Why Did God Create Sex?

Some couples have difficulty in growth because they do not understand the purpose of sex as revealed in Scripture. The most obvious purpose, but certainly not the only purpose, is that of procreation. Having created man, male and female, “God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth’” (Gen. 1:28).

Procreation

Sexual intercourse for the purpose of procreation is God’s way of letting us share in the thrill of creation. There are few human thrills to equal that of looking into the face of a baby, the offspring of your love for your mate.

There is, however, a higher principle involved. We are created responsible creatures. Throughout Scripture, parents are viewed as responsible for caring for the needs of children whom they “create.” As a responsible parent, I must use reason in deciding how many children I can care for realistically. As God has given us medical help through the effort of dedicated men and women, so He has given us means of limiting births. It is interesting that such knowledge has come in the generations of greatest need as far as overpopulation is concerned.

If, indeed, husbands and wives would take this responsibility seriously, the rate of extramarital affairs would be drastically lowered.

As Christians, we are to use all God’s gifts in a responsible manner. Therefore, I believe that a couple should discuss and decide together when they will use birth control and what method of birth control they will use as responsible persons. This matter should be discussed with the doctor when the couple goes for premarital examinations.

Physical and Emotional Needs

The second purpose of sexual intercourse within marriage revealed in the Bible is to meet physical and emotional needs. Paul speaks to this point when he says:

“The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” (1 Cor. 7:3–5)

Paul is dealing with the reality of the strong physical/emotional need that the husband and wife have for each other. We are sexual beings, and we do have this strong desire for each other sexually. Indeed, our greatest problem before marriage is controlling this strong desire. But within marriage, that desire is to find full satisfaction in sexual intercourse.

When we refuse each other this privilege, we frustrate the expressed pattern that God has revealed. If, indeed, husbands and wives would take this responsibility seriously, the rate of extramarital affairs would be drastically lowered.

It is in mutual self-giving that love finds its highest expression.

An honest wife will say, “But I don’t feel like having intercourse as often as my husband desires.” Openly and honestly express your feelings to your mate, but also let him know that you stand ready to meet his needs. You need not go through all the foreplay and energy-consuming activity if you are fatigued. Simply let him know that you love him and want to meet his needs. This can normally be done very shortly with a minimum of energy. The wife should not be forced to have an orgasm if she does not desire such. If needs are met, then one of the purposes of sex is accomplished.

Pleasure

A third purpose of sex revealed in Scripture is to provide pleasure. Those who feel that God wished to make life as miserable as possible for His subjects may have difficulty with this one. But Scripture makes clear that God’s plans for us are always good. God did not have to make the sexual act pleasurable, but He did. It is one of those above-and-beyond acts for which God is noted.

Very closely related to the idea of pleasure is the concept of love. One of the desires of love is to give pleasure to the one loved. Therefore, sexual intercourse within marriage becomes a very meaningful method of expressing love. It is one of love’s loudest voices. This means that each mate must think of the other’s pleasure (Phil. 2:3–4). The husband is to “pleasure” his wife, and the wife is to “pleasure” her husband. It is in mutual self-giving that love finds its highest expression.