Jacob and Rachel “dated” for seven years without behaving immorally (Genesis 29:20–21).
How different this is from today when many seem unable to go on even one date without being promiscuous. In a permissive society, little thought is given to remaining pure until marriage. As many as one-third of all babies are conceived outside of wedlock. Many of these are murdered by abortion (cf. Proverbs 6:17). Although some couples marry before the birth of their child, still about 300,000 babies are born each year outside of marriage.
Singles need encouragement to remain strong in a sinful world (1 Timothy 4:12). John wrote, “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:14).
The Bible does not sanction immorality. Before fornication develops between a man and woman, there is first a departure from Jesus (Matthew 5:8, 27–28; Mark 7:20–23; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20; Galatians 5:19–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7; 5:22; 1 Timothy 5:1–2, 22; 2 Timothy 2:22). God has not placed the sex relationship in any part of the dating period—He designated it as post-marriage (Hebrews 13:4). Experienced outside of marriage, it is sin, plain and simple. Although forgiveness is possible, one cannot go to heaven as a fornicator (1 Corinthians 6:9–11). Love is not spelled l-u-s-t. Love waits.
Purity should last throughout marriage. Families are destroyed by a lack of purity. Adultery is the only sin that breaks the marriage bond (Matthew 5:31–32; 19:9). The world is full of spouses like Potiphar’s wife and Gomer (Genesis 39:7–20; Hosea 1; 3). A leading women’s magazine reported that mutual adultery or “wife swapping” is practiced by millions of couples.
Sex is God’s wedding gift to His children. —Author Unknown
“Call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22
