The Bible teaches that human beings are created in God’s image and have sacred worth and dignity. As such, sexual relationships should reflect that dignity through mutual love, respect and faithfulness.
Biblical principles for sexual ethics
Here are some key principles that emerge from the Bible regarding sexual ethics:
- The covenant of marriage between a man and woman is the appropriate place for sexual relations (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, Hebrews 13:4)
- Sexual immorality in any form is sinful and damaging (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
- Followers of Christ should flee from sexual temptation and pursue righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22)
- Christians should honor God with their bodies and not join themselves with prostitutes or engage in any kind of sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)
What does the Bible say about incest?
The Bible specifically prohibits incest and condemns sexual relationships between close family members.
- In Leviticus 18, incest is called “wickedness” and unlawful (Leviticus 18:6-18)
- Sexual relations between parents and children are called “disgraceful” (Leviticus 18:7)
- Siblings are prohibited from marrying each other (Leviticus 18:9)
- Men are prohibited from relations with aunts, sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law, or their wives’ sisters (Leviticus 18:12-14, 16)
These incestuous relations disrupt family relationships and are an abomination to God. The people of Israel were commanded to not follow the practices of Egypt and Canaan regarding incest (Leviticus 18:3).
Principles against incest in the New Testament
The New Testament affirms the ethical principles against incest found in the Old Testament. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul condemns sexual immorality involving a man’s stepmother, and instructs the church to expel him.
Jesus also affirms the creation ideal of marital union between a man and woman in Matthew 19:5, citing Genesis 2:24. This precludes incestuous relations.
Conclusion
The consistent sexual ethic throughout Scripture values human dignity and sexual expression within committed marital relationships. Incest is clearly prohibited as it violates ethical norms for sexuality and cannot reflect the purity of marriage.
Followers of Christ must uphold God’s design for sexuality including the prohibition of incest. They are called to sexual purity and to honor others as image bearers of God.