Biblical Answer

Sex before marriage is not biblically permissible. The Bible confines sex to marriage, as seen in the biblical formula for marriage at creation: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Gen. 2:24). This passage establishes the fundamental principle that sex is reserved for marriage.

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of a marriage covenant for sex. In 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, Paul writes, "The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." This passage highlights the importance of a marriage covenant in creating a place of security for vulnerability and intimacy.

In addition, the Bible warns against premarital sex and emphasizes the importance of virginity before marriage. In Deuteronomy 22:14, the law of Moses states, "I took this woman, but when I came near her, I did not find her a virgin." This passage expresses the proper expectation of virginity before marriage. Overall, the Bible teaches that sex is reserved for marriage and that a marriage covenant is necessary for sex. Premarital sex is not biblically permissible and is considered a violation of God's wonderful purposes for sex.