Question: What does the Bible say about herpes?
Answer: Someone might ask, “What is herpes?” Herpes simplex virus can cause symptoms on the mouth (oral herpes) or genitals (genital herpes). About 50 to 80 percent of American adults have oral herpes, which is commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. It is estimated that as many as one in four Americans have genital herpes, a lifelong (but manageable) infection, yet up to 90 percent of those with herpes are unaware they have it. With more than 50 million adults in the US with genital herpes and up to 1.6 million new infections each year, some estimates suggest that by 2025 up to 40% of all men and half of all women could be infected.
Having genital herpes makes it easier to acquire and/or transmit HIV, a virus that can cause AIDS. Transmission is caused by close oral, anal, or genital contact, including intercourse, masturbation, kissing, or any direct skin-to-skin contact which allows for the transmission of bodily fluids.
Here is the experience of a 18 years old female from Trinidad: “I’ll never forget my first outbreak. The pain and irritation it was terrible. Now I don’t have it anymore but I still worry that it may affect my family plans in the future.”
You ask what does the Bible have to say about herpes, and my answer would be it does not use the word “herpes” but it does talk about diseases. We need to understand that when Adam and Eve sinned they brought all sorts of evils into this world. These evils came from Satan. Diseases are in the world and all of us are affected by them. Does that mean that everyone that gets a disease has sinned?
No, the Bible is very clear on that point; let’s look at what it has to say. “Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.'” (John 9:1-3)
So Jesus made it clear that all diseases are not necessarily the fault or result of sin of the individual. Sickness and diseases are in the world as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin, but not always as a result of the individual’s sin. Look at this verse also: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-15) So some people who are sick have not gotten their disease because of their own sin.
Then again there are verses that make it clear that some people’s disease or sickness’ are caused by their own personal sin. “But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, ‘See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” (John 5:13-14)
If a person is involved in sex outside of marriage he or she can expect to get STDs. “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man (woman) does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his (her) own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18) That is not to say that any and everyone that is infected with herpes or other diseases did something to deserve getting it. Let me give an example. Suppose a spouse has always been righteous in their life, but they are married to someone who contacted herpes, this disease can be passed on to an innocent party. As a result of someone else’s sin the spouse may get herpes or STDs. This is true of other diseases such as AIDS which could be passed to the unborn. Did the unborn sin that they were born with the disease? No, of course not, as Jesus pointed out. However, sin of one individual can and does affect the innocent around them, just as Adam and Eve’s first sin affects us still today. Now all of us are born with sickness of sin in our lives.
Can Jesus help in this situation? Yes, He certainly can, and wants to! When He was here on this earth He went around healing all sorts of diseases. His Holy Spirit is still doing the same today! Scripture says of Jesus ministry: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” (Matthew 4:23)
The world will tell you that it is alright go ahead and have “safe sex,” everyone else is doing it. The problem with this philosophy is that it is dead wrong. The only “safe sex” is being faithful to your spouse in marriage. You see, even if you avoided getting STDs, one day you will have to answer to God for every action. If a person sins their sin is first and foremost against God. He is the one who created us, and we are responsible to Him.
“Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) You may be laden down with sin, but Jesus will forgive you and make you as white as snow on the inside. He also says to you: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Maybe you have been deceived by the Devil’s lies, that you can have sex outside of marriage or be involved in extramarital affairs and all will be fun with no consequences. Like the world says: “If it feels good, do it.” But now you realize that these were lies of Satan, sin does have consequences, and you want to come to Christ for forgiveness. God loves you and wants to save you. Ask Him to forgive you for your sin, and ask Him to save you from your sin and He will. He will make your life new and clean. He will give you a fresh start. He will make your soul as white as snow, won’t you receive Jesus now?
You may want to read our discussion question: “What does the Bible say about “Love” among youngsters, which is spreading like a plague?” Or these other articles:
Pornography And The Bible
Jesus Forgives Adulterers!
The Bible and Homosexuality
The ‘L’ Word-Does God Love Lesbians?
Thanks for the question,
Gary Thomas Panell
For more information email me at [email protected]
Hi, I’m not sure which statement you are referring to. Please give some more details. Thank you, Brother Gary
An interesting discussion is worth comment.
I believe that you ought to write more on this issue, it might not be a taboo matter but generally people do not discuss such issues.
To the next! Cheers!!
I don’t know if you realize it, but you comments go to the Spam section. Maybe you should think about how you can avoid being put in the Spam. Thanks for your comments. Gary
Both HSV1 and HSV2 can cause “genital herpes”. Up to 80% of Americans have HSV1, which is usually associated with “cold sores” around the mouth, but can also be transmitted to the genitals via oral sex. Up to 30% of new cases of genital herpes are due to HSV1 – and most of the time, it’s been transmitted via oral sex. Since most people (up to 80% of Americans) have HSV1 – whether or not they ever have noticeable cold sores – and since most people do not use any sort of “protection” during oral sex, it’s actually becoming more and more common for people to get herpes on their genitals from oral sex. contact ,[email protected] the only herbal doctor that had found the permanent cure for these diseases
Good information!
