Part 2/2 of What is Sin: Sexual immorality

Hey, loves. We are back with Part 2 of the sexual immorality blog series, which forms part of the What Is Sin series. We will be digging deep into what God says about the socially grave sins, like rape, incest, child abuse, and bestiality. The Bible and God are against these sins. I separated these from socially ‘lighter’ sins to highlight the distinction between sins committed against God alone and sins committed against another person as well as God. I'm a Christian feminist, meaning I'm a woman who believes in women and children's human and economic rights. I find it hard to balance between God's mercy and His justice pertaining to these sins. The truth is God forgives everyone who repents and confesses their sins to Him, even those who committed grave sin. But does that mean the victim will never have justice? Is everything truly erased? I will be discussing this as well in this blog post because the truth is, as seen in the Bible, every person who repented for sinning against someone either made things right by apologizing and compensating the person, or they were still "punished," or better put, they still faced the consequences of their actions. Repentance does not stop the sinner from facing their consequences or prevent justice; it just allows the person to live a new life, one filled with Christ, honoring justice and pursuing purity through Christ. Okay, grab your tea and coffee, sit back, and let's discuss what the Bible says about socially grave sexual sins.

DIsclaimer: This post contains discussion of grave sexual sins such as sexual abuse, assault, incest, and bestiality. These topics are sensitive and may be distressing to some readers. Please approach this reflection prayerfully and with discernment. This post seeks to hold together these two truths of the gospel—that God is perfectly just and will bring all evil into account, and that He is also gracious, offering mercy and new life to every repentant heart. In His presence, both justice and mercy meet, and through His Son, healing and redemption remain possible for all.

Holding Justice and Mercy Together:

All forms of sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence are sins against God and against people or creation. They are never the fault of the victim. Victims are innocent, and their dignity and safety matter deeply. Justice is not optional; it is necessary.

Although no one is beyond the possibility of repentance, it does not mean the harm is erased, excused, or forgotten. It means that repentance, when it is real, requires full accountability, truth, and consequences. This is seen through Zacchaeus, who not only confessed his wrongdoing but also made restitution and took responsibility for the harm he caused.

Because of this, I believe that where harm has been done, repentance must include accountability, and justice must still take its course. Mercy does not cancel justice; it exists alongside it. I understand that holding these two truths together can feel uncomfortable, especially in cases of severe harm. But this tension is part of what I believe to be true, and it is the lens through which I am writing this post.

What does God say about Incest:

Addressing argument that incest is okay since it was practiced in early biblical times:

Incest is a complicated topic for most, as some will reference Lot and his daughters, Abraham and Sarah, Tamar and Amnon, Reuben and Bilhah, and Amram and Jochebed. All these instances occurred before the Law of Moses and God condemning it. Also, it's important to note two of these instances were forced and are considered incestuous rape. Before the Law of Moses and God's condemnation of incest, people were doing what they thought was right to them. The children of Adam and Eve had to intermarry due to being the only people on earth; after the flood, the grandchildren of Noah had to intermarry, and eventually, it was just seen as marrying your cousin or half-sister/brother as it was not forbidden yet. Also, at that time, the human genetic code did not have as many defects as in present times or later on in the Bible. Nowadays, sleeping with a close relative gives your child a higher chance of being born with a genetic defect. This was not an issue in early biblical times.

As time passed, however, sin’s effects on humanity deepened, not only morally but physically. The genetic code weakened, making close intermarriage dangerous for offspring. Importantly, the human heart became more corrupt, and what had once been done in innocence or necessity turned into something driven by lust, coercion, and abuse. Incest was no longer about survival or family-building; it became a means of power and exploitation. We see this in 2 Samuel 13, when Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar. What was once tolerated out of necessity had now become an act of depravity and domination.

Adressing the sin of incest:

This is how we also view incest today: as a predatory, often power-imbalanced relationship, where one party is preyed upon. This is obviously not encouraged in the Bible, and God opposes incestuous rape and molestation. We see this is true because David and Amnon's brother were horrified at the news of what happened, and Amnon's brother ends up killing him because such sins were seen as an abomination at that time and even now.

But even before the Law of Moses, Scripture shows that incestuous acts were beginning to be recognized as shameful and morally wrong. When Reuben slept with his father’s concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22), his action was condemned, and he lost his birthright because of it (Genesis 49:3–4). This demonstrates that even without an explicit command, human conscience and divine revelation already marked such acts as dishonorable.

When God gave the Law through Moses, He formally established what had already become clear in human conscience: that incest is sinful, unholy, and destructive. In Leviticus 18:6–8, God prohibited sexual and romantic relationships between family members and close relatives, affirming His design for sexual purity and family honor. This prohibition was not God “changing His mind,” but clarifying what had always been morally true.

