Christians are generally opposed to premarital sex for several reasons rooted in Biblical teachings. Here is an in-depth look at the biblical basis for the Christian view on premarital sex:
1. The Bible teaches that sex is reserved for marriage
There are several passages in the Bible that indicate God intended for sex to occur only within the bounds of marriage between a man and woman.
In Hebrews 13:4, it 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.” This verse clearly sets sexual relations within marriage apart as holy and approved by God. Any sexual relations outside of marriage are described as immoral.
1 Corinthians 7:2 also states: “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.” Again, this passage puts sexual relations in the context of marriage between a man and woman.
There are numerous other verses that speak out against sexual immorality more generally, which would include premarital sex (see Galatians 5:19, Colossians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). The consistent testimony of Scripture is that God designed sex for marriage.
2. Premarital sex is considered sexually immoral
As seen above, the Bible describes any sexual activity outside of marriage as sexually immoral. Sex before marriage is included in all the lists of sins in the New Testament that involve sexual immorality (see Matthew 15:19, Mark 7:21, Acts 15:20, 29, 21:25, Romans 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:1, 6:13, 18, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 5:3, Colossians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Jude 1:7). The Greek word porneia is frequently used in these verses, which refers to any sexual relations outside of marriage.
So according to Biblical standards, premarital sex is sinful and falls short of God’s standards for purity and holiness. Even if a couple is in a committed relationship headed towards marriage, the Bible still teaches them to wait until after taking their vows to engage in sex.
3. Sex forms a one-flesh union
The Bible teaches that sex goes beyond just a physical act – it forms a deep spiritual and emotional bond between two people. Genesis 2:24 states: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
The physical consummation of marriage through sex is an act that solemnizes the couple coming together as “one flesh.” It involves total vulnerability, trust, intimacy, and commitment. That is why God intended it for those who have pledged themselves to each other in marriage alone.
4. It can lead to temptation and sin
While sex before marriage is itself considered a sin, the Bible also warns that it can lead to further temptation and sin. 1 Corinthians 6:18 tells us to “flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
The intimacy of sex bonds two people together in a deep way, and these emotional attachments formed before marriage can lead to jealousy, disappointment, and heartbreak when relationships don’t work out as planned. It can defraud both partners of the gift sex was meant to be in marriage (1 Thessalonians 4:6).
That’s why Christians aim to reserve sex for marriage – it protects both partners from deeper hurt and regret, and keeps all aspects of intimacy contained in a committed marriage relationship.
5. Practicing self-discipline and purity
Abstaining from sex before marriage is also an act of discipline and devotion to God. 1 Corinthians 6:13 instructs us to flee from sexual immorality, and 1 Corinthians 7:9 says “if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
Choosing to honor God and obey His commands to remain sexually pure requires self-control and conscious effort. It brings spiritual benefit in practicing obedience to God.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 declares: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor…” This demonstrates that abstaining from sexual immorality, including premarital sex, is God’s direct will for our lives.
6. It is a sin against your own body
As mentioned earlier, 1 Corinthians 6:18 describes sexual sin as sinning “against your own body.” When we engage in sexual immorality, we are rebelling against God’s design and pursuing fleshly desires over spiritual ones. This is physically and spiritually destructive.
God’s design for sex within marriage is beneficial – it protects both partners, provides spiritual as well as physical intimacy, and glorifies God. When we go outside His design, it leads to negative emotional and spiritual consequences.
That’s why premarital sex is described as being a sin against our own bodies – we were not designed by God for sex outside of marriage, so it brings harm when we do so.
7. It gives Satan a foothold
Premarital sex can also open up doors for Satan to work in our lives. There are several instances in the Bible where sexual immorality preceded someone being cursed or overtaken by evil spirits.
1 Corinthians 10:8 warns us against sexual immorality and idolatry using the example of the Israelites who indulged in pagan worship and sexual immorality and “were laid low in the wilderness.”
Proverbs 5:3-23 also warns that the “forbidden woman” or adulteress can lead down a path of destruction, ruin and perversity. Engaging in sexual immorality outside of God’s boundaries puts us at greater risk of Satan’s influence.
8. It damages relationships and future marriage
Sex before marriage also has negative effects that can damage future marriage relationships. It often introduces jealousy, comparison and mistrust into a relationship with a future spouse. Studies have shown higher divorce rates in couples that lived together and had sex before marriage.
God’s commands against premarital sex protect marriage relationships. Hebrews 13:4 warns “the sexually immoral and adulterous God will judge.” God cares about purity before and during marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:28 also advises: “If you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.” There can be lasting worldly troubles even within marriage due to past sexual sin.
9. It puts personal desires before God
Ultimately, sex before marriage is a symptom of putting one’s own desires before submission to God. It shows that we value temporary, worldly pleasure over obedience to God’s eternal standards.
Colossians 3:5 instructs us: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” When we engage in premarital sex, we are gratifying earthly desires rather than living by God’s higher standard.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 also exhorts us: “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.” We are called to pursue wholehearted obedience to God’s commands, which includes sexual purity.
10. Christians aim for intimate marriage relationships
Lastly, Christians have a high view of marriage and believe God designed it for intimate companionship. Genesis 2:18 states, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” God meant for marriage to meet that need for relationship.
The Bible describes marriage as a picture of Christ’s relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:32). That is why Christians take marriage vows very seriously – it represents our relationship with God.
That’s also why Christians advocate waiting for sex until marriage – because the intimacy of sex is designed specifically for the sacred marriage relationship, just as Christ is intimate with the church.