There is no direct mention of “protected sex” or specific forms of contraception, such as condoms and other modern inventions, in scripture. Therefore, the issue is not a matter of a single, clear-cut command. To understand this topic, we must apply broader biblical principles, learn from historical theology, and consider specific circumstances.
Early Church and Early Reformers
I know some early reformers opposed protected sex, basing their stance on the command to “be fruitful and multiply” in Genesis 1 and their interpretation of the story of Onan in Genesis 38, and his deliberate act of “spilling his seed on the ground which angered God to kill him.
Later Developments
On Permissible Contraception: Over time, believers arrived at a general consensus by taking a more balanced biblical view. While Onan’s act of “spilling his seed” was part of his sin, it is not seen as the entirety of it. His primary sin was his rebellious refusal to fulfill the levirate marriage law and raise up a child for his deceased brother. He was using his sexual act for his own pleasure while deliberately and selfishly shirking his responsibility, which is a key distinction from a loving couple responsibly planning their family.
Consequently, non-abortifacient birth control methods, such as condoms and other barrier or hormonal methods that do not terminate a fertilized egg, were permitted. They emphasized a crucial distinction between preventing conception (contraception) and ending a life that has already begun (abortion).
On Children as a Blessing: While birth control is permitted, children are still considered a blessing and a gift from God. The command to “be fruitful and multiply” is viewed not as a demand for unlimited procreation but as a general principle to embrace and desire children as part of a family. The use of birth control can be a way to responsibly steward family size and timing, taking into account factors like the parents’ health, finances, and the well-being of the family.
Sex Seen as More Than Procreation: While procreation is a vital and God-given purpose, God also ordained sex in marriage for other purposes, such as mutual pleasure, companionship, and intimacy, as supported by passages like the Song of Solomon and 1 Corinthians 7:5. Sex is also a way for a husband and wife to express love and strengthen their bond. Our own confession lists the purposes of marriage as “the mutual help of husband and wife; for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and of the Church with a holy seed; and for preventing of uncleanness.” From this view, using contraception to space out children or for other reasons is not sinful.
Responsible Family Planning: Many Christians believe in exercising good stewardship over their bodies and resources. This principle can be applied to family planning, suggesting that it is wise and responsible to use contraception to ensure a couple can provide for and raise their children in a way that honors God. This perspective views protected sex as a way to plan a family wisely and in accordance with the couple’s circumstances. It allows parents to consider their health, financial situation, and capacity to raise and educate their children well rather than having as many children as possible without forethought. It is seen as a way of exercising God-given wisdom in family planning.
The Sovereignty of God: Many Reformed Christians argue that God is ultimately sovereign over the “opening and closing of the womb.” Contraception does not override God’s plan but is part of the means He has provided to His people for living responsible lives. The fact that no contraceptive method is 100% effective is seen by some as a testament to God’s ultimate control.
In summary: The use of protected sex within the confines of a marriage is not considered sinful. Instead, it is viewed as a permissible and often responsible means of family planning that allows a couple to balance the purposes of procreation, intimacy, and wise stewardship.
Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Bangalore 