Biblical Answer

The Biblical Basis for Sex Before Marriage

The Bible is clear in its teaching that sex should be confined to marriage. The foundational principle of the biblical sex ethic is that sex is a sacred and exclusive expression of love and intimacy between a husband and wife. This principle is rooted in the creation account, where God establishes the first marriage and declares that a man and his wife shall become one flesh (Gen 2:24). This union is not only physical but also emotional, spiritual, and psychological.

The Importance of Covenant and Consent

A covenant is necessary for sex, as it creates a place of security for vulnerability and intimacy. This means that sex should only occur within the context of a committed, exclusive, and covenantal relationship. The Bible emphasizes the importance of consent and agreement between the couple, as well as the involvement of the girl's father in the marriage process (Deut 22:14). In 1 Corinthians 7:36-38, the apostle Paul instructs that a man should marry his fiancée, and not engage in sex with her, if she is not yet a wife. This passage highlights the importance of waiting for marriage before engaging in sex.

The Consequences of Premarital Sex

The Bible is clear that premarital sex is out of place and that marriage should be pursued. In the Old Testament, the law of Moses expresses the expectation of virginity before marriage (Deut 22:14). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul warns that God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous (Heb 13:4). This passage emphasizes the seriousness with which God views sex outside of marriage. The Bible teaches that sex is a sacred and exclusive expression of love and intimacy between a husband and wife, and that it should only occur within the context of a committed, exclusive, and covenantal relationship.