God can heal anything just believe
Yes, thank you Spencer, Proverbs 3:5&6 Brother Gary
Thank you Spencer, I am trying my best to believe in God for He is the One that made me and knows exactly what I am dealing with. Please pray for me.
Praying
I have been struggling on HSV disease and acne for a long time now. Jesus has been saving me from many occasional breakouts. But when I get a nasty one I cry and plead a lot to heal me once in for all as it affects my confidence level and my character. I still have hope that the holly spirit will work miracle in me.
Thank you for sharing god’s message. Also, please pray for my healing and for my inmost peace and happiness..
Hi Kelly, God loves you very much. He will use your testimony to save others. Don’t give up on praying! Be blessed, Gary
I am praying and trusting in God with you for a complete healing from in the inside out!!!
Amen!
Praying for you!
thank you
I need more information about herpes.
Question: What does the Bible say about herpes?
Answer: Someone might ask, “What is herpes?” Herpes simplex virus can cause symptoms on the mouth (oral herpes) or genitals (genital herpes). About 50 to 80 percent of American adults have oral herpes, which is commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. It is estimated that as many as one in four Americans have genital herpes, a lifelong (but manageable) infection, yet up to 90 percent of those with herpes are unaware they have it. With more than 50 million adults in the US with genital herpes and up to 1.6 million new infections each year, some estimates suggest that by 2025 up to 40% of all men and half of all women could be infected.
Having genital herpes makes it easier to acquire and/or transmit HIV, a virus that can cause AIDS. Transmission is caused by close oral, anal, or genital contact, including intercourse, masturbation, kissing, or any direct skin-to-skin contact which allows for the transmission of bodily fluids.
Here is the experience of a 18 years old female from Trinidad: “I’ll never forget my first outbreak. The pain and irritation it was terrible. Now I don’t have it anymore but I still worry that it may affect my family plans in the future.”
You ask what does the Bible have to say about herpes, and my answer would be it does not use the word “herpes” but it does talk about diseases. We need to understand that when Adam and Eve sinned they brought all sorts of evils into this world. These evils came from Satan. Diseases are in the world and all of us are affected by them. Does that mean that everyone that gets a disease has sinned?
No, the Bible is very clear on that point; let’s look at what it has to say. “Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.’” (John 9:1-3)
So Jesus made it clear that all diseases are not necessarily the fault or result of sin of the individual. Sickness and diseases are in the world as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin, but not always as a result of the individual’s sin. Look at this verse also: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-15) So some people who are sick have not gotten their disease because of their own sin.
Then again there are verses that make it clear that some people’s disease or sickness’ are caused by their own personal sin. “But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, ‘See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” (John 5:13-14)
If a person is involved in sex outside of marriage he or she can expect to get STDs. “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man (woman) does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his (her) own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18) That is not to say that any and everyone that is infected with herpes or other diseases did something to deserve getting it. Let me give an example. Suppose a spouse has always been righteous in their life, but they are married to someone who contacted herpes, this disease can be passed on to an innocent party. As a result of someone else’s sin the spouse may get herpes or STDs. This is true of other diseases such as AIDS which could be passed to the unborn. Did the unborn sin that they were born with the disease? No, of course not, as Jesus pointed out. However, sin of one individual can and does affect the innocent around them, just as Adam and Eve’s first sin affects us still today. Now all of us are born with sickness of sin in our lives.
Can Jesus help in this situation? Yes, He certainly can, and wants to! When He was here on this earth He went around healing all sorts of diseases. His Holy Spirit is still doing the same today! Scripture says of Jesus ministry: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” (Matthew 4:23)
The world will tell you that it is alright go ahead and have “safe sex,” everyone else is doing it. The problem with this philosophy is that it is dead wrong. The only “safe sex” is being faithful to your spouse in marriage. You see, even if you avoided getting STDs, one day you will have to answer to God for every action. If a person sins their sin is first and foremost against God. He is the one who created us, and we are responsible to Him.
“Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) You may be laden down with sin, but Jesus will forgive you and make you as white as snow on the inside. He also says to you: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Maybe you have been deceived by the Devil’s lies, that you can have sex outside of marriage or be involved in extramarital affairs and all will be fun with no consequences. Like the world says: “If it feels good, do it.” But now you realize that these were lies of Satan, sin does have consequences, and you want to come to Christ for forgiveness. God loves you and wants to save you. Ask Him to forgive you for your sin, and ask Him to save you from your sin and He will. He will make your life new and clean. He will give you a fresh start. He will make your soul as white as snow, won’t you receive Jesus now?
You may want to read our discussion question: “What does the Bible say about “Love” among youngsters, which is spreading like a plague?” Or these other articles:
Pornography And The Bible
Jesus Forgives Adulterers!
The Bible and Homosexuality
The ‘L’ Word-Does God Love Lesbians?
Thanks for the question,
Gary Thomas Panell
For more information email me at [email protected]
FILED UNDER: DISEASE QUESTIONS, HEALTH QUESTIONS, SEX QUESTIONS
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