This command was later upheld in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 5:1–5, Paul rebuked the Corinthian church for tolerating a man who was in a sexual relationship with his stepmother, calling it a sin so grievous “that even the pagans do not tolerate it.” This shows that incest, in any form, contradicts God’s order for holiness, purity, and love.

Personal Note( not connected to main discussion):

I want to stress that God’s nature is perfectly consistent. He is holy, just, and unchanging. What changed over time was not His moral standard, but human circumstances and understanding. In the early days of Genesis, close-relative marriages were temporarily permitted to fulfill God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). As humanity grew and spread, these allowances were no longer necessary, and God’s moral order regarding sexual purity was clearly revealed in the Law. His commands against incest were not a new rule, but a confirmation of the moral truth that had always been true: sexual relationships must honor God, respect family boundaries, and protect the dignity and safety of all involved.

Bestiality:

Bestiality is defined as sexual acts done between an animal and a human. While incest involves betrayal within the family, bestiality involves the betrayal and exploitation of God’s creatures outside of the human family.The Bible explicitly condemns bestiality as a grave sin. As an animal lover myself, I believe such acts committed by a person are predatory in nature as animals can't consent and have no deep understanding as we do as humans. We have been given the power to have dominion over the earth, but this also means to care for the earth. We are here to look after animals and the planet at whole. We have a responsibility not to take advantage of God's creatures. Sexual activity is designed for covenantal, relational purposes within human marriage. Animals are not capable of moral reasoning, consent, or relational reciprocity, so sexual acts with them are exploitative and abusive.

Also, biblically bestiality is not God's design for sex. Sex was designed to be experienced between a woman and man, not animals. The Bible does speak on bestiality and defines such acts as detestible. Leviticus 18:23 states“Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it. A woman must not present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion.”

Also, Leviticus 20:15–16 prescribes death for both humans and animals involved, showing the severity of this sin. These verses reveal that God views sexual sin with animals as an extreme violation of His created order

God’s care and love for His creation further underscores why such acts are wrong. Scripture shows that God values all living creatures: He feeds the birds of the air (Matthew 6:26) and clothes the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28–29). By giving humans dominion over the earth, He calls us to protect and nurture creation, not to exploit it for selfish desires. Engaging in sexual acts with animals not only violates God’s moral law but also disrespects the care and value He places on all His creatures. Even in addressing such sins, God calls people to repentance, accountability, and restoration, showing that His justice and mercy work together to guide humanity toward righteousness.

Personal Note( not included in main discussion):

If it is an animal you have direct contact with regularly, please seek help for it. Animals can experience trauma, and this has been scientifically proven. Coming from my heart, apologize to it too and keep your distance from it so it can also heal and live a better life.

Sexual abuse:

Sexual abuse is a sin. This is one of those topics where we agree it is sinful even without looking at the Bible because we instinctively know it is wrong. However, it is important to also know that the Bible is against sexual abuse of all kinds. We know this is true because whenever rape was mentioned in the Bible, it was condemned. In Genesis 34, rape was seen as a crime, and the victim's brothers killed the man who attacked their sister. In Judges 19-20, we see the nation of Israel in an uproar against the crime of rape committed against a Levite's concubine and seeking justice. In 2 Samuel 13, King David and Tamar’s brother were horrified when Amnon raped Tamar, and her brother ultimately killed the perpetrator because such acts were viewed as abominations. These verses highlight that rape was always seen as a crime in the Bible, and the justice sought for this crime was death. This aligns with Deuteronomy 22:25–27, where God says that a rapist should pay for his crime, while the woman is declared innocent, reinforcing the truth that the victim is never at fault. God is merciful and loving, but also just; He is against sexual abuse of all kinds and has never blamed the victim in any scenario.

God’s response throughout Scripture demonstrates His justice and mercy. In 2 Samuel 12:7–15, God punishes David for the sin committed against Bathsheba but does not punish her. This shows that God understands power imbalances and that victims are not to be blamed for sins committed against them. All sexual violence, abuse, and assaults are condemned; this includes molestation. All sexual acts where someone cannot consent or is unable to consent are wrong. Sexual acts done against men or the same gender are sinful as well. Men can also be victims of such crimes as much as women and both can experience crimes from the same gender. It is important to note that both genders are seen by God. We are all made in the image of God, and our bodies should be respected, just as we should respect the autonomy of others.

