what is sex before marriage called in the bible:-Sex before marriage, a topic that has been debated and discussed for centuries, holds significant weight in various religious texts, including the Bible. The Bible provides clear guidelines on sexual behavior, particularly emphasizing the sanctity of marriage. In this article, we will explore what sex before marriage is called in the Bible, the biblical perspective on this act, and its implications for believers.
What is Sex Before Marriage Called in the Bible?
In the Bible, sex before marriage is referred to as “fornication.” The term “fornication” comes from the Greek word “porneia,” which encompasses a broad range of sexual immorality, including premarital sex, adultery, and other forms of illicit sexual behavior. Fornication is consistently condemned in both the Old and New Testaments as a sin against God’s commandments.
Biblical References to Fornication
Several passages in the Bible address fornication, highlighting its consequences and the moral standards expected of believers. Here are some key verses that discuss fornication:
1. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, the Apostle Paul writes, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This passage emphasizes the seriousness of sexual immorality, including fornication. Paul urges believers to avoid sexual sin, recognizing that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be kept pure.
2. Galatians 5:19-21
In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists fornication among the “works of the flesh” that prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. He writes, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Here, fornication is grouped with other sinful behaviors that are contrary to the will of God. The passage serves as a warning to believers to live in accordance with God’s commandments.
3. Hebrews 13:4
Hebrews 13:4 offers guidance on the sanctity of marriage, stating, “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 highlights the importance of maintaining sexual purity within the context of marriage. It underscores that sex is a sacred act reserved for marriage, and those who engage in fornication will be judged by God.
The Consequences of Fornication in the Bible
The Bible not only condemns fornication but also outlines the spiritual and moral consequences of engaging in sex before marriage. These consequences include:
1. Separation from God
Fornication is considered a sin that creates a barrier between individuals and God. Isaiah 59:2 states, “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Engaging in fornication can lead to spiritual separation from God, affecting one’s relationship with Him.
2. Damage to the Soul
In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul explains that fornication is a sin against one’s own body, which can have long-lasting spiritual and emotional effects. Engaging in premarital sex can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and emotional turmoil, which can impact one’s spiritual well-being.
3. Judgment from God
As mentioned in Hebrews 13:4, those who engage in fornication are subject to God’s judgment. The Bible warns that unrepentant sinners will face consequences in this life and the next.
The Importance of Sexual Purity in the Bible
The Bible places a strong emphasis on sexual purity, viewing it as a reflection of one’s commitment to God and adherence to His commandments. Here are some reasons why sexual purity is important in the biblical context:
1. Obedience to God’s Commandments
Maintaining sexual purity is an act of obedience to God’s commandments. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, Paul writes, “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.”
2. Preservation of the Marriage Covenant
Sexual purity before marriage is essential for preserving the sanctity of the marriage covenant. The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman, and sexual intimacy is a gift that should be reserved for this covenant relationship.
3. Protection of Spiritual and Emotional Well-being
By adhering to the biblical standards of sexual purity, individuals can protect their spiritual and emotional well-being. Avoiding fornication helps prevent the guilt, shame, and emotional consequences that often accompany premarital sex.
Redemption and Forgiveness for Fornication
While the Bible clearly condemns fornication, it also offers a message of redemption and forgiveness for those who have sinned. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can receive forgiveness and be restored to a right relationship with God.
1. Repentance
Repentance involves acknowledging one’s sin, turning away from it, and seeking God’s forgiveness. In 1 John 1:9, the Bible promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
2. Forgiveness through Christ
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross provides the means for forgiveness and redemption. Romans 5:8-9 states, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, sex before marriage is referred to as fornication in the Bible, and it is consistently condemned as a sin. The Bible emphasizes the importance of sexual purity, viewing it as an act of obedience to God and a reflection of one’s commitment to His commandments. While fornication has serious spiritual consequences, the Bible also offers a message of redemption and forgiveness through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. By adhering to biblical teachings on sexual purity, believers can honor God and protect their spiritual and emotional well-being.
