Biblical explanation
Paul writes: "This is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication." 1 Thessalonians 4:3 He continues by calling believers to sexual self-control and holiness. Hebrews says: "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled." Hebrews 13:4 The biblical pattern begins in Genesis, where sexual union is connected with the marriage covenant: "They shall be one flesh." Genesis 2:24 Paul tells unmarried believers who struggle with sexual temptation that marriage is the appropriate context for sexual intimacy. 1 Corinthians 7:2-9. The biblical sexual ethic places sexual intimacy within marriage. This teaching applies to sexual relationships generally, not merely to one particular category of sexual behavior.
Key takeaway
The great controversy reveals God's character as Christ ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. The dead await the resurrection, Christ's return will be visible and personal, and prophecy calls believers to faithful mission rather than date-setting or fear.