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Definition and Etymology:
Continency, often synonymous with self-control or temperance, refers to the ability to exercise restraint over one's desires and impulses, particularly in the context of sexual behavior. The term is derived from the Latin "continentia," meaning restraint or moderation. In a biblical context, continency is closely related to the virtues of chastity and purity, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's bodily appetites in accordance with God's will.

Biblical References and Context:
Continency is a theme that runs throughout the Scriptures, often highlighted as a virtue that believers are encouraged to cultivate. It is closely associated with the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined inGalatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Here, self-control is listed as a key attribute of a life led by the Holy Spirit.

In1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of continency in the context of marriage and celibacy. He writes, "Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband" (1 Corinthians 7:1-2). Paul acknowledges the challenges of sexual temptation and advises marriage as a means to maintain continency. However, he also extols the virtues of celibacy for those who are able to remain continent, stating, "I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that" (1 Corinthians 7:7).

Theological Significance:
Continency is not merely a matter of personal discipline but is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. In1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul reminds believers, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." This passage underscores the theological basis for continency, emphasizing that believers are called to honor God through the stewardship of their bodies.

The virtue of continency is also linked to the concept of sanctification, the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. In1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable." Continency, therefore, is an essential aspect of the believer's journey toward holiness and spiritual maturity.

Practical Application:
In practical terms, continency involves a conscious effort to align one's desires and actions with the teachings of Scripture. This may include setting boundaries, seeking accountability, and engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer and fasting. The pursuit of continency is not solely an individual endeavor but is supported by the community of faith, which provides encouragement and guidance.

The call to continency is particularly relevant in a contemporary context where sexual immorality is prevalent. Believers are encouraged to stand firm against cultural pressures and to uphold biblical standards of purity and self-control. As Paul exhorts inRomans 12:1-2, "Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Conclusion:
Continency, as a biblical virtue, is integral to the Christian life, reflecting a commitment to live in accordance with God's design for human sexuality and holiness. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to exercise self-control and to pursue a life that honors God in both body and spirit.1. (n.) Self-restraint; self-command.

2. (n.) The restraint which a person imposes upon his desires and passions; the act or power of refraining from indulgence of the sexual appetite, esp. from unlawful indulgence; sometimes, moderation in sexual indulgence.

3. (n.) Uninterrupted course; continuity.

CONTINENCY

kon'-ti-nen-si (egkrateuomai "to have self-control" or "continency" the Revised Version (British and American), "to contain" the King James Version): Paul, although he would that all men were like himself unmarried, yet advises that they should marry if they cannot control their sexual passions, and hold them in complete subjection to Christian motives (1 Corinthians 7:9). The same Greek verb is used in1 Corinthians 9:25, and translated "is temperate" (the King James Version and the English Revised Version) of the athlete who during the period of training abstains from all indulgence in food, 'drink, and sexual passion. For the general principle as expressed in substantive egkrateia (Acts 24:25Galatians 5:232 Peter 1:6) and adjective egkrates (Titus 1:8) see TEMPERANCE, TEMPERATE.

T. Rees

Verily Thou Enjoinest MeContinency from the Lust of the Flesh...
... Book X Chapter XXX Verily Thou enjoinest mecontinency from the lust of
the flesh? Verily Thou enjoinest mecontinency from the...

Whether it is Possible to be Dispensed from a Solemn Vow of...
... SERVICE BY PROMISE (Q ) Whether it is possible to be dispensed from a
solemn vow ofcontinency? Objection 1: It would seem that...

Of the Benefit of virginity and ofContinency.
... Third Book. 32. Of the benefit of virginity and ofcontinency. In Genesis:
"Multiplying I will multiply thy sorrows and thy groanings...

Letters Ccclxi. And Ccclxiii.
... Basil to Urbicius the monk, concerningcontinency. You do well in making exact
definitions for us, so that we may recognise not onlycontinency, but its fruit....

How Sacred Love Contains the Twelve Fruits of the Holy Ghost...
... Paul speaks thus: Now the fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy, peace, patience,
benignity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty,continency, chastity...

And all My Hope is no Where but in Thy Exceeding Great Mercy. ...
... Thou enjoinest uscontinency; and when I knew, saith one, that no man can be continent,
unless God give it, this also was a part of wisdom to know whose gift...

All Hope is in the Mercy of God.
... Thou imposestcontinency upon us, [877] "nevertheless, when I perceived," saith
one, "that I could not otherwise obtain her, except God gave her me; . . ....

Further Development of the Foregoing Argument.
... not, and it shall be given him." [3664] It is written also in the Proverbs of Solomon,
"Because theLord giveth wisdom." [3665] And ofcontinency it is read in...

Of the Discipline and Advantage of Chastity.
... it sends the entire man under its yoke of lust, alluring at first, that it may do
the more mischief by its attraction,"the foe ofcontinency, exhausting both...

Argument. --But, on the Ground that Liberty in Meats is Granted to...
... granted to us, it does not of necessity follow that luxury is allowed us; nor because
the Gospel has dealt with us very liberally, has it taken awaycontinency...

Continency (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) Uninterrupted course; continuity. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.CONTINENCY....
T. Rees. Multi-Version ConcordanceContinency (1 Occurrence)....

Continence (1 Occurrence)

Self-control (14 Occurrences)
...continency"; 9:25, the athlete "exerciseth self-control." Self-control is therefore
repeatedly set forth in the New Testament as among the important Christian...

Selfcontrol
...continency"; 9:25, the athlete "exerciseth self-control." Self-control is therefore
repeatedly set forth in the New Testament as among the important Christian...

Continual (55 Occurrences)

Contain (19 Occurrences)
... chastity. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONTAIN. kon-tan'. SeeCONTINENCY.
Multi-Version Concordance Contain (19 Occurrences). John...

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