Sex before marriage is a topic that has been debated for centuries, especially considering its moral implications. As society’s views on relationships and sexuality evolve, it is crucial to explore what the Bible says about this issue and how it informs our understanding of morality and culture.

The Bible offers guidance on this subject by addressing sexual sins and immorality. It condemns adultery, defined as consensual sex between a married person and someone other than their spouse, as well as fornication, which refers to sexual immorality in general Matthew 15:19; Romans 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:1. In 1 Corinthians 7:2, the Bible emphasizes the importance of commitment within relationships, leading us to consider God’s design for human sexuality and how it translates to the modern context.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the biblical teachings about sex before marriage, examining the relevance of these teachings to current societal norms and exploring how they guide our understanding of morality within relationships. By doing so, we hope to provide a thorough and knowledgeable perspective on this important topic.
Biblical Foundations of Sexual Morality

The Creation Narrative and Sexual Purpose
In the beginning, as described in the book of Genesis, God created humans as male and female and intended for them to live in unity and harmony. Through the creation of Adam and Eve, we can understand God’s purpose for human sexuality. He designed sexual relationships to exist within the context of marriage, where one man and one woman are united and committed to each other (Genesis 1:27, 2:24).
We must appreciate the sanctity of marriage as it defines the boundaries for a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship. The Bible recognizes the importance of preserving the purity and sacredness of the marital union.
Sexual Conduct in the Old Testament
The Old Testament provides specific teachings on sexual behavior. In Leviticus 18, we find several laws outlining God’s standards for sexual purity. These laws were meant to separate the Israelites from the immoral practices of the surrounding nations and protect the sanctity of the family unit. Some key points include:
- Prohibition of incest (Leviticus 18:6-18)
- Prohibition of adultery (Leviticus 18:20)
- Prohibition of homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22)
In Deuteronomy, we find that the Israelites were instructed to maintain sexual purity within their community. The law emphasized the importance of a woman’s virginity before marriage (Deuteronomy 22:13-21) and condemned adultery, which was considered a grave offense against God and the sanctity of marriage (Deuteronomy 22:22-24).
New Testament Perspectives on Sexual Behavior
The New Testament reiterates the significance of maintaining sexual purity and goes further in addressing issues related to sexual immorality. Jesus addresses the topic of adultery in his Sermon on the Mount when He states, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). This teaching signifies that even our thoughts and desires must be kept pure.
Paul, in his letters, addresses the topic of sexual immorality on multiple occasions. He calls for Christians to flee from sexual immorality and honor God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18-19). Additionally, in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul encourages believers to “live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:1-2), emphasizing the need to love and respect one another in all aspects of life, including sexual relationships.
In conclusion, the Bible consistently upholds the sacredness of marriage and the importance of sexual purity, providing clear guidance for Christians on sexual behavior. By understanding the teachings of both the Old and New Testament, we can strive to maintain a lifestyle that honors God and respects the sanctity of the marital union.
1 Corinthians and Sexual Immorality

Paul’s Teachings in 1 Corinthians
In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality and its place in the Christian’s life. He emphasizes that we, as believers, should strive to maintain purity, keeping our bodies as temples for the Holy Spirit. The specific verses we will focus on are 1 Corinthians 6:18 and 1 Corinthians 7.
In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul urges us to “flee from sexual immorality,” emphasizing that sexual sins are, in fact, sins against our own bodies. This verse serves as a foundational teaching in Christian faith regarding the importance of maintaining sexual purity and avoiding fornication.
Moving on to 1 Corinthians 7, Paul discusses marriage and the role it plays in our lives. He explains that it is better to marry than to burn with passion (1 Corinthians 7:9), suggesting that marriage serves as an outlet for sexual desire, ultimately helping us avoid sexual sins.
Avoiding Fornication and Sexual Sins
To further understand these teachings, it is helpful to break them down into key points:
- Fornication: Often referred to as “sexual immorality” or “sexual sins,” fornication encompasses any sexual activity outside of a God-ordained marriage. Paul emphasizes that fornication should be avoided, as it is a sin against our body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
- Marriage: Paul teaches that marriage is a God-ordained institution, and it provides us with a proper framework for expressing sexual desire and intimacy. By embracing marriage, we can maintain a lifestyle that honors God and respects the sanctity of our bodies.
- The importance of self-control: In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul encourages us to practice self-control to avoid succumbing to sin, emphasizing the necessity of having this virtue in our lives to help us combat temptation.
- Our role as believers: Paul reminds us that, as Christians, we are called to represent Christ and maintain a high moral standard. Negotiating issues such as sexual immorality is part of our spiritual journey, and we have the responsibility to follow biblical teachings in all areas of our lives.
With these key points in mind, Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians effectively guide us on how to address sexual immorality and the importance of maintaining purity in our lives. By following these teachings, we can all work towards building stronger relationships with God and honoring His divine plan for our lives.
Sexual Purity and Sanctification

