Topical Encyclopedia
Definition:The phrase "living in sin" traditionally refers to cohabitation or engaging in a sexual relationship outside the bounds of marriage. It is often used to describe a lifestyle that is contrary to biblical teachings on sexual morality and marriage.
Biblical Context:The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, instituted by God.
Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This foundational verse underscores the biblical view that sexual relations are to be reserved for the marriage relationship.
New Testament Teachings:The New Testament reinforces the sanctity of marriage and the call to sexual purity.
Hebrews 13:4 declares, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers." This verse highlights the importance of maintaining purity within the marriage covenant and warns against sexual immorality.
The Apostle Paul addresses sexual immorality in several of his epistles. In
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 , he exhorts believers, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 glorify God with your body." Here, Paul emphasizes the seriousness of sexual sin and the call to honor God with one's body.
Cohabitation and Sexual Immorality:Cohabitation, or living together without being married, is often associated with "living in sin" due to the likelihood of sexual relations outside of marriage. The Bible does not explicitly mention cohabitation, but it consistently condemns sexual immorality.
Ephesians 5:3 instructs, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed."
Repentance and Forgiveness:The Bible offers hope and redemption for those who have lived in sin. 1
John 1:9 assures believers, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Repentance and turning away from sin are central to the Christian faith, and God's grace is available to all who seek forgiveness.
Marriage as a Remedy:For those living in sin, marriage is presented as a remedy and a means to align with God's design.
1 Corinthians 7:9 advises, "But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion." This counsel from Paul suggests that marriage is the appropriate context for sexual relations and a way to avoid the pitfalls of sexual immorality.
Conclusion:The concept of "living in sin" is deeply rooted in biblical teachings on sexual morality and the sanctity of marriage. The Bible calls believers to uphold the marriage covenant and to live lives that reflect God's holiness and righteousness. Through repentance and faith, individuals can find forgiveness and restoration in Christ.
Topical Bible Verses
Romans 8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Topicalbible.orgRomans 7:17-20
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.
Topicalbible.org
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man does is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body.
Topicalbible.org
Greek
458. anomia -- lawlessness... iniquity, disobedience,
sin. 458 (from 1 "not" and 3551 , "law") -- properly, without
law; ; the utter disregard for God's law (His written and
living Word).
...Library
A Call to HolyLiving
... Look ye here, ye who say you believe in Christ and areliving insin: what
does this make of your boastings? Look you here, ye that...
Herod and John the Baptist
... speaks smooth, oily words to you; tells you it is all right, when you know, and
he knows, that it is all wrong, and that you areliving insin, you may be sure...
Sinners Bound with the Cords ofSin
... But yet thissin ofliving for the mouth andliving for the eye, thissin ofliving
for what ye shall eat and what ye shall drink, and wherewithal ye shall be...
Witnessing in Power.
... Don't let us cry "Peace, peace, when there is no peace." Don't go to the man who
isliving insin, and tell him all he has to do is to stand right up and...
Christ the Conqueror of Satan
... Then you suddenly perceived that you wereliving insin, and you were miserable
about it, and though you could not get rid ofsin yet you hated it, and sighed...
The Believing Thief
... A certain preacher, whose gospel was very doubtful, said, "Do you, who have been
living insin for fifty years, believe that you can in a moment be made clean...
"That those GrievouslySin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious...
... Chapter IX.""That Those GrievouslySin Who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious... of
inestimable value, with your own resources, love andliving faith, which will...
Sin Laid on Jesus
... say to you that the Lord hath taken thesin from you and laid it upon Christ, for
in my soul I know thatliving and dying as you now are, thatsin of yours...
Power in Operation.
... When a man who has beenliving insin turns from his sins, and turns to God with
all his heart, he is met on the threshold of the divine life by these sister...
Entire Sanctification as Taught by James and Jude.
... But an objector here interposes with a quotation from James which is supposed
to preclude the possibility ofliving withoutsin....
Resources
What is the meaning of living for Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about having a living will? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Living Church of God, and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.orgLiving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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