"Is it wrong for a couple to live together
before marriage?
Answer: The answer to this
question depends somewhat on what is meant by “living together.” If it means
having sexual relations – it is definitely sinful. Premarital sex is repeatedly
condemned in Scripture along with all other forms of sexual immorality (Acts
15:20; Romans 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:13,18; 7:2; 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:21;
Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Jude 7).
The Bible promotes complete abstinence outside of (and before) marriage. Sex
before marriage is just as wrong as adultery and other forms of sexual
immorality, because they all involve having sex with someone you are not
married to.
If "living together" means living in the same house, that is perhaps
somewhat of a different issue. Ultimately, there is nothing wrong for a man and
a woman to live in the same house – IF there is nothing immoral taking place.
However, the problem arises in that there is still the appearance of immorality
(1 Thessalonians 5:22; Ephesians 5:3) and it will be a tremendous temptation
for immorality. The Bible tells us to flee immorality, not expose ourselves to
constant temptations to immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). Then there is the
problem of appearances. A couple that is living together is assumed to be
sleeping together – that is just the nature of things. Even though living in
the same house is not sinful in and of itself, the appearance of sin is being
given. The Bible tells us to avoid the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians
5:22; Ephesians 5:3), to flee from immorality, and not to cause anyone to
stumble or be offended. As a result, it is not honoring to God for a couple to
live together before marriage.
Recommended Resource: Why True Love Waits….by Josh McDowell
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