Covenant Reformed News – November 2005, Volume X, Issue 19
This article from Covenant Reformed News explores the biblical basis for sexual relations within Christian marriage, drawing primarily on 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 and Ephesians 5. The author emphasizes that while the marital duty of sexual intimacy is important, it is neither the only nor the main thing in marriage, which is ultimately rooted in covenant companionship in the Lord.
The Duty of Sex in Marriage (3) I Corinthians 7:3-5 teaches part of the calling of husbands and wives. They must not allow themselves to become sexually indifferent to their spouses. There is no room for lying excuses: “I’ve got a headache.” This is not a license to exploit or abuse one’s spouse. Nor is it an incitement to male tyranny. The husband is, the head who must “nourish” and “cherish” his wife (Eph. 5:29). I Corinthians 7:3-4 emphasizes equality between husband and wife: the husband...