What does the Bible say about pornography?

Question: "What does the Bible say about pornography?"

Answer: By far, the most searched-for terms on the internet are related to pornography. Pornography is rampant in the world today. Perhaps more than anything else, Satan has succeeded in twisting and perverting sex. He has taken what is good and right (loving sex between a husband and wife) and replaced it with lust, pornography, adultery, rape, and homosexuality. Pornography is simply the first step on a very slippery slope of ever-increasing wickedness and immorality (Romans 6:19). Just as a drug user is led to consume greater and more powerful quantities of drugs, so pornography drags a person into hard-core sexual addictions and ungodly desires.The three main categories of sin are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

Pornography definitely causes us to lust after flesh, and it undeniably is a lust for our eyes. Pornography definitely does not qualify as one of the things we are to think about: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). Pornography is addictive (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19), destructive (Proverbs 6:25-28; Ezekiel 20:30; Ephesians 4:19), and leads to ever-increasing wickedness (Romans 6:19). Lusting after other people in our minds (the essence of pornography) is offensive to God (Matthew 5:28). When habitual devotion to pornography characterizes a person’s being, that demonstrates the person is not saved (1 Corinthians 6:9).

If there was one thing I could change about my life prior to becoming a Christian, it would be my involvement with pornography. Thanks be to God—He can and will give the victory. Are you involved with pornography and desire freedom from it? Here are some steps to victory: (1) Confess your sin to God (1 John 1:9). (2) Pray for God to cleanse, renew, and transform your mind (Romans 12:2). (3) Ask God to fill your mind with Philippians 4:8. (4) Learn to possess your body in holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). (5) Understand the proper meaning of sex and rely on your spouse to meet that need alone (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). (6) Realize that if you walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). (7) Take practical steps to reduce your exposure to graphic images (e.g., install pornography blockers on your computer, limit television and video usage, find another Christian who will pray for you and help keep you accountable—your spouse, if you are married).