The Bible teaches that sex is intended by God to be enjoyed exclusively within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Sexual activity before marriage-often referred to as fornication-is considered sinful and immoral according to biblical standards.
Biblical Basis for Sex Within Marriage
- Sex is designed by God as a unique, intimate bond that unites a husband and wife as "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). This union is sacred and exclusive, symbolizing a lifelong commitment
- Hebrews 13:4 states, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous,” explicitly linking sexual purity to the marriage relationship and condemning sexual activity outside of it
- The New Testament consistently groups premarital sex with sexual immorality, warning believers to avoid it (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
- The Greek term porneia , translated as sexual immorality, encompasses all illicit sexual acts including premarital sex, adultery, and prostitution
Reasons Behind the Biblical Teaching
- Sex outside marriage is seen as a misuse of a gift designed for mutual love, pleasure, procreation, and deep relational unity within marriage
- Engaging in premarital sex can lead to emotional, physical, and social consequences, such as unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and relational instability, which the Bible’s guidelines help prevent
- The Bible portrays sexual purity and faithfulness as symbolic of our faithfulness to God, making sexual sin a serious spiritual matter
Summary
While the Bible may not always explicitly say "sex before marriage is a sin" in a single verse, it clearly teaches that sexual relations are reserved for marriage. Any sexual activity outside this covenant is classified as sexual immorality and is condemned. Therefore, premarital sex is considered sinful and contrary to God’s design and intention for human sexuality
