How should a Christian view sex education?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

A Christian view of sex education begins with honoring God’s design for sexuality as revealed in the Bible. It also means taking seriously our responsibility as Christians to teach sex education in a God-honoring and age-appropriate way, because if we don’t teach about sex, the world will. Sex is not a taboo topic but a sacred gift, created by God for procreation, intimacy, and as a symbol of the covenant relationship between Christ and the Church (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31–32). Christian sex education should be rooted in truth, purity, and wisdom, helping individuals understand the beauty and boundaries of sex within marriage. It also involves teaching discernment—recognizing how cultural messages about sex often distort God’s intent—and encouraging believers to live with integrity and self-control (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5). For a Christian, sex education is not just about biology or morality; it’s about discipleship—learning to honor God with our bodies and relationships.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Sex is not dirty or shameful—it’s a good gift from God, created with purpose (Genesis 1:27).
• God created us man and woman and intended sex to be between a married man and woman (Genesis 2:24). Sex was created before sin entered the world, which means it’s part of God’s original, good design. It’s meant to be a beautiful expression of love, unity, and intimacy between a husband and wife. Any sex education that a Christian gives should give a compelling view of God’s design for sex and relationships.
• Proverbs 6:27–28 uses a vivid metaphor to warn that sexual sin is dangerous and damaging. Like fire, it is powerful and must be handled with care. Used rightly (in marriage), it brings warmth and life; misused, it brings destruction and regret.
• If the Church doesn’t talk about sex, the world will—and it already is. We must equip young people with a biblical worldview before culture shapes their thinking. Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Parents, pastors, youth leaders, and mentors all have a role in discipling others in this area.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament also affirms that God created men and women and intended sex to be between one man and one woman in marriage (Mark 10:6–9). Again, Christian education must show the goodness of God’s consistent design and plan for sex and relationships.
• We’re not just called to teach—we’re called to live out God’s good plan and design. That includes modeling purity, repentance, forgiveness, and the power of God’s grace to redeem any past, knowing there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
• Sex outside of marriage—whether premarital, extramarital, or otherwise—is considered sexual immorality in Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:18–19). Not because God wants to withhold joy, but because He wants to protect it.
• We are called to speak the truth about sex but always with grace and compassion in age appropriate ways (Ephesians 4:15). This means Christian sex education should be biblically grounded, age-appropriate, and shame-free, giving a compelling view of God’s design of gender, sex, and relationships. It should affirm God’s design while also addressing real struggles like temptation, pornography, identity, and healing from past wounds, again, at age-appropriate levels.
• In Ephesians 5:22, Paul compares the union of husband and wife to the relationship between Christ and the Church. That’s how sacred and meaningful sex is—it’s a picture of covenant love, faithfulness, and unity.
• The Bible consistently teaches that sex is to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Hebrews 13:4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

It is critical that we provide our children with biblically-based sex education. If believers don’t provide sex education, the world will. Secular culture has perverted God's original design for sex, wreaking havoc on our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Children are exposed to sex through media, friends, school-based programs, and occasionally church-based programs. While these sources can provide some positive input, more often than not, they base their opinions on what is considered appropriate by culture not God. Therefore, parents need to take the lead in educating their children so they are informed and can make choices that will lead to both a healthy and God-honoring future.

Ultimately sex education outside the home should be in addition to, not in place of, sex education at home. Although it may be awkward, parents should begin sex education early on, focusing on what is most appropriate at each stage of their child's life. By talking about the realities of the human body, how men and women are made differently, and other matters related to sexuality, parents help their children feel comfortable to come to them with questions and concerns. Their child will be informed of God's true design for sex and be able to discern truth from lies as they encounter sex outside of the home. Parents should also continue to educate themselves as culture evolves and provide children with a positive model of what a healthy relationship looks like.

Not sure where to start? Begin with the Bible. It very clearly outlines God's perspective on sex. God created us man and woman and intended sex to be between a married man and woman (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:6–9). Sex has three main purposes: procreation, pleasure, and relationship (Genesis 9:7; Song of Solomon; Ephesians 5:31–32). Within the context of marriage sex establishes a unique human relationship which symbolizes our relationship with God.

UNDERSTAND

• Sex is good—created by God for marriage– and sacred—a reflection of covenant love.
• Sex is powerful—and needs to be explained with truth and grace.
• Christian sex education is our responsibility—to teach, guide, and disciple the next generation in love and truth and give a compelling understanding of God’s good design of sex and relationships.

REFLECT

• What has shaped your view of sex and how has God’s Word shaped it?
• How are you honoring God with your body and relationships, and where might He be calling you to grow in integrity?
• How are you prepared to talk with truth and grace about God’s design for sex, especially to those younger than you or looking to you for guidance?

ENGAGE

• Why is it important for the Church and Christian families to speak openly about sex from a biblical perspective?
• How can we help one another discern and resist the cultural messages that distort God’s good design for sexuality?
• What role should discipleship and community play in shaping a healthy, biblical understanding of sex and relationships?