Child abuse:

We know that God is against all forms of sexual abuse, including pedophilia. Child sexual abuse includes child molestation,rape, harrassment and assult. These are all grave sinful acts. Though not always explicitly named in Scripture, God’s heart for His children is clear. Jesus warns in Matthew 18:6: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” He continues in Matthew 18:10: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”

The greek translation for the word “stumble” in Matthew 18:6 means to lead astray, ensnare, or cause one to lose trust in those they should obey. The greek translation for the word “despise” in Matthew 18:10 means to belittle, disrespect, disregard, or treat as nothing. When someone sins against a child in such a horrific way, they show no care or respect for that person’s dignity. They place their selfish, evil desires above another human being created in God’s image. Jesus issues one of His strongest warnings here: those who harm His children would be better off drowned with a millstone tied around their neck. This shows the depth of God’s love and protection for His little ones, and His absolute opposition to sexual abuse against children.

There is no justification for these actions under any circumstances. It does not matter whether the perpetrator is a family member, a parent, or someone in a position of trust, nor does it matter if it was the same or opposite gender. Child sexual abuse is abuse in every form, including molestation and sexual touching, and it is never harmless or excusable or "just playing." Children are not capable of consenting, and their bodies are not to be violated in any way. Scripture affirms the dignity of the body, and children are included in that protection. Their bodies are also to be respected and treated with care, not exploitation or harm.

God’s care for children is seen throughout Scripture. He calls us to nurture and guide them (Proverbs 22:6), assuring that they are to be taught, loved, and protected in all circumstances. He promises that He will never forget or forsake them (Isaiah 49:15), demonstrating that every child is known, valued, and held securely in His care. God commands that we do not take advantage of the vulnerable (Exodus 22:22–23), showing that those who exploit or harm others, especially children are directly opposing His will. Children are precious in God’s kingdom (Luke 18:16). God sees every child’s innocence, weakness, and dependence. He treats their vulnerability as sacred and regards any abuse against them as a grave offense against His creation and heart. The vulnerability of children is not a weakness to be exploited, but a sacred trust placed under God’s protection, and He calls His people to honor, safeguard, and defend it.

A Word to Victims and Those Who Have Caused Harm:

Before I close this discussion, I want to speak directly to both victims and those who have committed acts of harm. I do this because both truth and accountability matter.

To victims of incest, sexual abuse, or any form of sexual violence: what happened to you was not your fault. The Bible in Deuteronomy 22 states that all victims are innocent. You are not to blame for the actions of someone else. Your dignity was not removed by what was done to you, and your value is not defined by someone else's sin. God sees your pain, and He does not approve of what was done to you. You are worthy of safety, healing, and support, and your experience should never be minimized or excused. Justice will always prevail as stated in Psalm 94:15 and Ecclesiastes 12:14.

To those who have committed sexual harm, these acts are serious and they are not hidden from God. Repentance is necessary, but true repentance is not only words or a quiet prayer in your room alone. It requires full accountability, truth, and willingness to face the consequences of your actions. It also requires a commitment to change that ensures no further harm is caused. Repentance is not a way to escape justice; it is a call to confront what has been done and to take responsibility for it. Where harm has been done to others, accountability is not optional. This is reflected in the example of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8-9), who did not only confess wrongdoing but demonstrated repentance through restitution and active responsibility for the harm he had caused. His response shows that true repentance involves tangible accountability, not private remorse.

Accountability must be handled in a way that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and well-being of victims. This may include making things right where appropriate and possible, but always in ways that do not retraumatize or endanger those who were harmed.

Although no one is beyond the possibility of repentance, mercy does not cancel out justice. Both mercy and justice exist together in God's character, even when that tension is difficult to understand. Vengeance belongs to God, but justice is still real. Healing belongs to victims, and accountability belongs to those who have caused harm.

Conclusion:

I won't lie ya'll. This was hard for me to write because I am truly passionate about survivors, all survivors; men, women or children. I'm against sexual abuse, violence and assult of any kind, so it was hard for me to navigate through the truth of the extent of God's mercy. I have learnt that God's mercy does not cover his justfulness, but that they meet together. This is demonstrated in Luke 19:8-9, reinforcing that restitution is part of true repentance. Meaning even with the offer of salvation through Christ, God's justice is fulfilled. From incest to bestiality, from sexual abuse to child abuse, God’s law consistently protects the vulnerable, upholds justice, and calls all who have sinned to repentance with accountability. If you are a victim of any of these crimes, I'm truly sorry. I pray for you. God sees you and wants to heal you. Please talk to someone and seek help. You can look towards any local church or go to any mental health professional for assistance. You can contact the Tears foundation hotline at: 08000 TEARS / 08000 83277.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading my blog post, ya'll. Please sign up and contact me if you have any queries, suggestions or questions. The next part of the ‘What Is Sin’ series is ‘Vanity and Anger,’ which will be lighter than the sexual sins discussed here.I'm looking foward to exploring this with you all. Stay blessed and remember God loves ya'll.❤️