In regard to pornography, the Bible teaches that the believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and defiling that temple of God is a sin against God, “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:17). Even if one is not hurting anyone, the person watching is harboring desires that conflict with God’s holiness. Therefore, viewing porn is always sin.
Jesus said, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). This teaching against lust is evidenced in the tenth commandment which warns against coveting or desiring something that does nor belong to you. Thus, the person who orders his affections and his will in harmony with the tenth commandment is thereby protected against violating the seventh (adultery).
The claim that pornography doesn’t not hurt anyone is little more than an attempt to “call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). The Bible lists some of the works of the flesh that God condemns as sinful: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness…drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand…that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21). Pornography falls into the categories of fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, and revelries, which would exclude all those that get involved in it from the kingdom of God.
Pornography is a business that preys on people’s lustful desires and has been the cause of leading its viewers into sexually immoral behavior, including the abuse of children. In participating in it, even passively by viewing it, one is lending to its evil. “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” (Psalm 101:3).
Our sins hurt the Lord Himself. Pornography leads a person into hard-core sexual addictions and ungodly desires. When people are addicted they are slaves to their addictions. “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage” (2 Peter 2:19). Jesus gave His life to set the captives free from all addictions (Luke 4:18).
When people miss out on heaven, this brings great grief to the heart of our loving Father. Jesus gave His life to save us (John 3:16). True holiness can only be achieved when a person in gratitude to the Lord’s sacrifice chooses to crucify “the flesh with its passions and desires” and foster the fruit of the Spirit which is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-24).
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
