Heidelberg 108 & 109 Unchastity

¹⁸Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. ¹⁹Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? ²⁰For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Thoughts: Fornication is basically sex outside of marriage.  Our bodies are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to live in holy ways.  Sexuality is a beautiful thing if done within the healthy and holy parameters of scripture.  All we are is meant to honor God- even our bodies and even our sexuality.  The marriage bed is undefiled- it is made holy.  But those who risk sex without the commitment of vows before God- are saying their sexuality is not God's business.  The Creator who made us, and shapes reality makes us His business.  God's love is real for us.  It is out of love that God seeks to protect our hearts and our bodies in marriage.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to control my body.  Let my body and mind honor you.  

Q & A 108

Q. What does the seventh commandment teach us?

A. That God condemns all unchastity,1 and that therefore we should thoroughly detest it2  and live decent and chaste lives,3 within or outside of the holy state of marriage.

1 Lev. 18:30; Eph. 5:3-5
2 Jude 22-23
3 1 Cor. 7:1-9; 1 Thess. 4:3-8; Heb. 13:4

Q & A 109

Q. Does God, in this commandment, forbid only such scandalous sins as adultery?

A. We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and God wants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why God forbids all unchaste actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires,1 and whatever may incite someone to them.2

1 Matt. 5:27-29; 1 Cor. 6:18-20; Eph. 5:3-4
2 1 Cor. 15:33; Eph. 5:18