Cohabitation is a common practice, yet the Bible offers specific views on marriage and commitment. We’ll look at what Scripture says about relationships and living together before marriage.
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What Does The Bible Say About Living With Someone Before Marriage
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding sexual immorality. It highlights the significance of purity in God’s eyes and the negative consequences of engaging in sexual sin.
Living with someone before marriage and engaging in sexual activities goes against God’s design for relationships. It is important to flee from such behaviors and honor God’s commandments by waiting for marriage before engaging in sexual intimacy.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.”
This verse addresses the issue of sexual immorality and provides guidance on the appropriate outlet for sexual desires. It states that each man should have sexual relations with his own wife and each woman with her own husband.
Living together before marriage promotes sexual immorality, while the biblical principle is to engage in sexual intimacy within the bounds of marriage. This verse encourages individuals to uphold God’s design for marriage and to express their sexual desires in the context of a committed marital relationship.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
“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”
God’s will for believers is to be sanctified and avoid sexual immorality. This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control and living a life that is holy and honorable in God’s sight.
Living with someone before marriage disregards the call to self-control and the pursuit of holiness. It is essential to align our actions with God’s will and choose a lifestyle that reflects purity and righteousness.
Ephesians 5:3
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
This verse emphasizes the expectation for God’s people to live a life free from any form of sexual immorality, impurity, or greed. It highlights that such behaviors are improper for those who are called to be holy.
Living together before marriage falls under the category of sexual immorality and impurity. As followers of Christ, we are called to reject these behaviors and live in a manner that reflects the holiness of God.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This verse underscores the importance of honoring marriage and keeping the marriage bed pure. It highlights that God will judge those who engage in adultery and sexual immorality.
Living with someone before marriage and engaging in sexual activities disregards the sacredness of marriage and violates God’s commandments. It is essential to honor the sanctity of marriage and uphold the purity of the marriage bed.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse highlights the consequences of engaging in sexual immorality and other sinful behaviors. It warns that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God and lists various immoral actions that lead to exclusion from God’s kingdom.
Living together before marriage and participating in sexual activities falls under the category of sexual immorality. This verse serves as a reminder of the eternal consequences of such actions and the importance of repentance and turning away from sin.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse identifies various acts of the flesh, including sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery. It makes it clear that those who engage in such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Living with someone before marriage and engaging in sexual activities align with the acts of the flesh mentioned in this verse. It is crucial to strive for purity and righteousness, avoiding the lifestyles and behaviors that lead to separation from God’s kingdom.
Colossians 3:5-6
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”
This verse urges believers to put to death the desires and behaviors associated with their earthly nature, including sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed. It warns of the coming wrath of God as a consequence of engaging in such actions.
Living together before marriage and partaking in sexual activities are expressions of the earthly nature and go against the call to put these desires to death. It is essential to pursue a life that reflects the righteousness and holiness that God desires.
Romans 13:14
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
This verse encourages believers to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and avoid making provisions for the flesh to gratify its desires. It urges a transformation in mindset and lifestyle, prioritizing the desires of Christ over the desires of the flesh.
Living together before marriage and engaging in sexual activities cater to the desires of the flesh. As followers of Christ, we are called to deny the flesh, aligning our desires with the will of God.
1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
This verse addresses believers as foreigners and exiles in this world and urges them to abstain from sinful desires. It recognizes the spiritual battle waged against the soul by such desires.
Living together before marriage and participating in sexual activities are examples of sinful desires that this verse calls believers to abstain from. It is important to recognize the spiritual implications and consequences of these actions and make choices that align with God’s will.
Romans 12:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. It emphasizes the need for transformation through the renewing of the mind, enabling discernment and aligning with God’s will.
Living together before marriage and engaging in sexual activities conform to the pattern of this world and do not reflect the transformation and renewal called for in this verse. It is important to offer our bodies and lives as sacrifices to God, following His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Proverbs 5:3-5
“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”
This verse depicts the deceptive nature of engaging in sexual immorality. It warns of the enticing words and alluring speech of an adulterous woman, but also highlights the bitter and deadly consequences that follow.
