The biblical view of sexual conduct

The purpose of this section is to highlight the biblical view of sexual conduct. See our leaflet, The divine plan for sexual conduct, which explains the biblical view of sexual conduct.

Christian teaching on sexual conduct can be summarised by the four words—modesty, chivalry, chastity and fidelity.  These four words describe the biblical virtues that embody Christian belief regarding sexual conduct.  While each virtue applies to an aspect of sexual behaviour, together they form a coherent inner belief system that expresses the biblical attitude to sex, marriage and the family.  A fundamental truth is that all sexual activity is subject to God’s moral law, as revealed in His Word, the Bible; and the Bible makes it perfectly clear that sexual activity should be confined to marriage, a permanent lifelong union between one man and one woman. 

Modesty is the virtue that recognises the rightful purpose of sex as something private, mysterious, and meant for the relationship between husband and wife.  Modesty discourages lust and encourages faithful love. 

Chivalry is the virtue that teaches men to relate to women with honour and respect.  It gives men the inner motivation to practise self-control, honesty and decency in relationships. 

Chastity is based in propriety and self-control, and acknowledges the importance of sexual purity before and within marriage. 

Fidelity is based in faithfulness that rejoices in the lifelong nature of the marriage union, and so provides security for all members of the family.  Modesty and chivalry are the roots from which the virtues of chastity and fidelity grow, flourish and bear the fruits of marital faithfulness and family security.  Without modesty and chivalry, there is no inner moral foundation and so chastity and fidelity when faced with sexual temptation lose their cohesion and gradually decay.  Marriage flourishes when all four virtues are practised.  And most important of all, these are the Christian virtues that guard children from danger and abuse—they provide children with God-given protection against the ravages that result from sexual immorality. 

In His great wisdom God has instituted moral laws around human sexual conduct that preserve marriage, secure the family and protect children.  These virtues are based in the moral law of God, and reflect His righteous, holy character.