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SEAN: Dad, what is the biblical purpose for sex?

JOSH: There are many purposes. The first is for procreation—having children. This is God’s way of propagating the human race. Second, God created sex for unity, which is evident in Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This purpose is just as important and valuable (spiritually speaking) as the first. The physical act of sex expresses the spiritual union. And third, which is also equal in spiritual value is what I call recreational sex—to absolutely enjoy each other physical in intercourse. Proverbs 5:19 says, “Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” Fourth, sexual intercourse glorifies God. The Bible says to glorify God in all things, and husbands and wives are commanded to have sex and enjoy each other. So I believe if we are obedient then God is glorified.

SEAN: What misunderstandings do many Christians have about the purpose of sex?

JOSH: Probably the biggest is that they don’t understand all four. Some Christians believe sex is solely about physical reproduction, but this is just one of the four main reasons. Another problem is that many people can’t define purity, which means to live according to the original design. If you’re living the way God created you to live then you’re being pure. If you’re not living the way God created you to live then you’re impure. Here’s the point: If you don’t understand God’s purposes for sex then how in the world can you live a pure life? You need to know God’s design for sex in order to live it out in your life. This is why it’s so important for parents, pastors, teachers, and other youth influencers to pass onto their children the biblical reasons why God created sex.

SEAN: What advice do you have for young people, to help them remain sexually pure?

JOSH: My number one suggestion is to have close friends around you have who share the same convictions and desires on purity that you have. As Paul wrote, “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33). Good company enhances values.

SEAN: What can parents do, or youth workers, to help young people remain sexually pure?

JOSH: The primary key is to be sexually pure yourself. Whether single or married, leaders need to be sexually pure so they speak with a clear conscience. Because you need to remember with young people, “You can con a con, you can fool a fool, but you can’t kid a kid.” They’ll see right through you, and so you need to be living what you are talking about. Whether it’s on pornography or any other sexual issue.

Sean McDowell, Ph.D. is a professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University, a best-selling author of over 15 books, an internationally recognized speaker, and a part-time high school teacher. Follow him on Twitter: @sean_mcdowell and his blog at seanmcdowell.org.