Biblical Answer

The Bible is clear in its teaching on sex before marriage. The foundational principle of the biblical sex ethic is that sex is confined to marriage between one man and one woman. This is based on the biblical formula for marriage at creation, where a man leaves his father and mother and holds fast to his wife, and they become one flesh (Gen. 2:24). This formula is repeated in the New Testament, where the apostle Paul writes, "Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:5).

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of a covenant in marriage, which creates a place of security for vulnerability and intimacy. This covenant is necessary for sex, as it establishes a relationship that is exclusive and lifelong. The Bible warns against sex outside of marriage, including fornication, adultery, and bestiality, and emphasizes the importance of honoring marriage. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterous and the sexually immoral" (Hebrews 13:4).

The Bible's teaching on sex before marriage is not just about morality, but also about personal harm. Sex outside of marriage can damage the fulfillment of God's purposes in marriage, which include creating a lifelong covenant and experiencing intimacy and renewal. The biblical view of sex is not just about physical pleasure, but about establishing a relationship that is secure, exclusive, and lifelong. This view is based on the biblical formula for marriage, which emphasizes the importance of a covenant between one man and one woman. By following this formula, individuals can experience the fullness of God's purposes in marriage and avoid the harm that can come from sex outside of marriage.