Living together before marriage and engaging in sexual activities align with the path that leads to destruction. It is essential to heed the warnings in God’s Word and choose a lifestyle that reflects wisdom and righteousness.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse assures believers that no temptation is beyond what can be overcome with God’s help. It emphasizes God’s faithfulness and His provision of a way out when faced with temptation.
Living together before marriage and engaging in sexual activities present temptations that can be avoided with the guidance and strength of God. It is important to trust in His faithfulness and rely on His provision of a way out in order to honor His commands.
Matthew 19:5-6
“‘For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse highlights the divine institution of marriage and the sacred bond that is formed between a husband and wife. It emphasizes the oneness and indissolubility of the marital union, declaring that it is not to be separated by anyone.
Living together before marriage undermines the significance and sanctity of marriage. It is important to recognize the beauty of God’s design for marriage and to honor it by waiting for the appropriate time to enter into this covenantal relationship.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This verse encourages believers to actively seek opportunities to support and encourage one another, promoting love and good deeds. It emphasizes the importance of gathering together in fellowship, especially as the return of Christ draws nearer.
Living together before marriage can isolate individuals from the accountability and support of a biblical community. It is important to prioritize fellowship and surround ourselves with fellow believers who can guide and encourage us in our pursuit of godliness.
Proverbs 6:32-33
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away.”
This verse highlights the destruction and consequences that come from committing adultery. It emphasizes the lack of wisdom and understanding in engaging in such behavior.
Living together before marriage and engaging in sexual activities can lead to the destruction of relationships and emotional turmoil. It is important to consider the long-term consequences and choose a path that aligns with God’s design for relationships.
Proverbs 5:18
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.”
This verse expresses a blessing on the marital union and encourages rejoicing in the spouse of one’s youth. It highlights the joy and fulfillment that can be found within the bounds of a God-honoring marriage.
Living together before marriage prevents the full enjoyment of the blessings and joys that come with a committed marital relationship. It is important to wait for God’s timing and experience the complete fulfillment that comes from honoring His plan for marriage.
Psalm 119:9
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
This verse acknowledges the challenges of maintaining purity and seeks guidance in God’s Word. It recognizes the importance of aligning one’s life with God’s teachings and commands.
Living together before marriage poses a significant challenge to maintaining purity. It is crucial to seek strength and wisdom from God’s Word and live in a manner that reflects His desires for holiness and righteousness.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
This verse encourages believers to flee from evil desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with fellow believers who have pure hearts.
Living together before marriage feeds into the evil desires of our youth. It is important to flee from these temptations and pursue a lifestyle that reflects righteousness and purity, alongside others who are also dedicated to following the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9
“Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
This verse addresses the unmarried and widows, highlighting the benefits of remaining unmarried. It recognizes, however, that if individuals struggle with self-control, it is better for them to marry than to be consumed by passion.
Living together before marriage can be a result of failing to exercise self-control. It is important to prayerfully consider one’s ability to maintain purity and seek God’s guidance in the decision to marry rather than to be led by burning passions.
1 Corinthians 6:13
“You say, ‘Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.’ The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
This verse confronts the Corinthians’ justification of sexual immorality by comparing it to the natural bodily function of eating. It emphasizes that the body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord.
Living together before marriage goes against the purpose for which our bodies were created. It is important to honor God with our bodies by using them in a manner that aligns with His design, seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives.
1 Corinthians 7:36-37
“If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married.”
This verse addresses the concerns of those who are engaged and acknowledges the impact of strong passions. It affirms that if individuals deem it necessary to marry due to their passions, they should do so without sinning.
Living together before marriage can arise from a genuine desire to satisfy strong passions. It is important to evaluate the purity of one’s intentions and seek marriage if necessary, avoiding sin and upholding God’s commands.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse describes the foundational pattern of marriage, where a man leaves his parents and is joined to his wife, becoming one flesh. It illustrates the unity and intimacy that is meant to be experienced within a marital relationship.
Living together before marriage undermines the establishment of this pattern and compromises the uniqueness and sacredness of the marital bond. It is important to wait for the proper commitment of marriage to fully experience the oneness that God intends for a husband and wife.