The Sanctity of Marriage and Sexual Purity: Hebrews 13:4
“4) Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews‬ ‭13:4‬
The sanctity of marriage and sexual purity have always the unyielding moral standard of the Christian church. This verse highlights the importance of chastity before marriage and the high value God places on fidelity within marriage. The author makes it clear that God will judge fornicators and adulterers.
This high view of human sexuality was a primary factor behind the persecution of Early Christians. From John the Baptist who told Harold that it was unlawful for him to have his brothers wife (Matthew 14:1-12), to the Apostle Paul laying out sexual purity as the standard all Christians in 1 Corinthians 5-7, the sanctity of marriage has always been the unbending sexual standard for Christianity… and the world vehemently fights against it!
Notice that the writer states clearly that God will judge both fornicators and adulterers. Compare this to the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. In these verses he states clearly that sanctification involves abstaining from all forms of sexual immorality. In verse 6, he goes so far as to say; “the Lord is the avenger in all these things.”
The world is very tolerant of all forms of religion as long as it does not infringe on sexual freedom. Many Greek and pagan religions promoted sexual exploitation and indulgence. Christianity has always stood in stark contrast to the broken sexual values of secular culture.
This same battle rages today. The world quickly attacks anyone who calls sex outside of marriage “sin.” The modern church for the most part no longer fights for the sanctity of marriage or for the doctrine of sanctification and sexual purity.
Yet this is the biblical call of every born again Christian. (See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) God calls Christians to sexual freedom and chastity outside of the sanctity of marriage. There is zero biblical flexibility on this point.
If you disagree with this verse, your battle is not with me, it is with God! The Bible is clear that God is for us and not against us in this matter as well. His will and His ways are perfect. They lead to holiness. The Holy Spirit is there to help you in this battle.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global