Sanctification in Relationships
As followers of Christ, we need to remember the importance of sanctification in our relationships, particularly when it comes to sexual purity. The Bible teaches us in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 that it is God’s will for us to abstain from sexual immorality and focus on leading a holy life. By honoring our bodies and respecting the boundaries of marriage, we demonstrate our commitment to living according to God’s plan.
It is crucial for us to recognize that sexual purity is a key aspect of sanctification. It enables us to be set apart and grow closer to God, allowing Him to work in our lives. In doing so, we develop godly relationships based on love and respect.
Defining Purity in the Christian Life
Purity in the Christian life goes beyond just abstaining from premarital sex. It involves maintaining a pure heart, guarding our minds from impure thoughts, and respecting each other’s physical and emotional boundaries. Here are some practical steps we can take to work towards sexual purity:
- Meditate on God’s Word: Regularly reading and reflecting on Scripture helps us stay focused on God’s teachings and strengthens our conviction to live in purity.
- Pray for guidance: Asking the Holy Spirit to direct our thoughts and actions empowers us to resist temptation.
- Stay accountable: Sharing our struggles and progress with trusted friends or mentors holds us accountable and provides support in our journey towards purity.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us towards sexual purity and sanctification. As we submit to the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to resist temptation and make wise decisions that honor God. By following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can develop a strong foundation for building healthy and godly relationships.
When we face challenging situations, we must remember that the Holy Spirit is always with us, providing the strength and wisdom required to overcome temptation. As we walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit, our lives will reflect the holiness that God desires, showcasing our commitment to sexual purity and sanctification.
Consequences of Sexual Sin

The Bible teaches us that there are consequences for engaging in sexual sin, specifically referring to sex before marriage and adultery. In Proverbs 6:32, it states that a person who commits adultery lacks understanding and destroys themselves. Additionally, the Bible emphasizes the importance of avoiding fornication, as seen in Matthew 15:19 and 1 Corinthians 5:1.
We can classify consequences of sexual sin into three categories:
- Spiritual Consequences: Engaging in premarital sex can harm our relationship with God, grieve the Holy Spirit, and make us more susceptible to temptation and sin. It’s essential to cherish the sacredness of sex within the marriage covenant so that we maintain a strong spiritual connection with God and our spouse.
- Emotional Consequences: Sex before marriage can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and regret. These negative emotions can linger and impact our future relationships, even within marriage, as we might struggle with forgiving ourselves or trust issues.
- Physical Consequences: Participating in premarital sex is not without its physical risks, which may include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Moreover, engaging in a sexual relationship before marriage can create a pattern of lust and self-gratification, rather than fostering a healthy, loving, and respectful union between two partners.
We should be aware of these consequences and strive to follow God’s guidance concerning sexual purity. By doing so, we not only honor our own bodies but also respect and value our future spouses. Upholding the sanctity of sex within marriage helps guarantee its rightful place as a source of intimacy, love, and connection.
Marriage as a Sacred Covenant

