Premarital Sex

All of my friends think that sex before marriage is okay—in fact, it’s sort of expected. What does the Bible say about premarital sex?

God’s Response

Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded.But Joseph refused. . . . “How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” . . .She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away. Genesis 39:7-9, 12

Joseph drew his boundaries early, knowing that sex outside of marriage is “a great sin against God.” When temptation came, he was prepared and he knew how to handle it. Even though everyone around you seems to assume that premarital sex is okay, they do not see the whole picture: unwanted pregnancy, disease, guilt, shame, and secrets kept from your future spouse. The Bible sets boundaries—not to curb your fun, but to protect you and show you how to have the greatest joy and fulfillment in a relationship. It’s interesting that virtually all sex surveys show greater sexual satisfaction among married couples than unmarried couples. God knows what he’s doing when he asks us to reserve sex for marriage.

This Is Promising

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5