What Does The Bible Say About Waiting Until Marriage? (25 Bible Verses)

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What Does The Bible Say About Waiting Until 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 fleeing from sexual immorality and refraining from engaging in any form of sexual sin. It highlights the significance of honoring and respecting our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

By waiting until marriage, we demonstrate obedience to God’s commandments and preserve the sanctity of intimacy within the boundaries of marriage.

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 provides clear guidance on the proper context for sexual relations – within the commitment of marriage. It encourages the practice of chastity before marriage while emphasizing the importance of a monogamous and faithful relationship within the marital union.

Waiting until marriage ensures that sexual intimacy is experienced in a morally upright and God-ordained manner.

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 highlights the value placed on honorable marriages and emphasizes the need to keep the marriage bed pure. It warns against adultery and any form of sexual immorality, reassuring that God will judge those who engage in such actions.

Waiting until marriage glorifies God and upholds the sacredness of the marital bond, ultimately leading to blessings and avoiding the repercussions of sinful behavior.

Galatians 5:19

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;”

In this verse, sexual immorality is categorized as one of the acts of the flesh, highlighting its sinful nature and opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. Waiting until marriage allows us to flee from the works of the flesh and instead walk in the Spirit.

By choosing abstinence and purity, we align ourselves with God’s desires for our lives and rid ourselves of the destructive consequences that may result from engaging in premarital sexual activities.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

“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;”

This passage emphasizes that God’s will is for believers to live sanctified lives, abstaining from sexual immorality. It calls for self-control and the pursuit of holiness and honor in all aspects, including our physical relationships.

Waiting until marriage allows us to align with God’s will for our lives and to showcase His love and righteousness in our actions.

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.”

In this verse, not only does it convey the importance of avoiding sexual immorality, but it also emphasizes the need to refrain from any impurity or greed. It calls believers to live lives that reflect their identity as God’s holy people.

Waiting until marriage demonstrates a commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God and free from the corrupting influence of immorality and impurity.

1 Timothy 4:12

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

This verse encourages young believers to set a positive example in different areas of their lives, including purity. By choosing to wait until marriage, the youth can demonstrate a strong commitment to living out their faith and upholding the biblical principles of purity.

Waiting until marriage not only honors God but also inspires others to pursue purity as well.

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 passage warns of the dire consequences of adultery and sexual sin. It states that those who engage in such actions lack wisdom and ultimately bring destruction upon themselves.

Waiting until marriage prevents the potential harm and devastation that can result from sexual immorality, shielding individuals from enduring the pain and shame associated with such actions.

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 encourages believers to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against their souls. By practicing abstinence and waiting until marriage, Christians can protect themselves from the destructive consequences of giving in to their fleshly desires.

Waiting until marriage is an act of spiritual warfare, safeguarding the well-being of one’s soul and enabling them to live in accordance with God’s design.

Proverbs 5:15-18

“Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed.”

In this passage, the analogy of water from a personal cistern and well is used to symbolize the exclusive nature of intimacy within marriage. It encourages believers to keep their intimate relationships solely within the boundaries of their marriage.

Waiting until marriage allows individuals to experience the fullness of intimacy in a context that is set apart and blessed by God.

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 instructs believers to flee from evil desires and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who are devoted to purity.

Waiting until marriage aligns with this teaching, as it demonstrates a commitment to pursuing purity and righteousness alongside fellow believers.

Colossians 3:5

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”

In this verse, believers are urged to put to death the sinful desires of the flesh, including sexual immorality, impurity, and lust. It emphasizes the need to prioritize heavenly values over earthly temptations.

Waiting until marriage allows individuals to actively reject the sinful desires of the flesh and instead live in accordance with God’s commands.

Romans 13:13-14

“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

This passage encourages believers to conduct themselves decently, avoiding indulgence in sinful behaviors such as sexual immorality and debauchery. It advises focusing on clothing ourselves with the character of Christ rather than satisfying fleshly desires.

Waiting until marriage allows individuals to embrace a righteous and godly lifestyle, reflecting the character of Christ in their actions and decisions.

Matthew 5:28

“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

This verse highlights the seriousness of lustful thoughts, equating them to the act of adultery itself. It emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and minds and avoiding any form of lust.

Waiting until marriage helps to minimize opportunities for lustful thoughts and reinforces the commitment to purity in both actions and thoughts.

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 reassures believers that God is faithful and will never allow them to be tempted beyond what they can bear. It provides hope and encouragement in times of temptation, assuring the presence of an escape route.

Waiting until marriage demonstrates reliance on God’s strength and provision, believing that He will guide and enable individuals to resist the temptations of sexual immorality.

Matthew 5:27-28

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of purity of heart, not only refraining from physical adultery but also avoiding lustful thoughts. He highlights the spiritual significance of controlling one’s inner desires.

Waiting until marriage aligns with Jesus’ teaching, as it encompasses not only abstaining from physical acts but also maintaining purity in thoughts and intentions.

Proverbs 4:23

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

This verse emphasizes the need to guard our hearts diligently, recognizing that our actions and decisions stem from the condition of our hearts. It underscores the importance of protecting our hearts from impurity.

Waiting until marriage enables individuals to intentionally guard their hearts and avoid allowing impure desires or intentions to control their actions.

Psalm 119:9

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”

This verse poses a question regarding the preservation of purity, offering the answer of living according to God’s Word. It recognizes the power and guidance found in Scripture when it comes to maintaining moral integrity.

Waiting until marriage demonstrates a commitment to living according to God’s Word and relying on its guidance to uphold purity in all areas of life.

1 Corinthians 10:31

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

This verse encourages believers to live their lives in a way that brings glory to God, recognizing that even simple actions such as eating and drinking should be done with a mindset of honoring Him.

Waiting until marriage aligns with this principle, as it showcases a desire to honor God in all aspects of life, including intimate relationships.

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 passage calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. It urges them to resist conforming to the world’s patterns and instead be transformed by the renewing of their minds.

Waiting until marriage aligns with this call, as it involves offering our bodies as sacrifices for God’s glory and consciously choosing to reject the worldly pattern of sexual immorality.

Proverbs 31:30

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

This verse contrasts the temporary nature of physical attractiveness with the enduring value of a woman who fears and honors the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of inner character and righteousness.

Waiting until marriage highlights the significance of prioritizing inner character and spiritual values above external appearances.

1 Peter 3:3-4

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

This verse encourages believers, particularly women, to focus on cultivating inner beauty rather than placing excessive importance on external adornments. It highlights the value of a gentle and quiet spirit in the eyes of God.

Waiting until marriage reflects this teaching, as it involves prioritizing inner purity and character over outward appearances.