True Love: God's Design for Sex in the New Testament
In the New Testament, we find a profound understanding of true love and God's design for sexual intimacy. This divine blueprint not only shapes Christian relationships but also reflects the deep spiritual connection between Christ and His church.
The Foundation of True Love
True love, as depicted in the New Testament, is rooted in God's own nature. The apostle John declares, "God is love" (1 John 4:8)[1]. This foundational truth sets the stage for understanding Christian love in all its forms, including romantic and sexual love.
Christ's Teaching on Marriage and Sexuality
Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman, referencing the creation account: "Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?" (Matthew 19:4-5). This teaching establishes the biblical framework for sexual intimacy within the covenant of marriage.
The Metaphor of Christ and the Church
Paul expands on this concept in Ephesians, comparing the marital relationship to that of Christ and the church: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25)[3]. This parallel elevates sexual intimacy within marriage to a sacred act that mirrors Christ's sacrificial love.
Characteristics of True Love
The famous "love chapter," 1 Corinthians 13, outlines the qualities of true love:
- Patient and kind
- Not envious or boastful
- Not self-seeking or easily angered
- Keeps no record of wrongs
- Always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres
These attributes apply to all forms of love, including the intimate love between spouses.
God's Design for Sexual Intimacy
Within the context of marriage, sexual intimacy is celebrated as a gift from God. The Song of Solomon poetically depicts the beauty and passion of marital love, affirming the goodness of sexual desire within God's design.
Purity and Self-Control
While affirming the goodness of sex, the New Testament also calls for sexual purity. Paul advises, "It is better to marry than to burn with passion" (1 Corinthians 7:9), acknowledging the strength of sexual desire while directing it towards marriage.
Love that Reflects God's Nature
True love, as designed by God, is selfless and sacrificial. It mirrors God's love for humanity, exemplified in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son". This selfless love should characterize Christian marriages and sexual relationships.
Conclusion: A Higher Calling
God's design for sex, as revealed in the New Testament, is far more than a set of rules. It's an invitation to participate in a love that reflects the very nature of God. True love in sexual intimacy is meant to be a powerful expression of commitment, unity, and selflessness within the covenant of marriage.
By embracing this divine design, couples can experience a depth of intimacy that goes beyond physical pleasure, touching the very essence of what it means to be created in God's image. This is the true love that the New Testament calls us to – a love that honors God, respects His design, and brings fulfillment to those who embrace it.