An Overlooked Litany of Licentiousness

Social problems have spiritual causes—and require biblical solutions.

As journalists, pundits, and podcasters survey conditions on the world scene, they analyze the threats to personal liberty, the economy, national defense, public health, and other important areas that affect our quality of life. They ponder the underlying conditions and sometimes make salient points. However, political bias often skews their commentary.

Unbiased principles—based on eternal truths that determine right and wrong behavior—do exist, but are usually overlooked. The Holy Bible contains standards of conduct that, when obeyed, bring great benefits. If these standards are not followed, the results are disastrous. Sadly, these timeless principles are being taught and practiced less and less.

The problems resulting from this departure from established moral standards are horrific. The weakening of the biblical family structure—a man at the head, his wife by his side, and their children following their lead—carries with it too many negative consequences on today’s society to cover them all here. Miseducation has undermined basic skills by teaching “social justice” and “Critical Theory” rather than the basic knowledge required to excel in life. Cultural rot has led to increasingly violent crime, predatory sexual practices and human trafficking, gender confusion, drug addiction, fraudulent business dealings, and racial tensions. Even as citizens clamor for solutions, governments seem unable or unwilling to make meaningful changes to remedy these problems.

These troubles have plagued mankind’s history. King Solomon once wrote that “there is nothing new under the sun,” and gave this principle: “Because sentence against an evil deed is not speedily executed, the human heart is fully set to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 1:9; 8:11, New Revised Standard Version).

The God of the Bible listed the benefits of obedience to His standards of conduct and the terrible problems that would occur if His ways were despised or ignored. Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 make it plain that if a person or nation desires peace and prosperity, obedience to God is not optional. As just one of many possible examples, let’s focus on what the Bible says about sexual promiscuity and perversion.

What the Bible Says About Lust and Sexual Sins

The Seventh Commandment, found in Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18, states, “You shall not commit adultery.” This makes plain that sexual activity outside of marriage is a sin. To further teach us how to apply this fundamental moral law, God gave His statutes. For example, Leviticus 18:6–18 gives detailed instruction prohibiting incestuous sexual relationships, while verses 20–23 prohibit adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality. God states, “You… shall not commit any of these abominations, either any of your own nation or any stranger [foreigner] who dwells among you” (v. 26).

Many other passages of Scripture plainly prohibit licentious sexual practices. But this is not merely Old Testament instruction. The Apostle Paul described in detail the cause and consequences of such behavior (Romans 1:18–32). From this perspective, Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, listing sinful acts that must be reformed from if one is to enter the Kingdom of God. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

He went on to explain that these unrighteous acts would be forgiven after sincere repentance and the acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice for the remission of sin. Peter put it this way: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38–39).

If the overwhelming social problems facing society today are to be solved, lascivious behavior must be replaced by the godly values described in the Bible. The prophet Micah wrote that God requires us “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before your God” (Micah 6:8). While you alone may not be able to fix society, you can bring your personal life into harmony with the way that brings blessings and peace of mind.