Pornography: A Biblical Perspective

Watermark Resources · 8 min

After you understand what pornography is, why you love it, and why it is a problem, you can begin to take steps to heal from an addiction. Doing this won’t be easy, but removing pornography from your life can transform your marriage and strengthen intimacy between you and your spouse.

One of the best ways to fight pornography is to remember the promises of Scripture. The Bible gives many truths to rely on while seeking recovery from pornography. Read through the following verses and think about how they apply to your experience with pornography. Pray that these words would come to your mind often, especially in times of temptation or doubt. Ask your spouse to send these verses to you at work or when you know you will be alone. Meditate on them and memorize them.

Remember, the only way to truly stop loving pornography is to love purity more. As you draw near to God in prayer, confess your sin, and cherish the truths of the Bible, you will start to see the allure of pornography fade.

God Loves You

If you currently feel trapped or overwhelmed by the shame of pornography, know that God sees you and is pursuing you. He does this in spite of your sin. Nothing you’ve done will cause him to reject you. He wants you to turn to him so that you can be free. He wants to heal you and give you an abundant life. These verses can be turned to when you are doubting God loves you and wants the best for you.

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

The Sin of Pornography Enslaves You

Pornography is a sinful corruption of God’s good gift. It takes sex, which God intended to enrich marriages, and makes it selfish, demeaning, and enslaving. It is not a consequence-less vice that lets you do as you please. It hurts you and hurts your relationships. It destroys intimacy and devalues human life. If you find pornography to be a comfort or a retreat, there is no better time to ponder the seriousness of these verses.

“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)

“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” (2 Peter 2:19)

Christ Understands Your Temptation and Helps You

Jesus is not waiting for you to clean yourself up before he helps you. Jesus was tempted as you were, yet did not sin. He understands the difficulties you experience and wants you to lean on him for help. He is right there with you. Even more than that, Christ also gives you others in the church who can come alongside you. Take comfort in the fact that you are not the only one who struggles with pornography and lust.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, [Christ] is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18)

Jesus Already Paid for Your Sin

Christ died for all of your sin (past, present, and future) and offers forgiveness for anyone who accepts him as Lord and Savior. This means there is no condemnation for anyone who trusts in Jesus. You are free from guilt and shame. While pornography will still have earthly consequences, it does not determine God’s love for you. As you fight addiction to pornography, remember that your sin is completely paid for in Christ.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

Your Body is Precious

God wants you to care for your body and to honor him with it. Because you are made in God’s image, you have inherent value and worth. As you seek purity and recovery from pornography, remember that your life was so precious to God that Jesus died for you.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

You are Powerless to Change on Your Own, but God can Transform You

Anything short of a spiritual transformation by the power of God is only behavior modification and is bound to fail. Thankfully, God’s Spirit working through his Word and through his people can free you from addiction. Remember that freedom from pornography will not be your own doing. Release yourself from the burden of having to do it all on your own.

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Romans 7:18)

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

You Are Not Alone

Frequent porn use is an incredibly common struggle for both men and women. Fortunately, many people who once struggled are now experiencing freedom in Christ and are willing to help you. Be authentic and honest with where you are at. When you fall short, confess it to community and ask for prayer. Let other people speak truth into your life.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

There is Hope

Prayerfully, these verses can be an encouragement to you. As you read them, spend time thinking about how they can apply to your life and work to commit them to memory. If you are looking for more resources on how to heal from pornography, be sure to check out our 3-Part series on Pornography and Marriage.

Ultimately, remember that God loves you and there is hope and healing in Christ. An addiction to pornography does not need to define your marriage and can be overcome. Restored intimacy and oneness with your spouse is possible.

Additional Resources

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