual relations between people who are not married to one another. It is one of the most prevalent sins of our age and surely calls down the wrath of God upon its perpetrators.
Sadly, this sin is not only rampant in the world, which knows not God, but has also crept into the lives of many professed Christians. The involvement of God’s people in such unholy practices makes the matter even more grievous.
Biblical Warnings
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
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“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
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A Solemn Warning from God’s Messenger
“Warn every soul that is in danger. Leave none to deceive themselves. Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbathbreaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil.
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“I saw, I heard, things that would make angels blush. No young man should do as you have done to Mattie unless married to her. Will you now change entirely, cut the last connection with Mattie? If neither of you will do this, marry her at once and disgrace yourselves and the cause of God no more.
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“Your acts and conversation are offensive to God. The course you have pursued is a reproach to the cause of God. You give occasion to our enemies to judge our people as being loose in morals.
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The Call to Purity in Christ
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.
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“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
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“Christ has made provision that His church shall be a transformed body, illumined with the Light of heaven, possessing the glory of Emmanuel. It is His purpose that every Christian shall be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and peace.
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If we lean upon Christ’s arm, He will lead us into purity and victory over temptation. His righteousness alone can clothe us and make us stand pure before God.