We see in Genesis that SEX WAS GOD’S IDEA. Hooray! We also see that His original intention was that sex was to be employed and enjoyed only within the context of marriage, which is between one man and one woman. What was His purpose re: sex?
(1) Bonding, becoming “one flesh,” comm-UNI-cation, mirrors the oneness between Christ and the Church, truly “knowing” someone and belonging to him/her.
(2) Babies. God wants a BIG FAMILY.
Because sexual intercourse is, in essence, a spiritual act of worship, that is, using our bodies as God intended, it is designed to be enjoyed under the canopy of commitment within the “covenantal shroud of marriage.” Otherwise, no matter what people say, it is nothing more than one person using another person. 1 Thessalonians 4:1ff shows that sexual sin is a BIG DEAL to God, and if not repented of, will result in a loss of rewards for Christians.
1 Corinthians 6:12–20
References: The High Cost of Free Love, by Al Haffner. For further study see these articles: “Iron Sharpens Iron – Fruit of Divine – September 2012”; and “Iron Sharpens Iron – Fruit of Divine – December 2012”.