Sex Before Marriage?

Is it OK to have sex before marriage, if you intend to marry the person
you have sex with?

On the surface this seems like a no-brainer. You’re engaged . . . you’re totally committed . . . you’re in love . . . emotions and hormones are raging. So isn’t sex the natural next step? And isn’t marriage “just a piece of paper” anyway? Isn’t it just a matter of timing?
I would like to suggest that all these questions lead you down a path of rationalisations for giving in to those powerful feelings of desire, passion . . . and whatever else. It may sound harsh, but in the process of asking those questions, you follow society in really devaluing the exquisite sanctity that is marriage.
I think few people, myself included, really comprehend just how sacred God intended that marriage covenant to be. I know that during my wedding service, my thoughts were mostly on getting my veil straight and standing at the right time. Only years later do I begin to see what an impact such a sacred event has had on my life. If you think of sex in the context of this God-ordained covenant, it is easier to see that this really is a no-brainer.
God expects the ultimate commitment and intimacy, sex, to stay within marriage. To move it out of marriage defeats the holy purpose of the most beautiful gift husbands and wives can give each other.
So, are there other reasons to keep sex within marriage? Sure. Avoid unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, avoid the pain and embarrassment of relationships that have gone too far and then don’t work out, make your parents happy, and the list goes on. But all these have room for loopholes and excuses. The overreaching argument for keeping sex in its place is that of God’s command, “Honour marriage and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband” (Hebrews 13:4, The Message).
So, yes, it is a matter of timing. God said so.