13:4 What does it mean that the marriage bed is undefiled?
13:4 What does it mean that the marriage bed is undefiled?
The physical and emotional pleasure of sexual intimacy within marriage is ordained by God and held in honour by Him.
Through marriage the husband and wife become one flesh according to God's will (CP Gen 2:21-24; Eph 5:31). Sexual activity within marriage is pure, but is strictly forbidden outside of marriage.
Adultery, fornication, homosexuality, impure desires and degrading passions are grave sins and those who commit them will be eternally damned (CP Pr 6:27-33; Mk 7:20-23; Ro 1:18, 24-32; 1Cor 6:9-10, 13-18; 7:1-5; Ga 5:19-21; Eph 5:3-5; Col 3:5-6; 1Th 4:3-7; Rev 21:7-8).
Many Christians believe that sexual intimacy between male and female Christians committed to marrying each other is acceptable, but that is not correct.
God explicitly prohibits anyone "uncovering the nakedness" of another person unless they are lawful husband and wife (CP Lev 18:6-20; 20:11-12, 17, 19-21; Pr 5:18-20).
Uncovering the nakedness of another person means being sexually intimate (see also comments on 1Cor 6:15-20, 7:1-2, Ga 5:19-21).