Not having sex, but living together before marriage

Question: What does the Bible say about not having sex, but living together before marriage?

Answer: We have addressed this question in several different forms on this discussion page. God tells us that we are to abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). The Bible also tells us to not cause a person to stumble, or to fall away from the Lord. (2 Corinthians 6:3; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13)

Here are some other discussion questions and answers on this or similar topics.

Christian dating, courting, and struggles with lust; Is it alright for two Christians to live together without being married?; I am a Christian teenager; Is it o.k. for me to spend the night with my boyfriend; Our friends are allowing their son and his girlfriend to live together; and What does the Bible say about a Christian lady sleeping in the same bed with her boyfriend, but they don’t have sex?

An even more important question that a couple would need to answer, is what is their relationship with God? God desires to have a personal relationship with each of us, but this can only happen as we realize we are sinners, and God can only forgive our sin through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. We must come to God, ask for His forgiveness, and then read the Bible and fellowship with other Christians so we can grow spiritually.

I trust this answers your question, and that you will live the way God has intended for you to live.

In Christian love,

Marlene Panell