The Bond of Marriage in Scripture
In the Bible, marriage is described as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, ordained by God. It is considered a lifelong commitment, with the husband and wife meant to cleave together and support one another. In Genesis 2:24, we see the foundation for marriage: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Furthermore, the apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:2, stating, “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.” This highlights the significance of the bond of marriage in preventing sexual immorality, and showing that sexuality should be expressed within the confines of a marital relationship.
Sexuality Within the Confines of Marriage
The Bible teaches that sexual relations are a gift from God, and are meant to be enjoyed exclusively within the context of marriage. The act of becoming “one flesh” refers not only to the physical union of husband and wife but also to their emotional and spiritual connection. In Hebrews 13:4, we find a clear statement on this issue: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
Sex within marriage is celebrated as a way to strengthen the bond between husband and wife, reflecting the intimacy they share in their sacred covenant. As we read in 1 Corinthians 6:18, “Flee from sexual immorality… But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.” This demonstrates the importance of reserving sexual intimacy for the committed personal and spiritual union between husband and wife.
Consistent with this teaching, we encourage couples to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to honor their commitment by expressing their love and intimacy only within the bounds of their sacred union.
Navigating Sexual Questions and Challenges

Addressing Premarital Sex and Cohabitation
In our modern society, premarital sex and cohabitation have become increasingly common. However, when we turn to the Bible for guidance, we find that it clearly condemns sexual sins such as adultery and fornication. In Leviticus 18, it states that sex between a man and woman who are not married is an act that is punishable by death.
While these views may seem strict by today’s standards, it’s essential for us as believers to understand the importance of maintaining purity and honoring God’s design for sex within marriage. As we navigate these challenges together, let’s remember that God’s grace is available for those who seek forgiveness and strive to live according to His will.
Confronting Sexual Temptations and Desires
In our journey of faith, it’s natural to be confronted with sexual temptations and desires. The Bible acknowledges this reality and encourages us to maintain our focus on God and His commandments. When faced with temptation, we can turn to the Scriptures for strength and guidance, such as 1 Corinthians 10:13, which assures us that God provides a way out of every temptation.
Here are a few practical steps we can take to confront sexual temptations:
- Prayer: Continually seeking God’s help through prayer is crucial in overcoming temptation.
- Accountability: Sharing our struggles with trusted friends or mentors can help us stay on track.
- Filling our minds with Scripture: Memorizing and meditating on God’s Word can provide comfort and guidance in times of temptation.
The Importance of Self-Control and Obedience
In addressing sexual questions and challenges, self-control and obedience to God’s commandments are essential. Developing self-control is a lifelong process that requires consistent effort, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As believers, we’re called to live a life of obedience to God, even when it means going against the prevailing cultural norms.
Striving for self-control and obedience can be difficult, but it’s essential to remember that God’s blessings and his forgiveness are available to those who repent and turn away from their sins. By submitting to God’s will, we can experience true freedom and a deeper relationship with Him.
Conclusion

Based on our research and understanding, the Bible clearly has a position on sex before marriage. It emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s body for their partner within the sanctity of marriage12.
From Genesis 1:27, we can see that God created humans as male and female, expressing His plan for human sexuality within the communion of marriage3. The Bible condemns sexual sins like adultery and fornication, further clarifying that sex before marriage is not aligned with biblical teachings14.
Additionally, Leviticus 18 states that sex before marriage is punishable by death, as the Bible views it as an act of adultery2. This strict stance, however, may not align with everyone’s personal beliefs today.
In this context, if one follows the biblical teachings, it’s important to remember that sexual intimacy should only take place within the boundaries of marriage5.
To sum up, the Bible maintains a clear position on sex before marriage, urging individuals to reserve sexual intimacy for their partners within the context of marriage. This guidance, however, may be interpreted differently based on personal beliefs and cultural considerations.
Footnotes
- https://www.gotquestions.org/sex-before-marriage.html ↩ ↩2
- https://ministryanswers.com/church-ministry/bibles-stance-on-sex-before-marriage-perspectives-on-premarital-sexual-activity/ ↩ ↩2
- https://www.christianity.com/wiki/sin/is-sex-before-marriage-a-sin.html ↩
- https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/consequences-sex-marriage ↩
- https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/what-level-of-intimacy-should-there-be-before-marriage/ ↩
Frequently Asked Questions
