What Does the Bible Say About Sex Before Marriage?

Scripture consistently teaches that God designed sex to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between a husband and wife.

Scripture on Sex Before Marriage

1 Corinthians 6:18 New Testament
"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body."
Hebrews 13:4 New Testament
"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 New Testament
"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God."
Genesis 2:24 Old Testament
"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
Ephesians 5:31 New Testament
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."
The Bottom Line
God calls us to honor marriage and keep the marriage bed pure, avoiding all sexual immorality.
Try Today

Examine your relationships, attitudes, and media consumption. Where might you be flirting with sexual sin? Recommit to sexual purity and honor God with your body.

Prayer

As Jesus said, 'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.' (Matthew 26:41)

Father, forgive me for the ways I have failed to honor You with my sexuality. I want to please You, not give in to my sinful desires. Give me the strength to flee from sexual immorality and keep my body pure for my future spouse. I surrender my sexuality to You. Help me to walk in holiness and honor the sanctity of marriage. In Jesus' name, Amen.

📚 Read 1 Corinthians 6-7 to explore God's design for sex and singleness.

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