Can You Live Together Before Marriage According to the Bible?
In today’s society, the question of whether it is permissible to live together before marriage has become increasingly controversial. Many Christians are torn between their personal beliefs and the teachings of the Bible. This article aims to explore the topic of cohabitation before marriage from a biblical perspective, examining both the arguments for and against this practice.
Arguments Against Cohabitation Before Marriage
Some Christians argue that living together before marriage is biblically impermissible. They base their stance on several scriptural passages. For instance, 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 states, “But because of fornication, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise also the wife to her husband. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” This passage suggests that sexual relations should only be engaged in within the bounds of marriage.
Another argument against cohabitation is found in Proverbs 5:15-20, which describes the wife as a “mystic rose garden” and encourages the husband to “rejoice in the wife of your youth.” This passage implies that sexual intimacy should be reserved for the marriage relationship.
Arguments For Cohabitation Before Marriage
On the other hand, some Christians believe that living together before marriage can be beneficial for couples. They argue that cohabitation allows them to better understand each other and work through potential issues before committing to a lifelong marriage. Proverbs 18:22 states, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” This passage suggests that finding a suitable partner is a valuable endeavor.
Furthermore, some Christians point to the fact that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit cohabitation. They argue that the biblical focus is on the sanctity of marriage, rather than the timing of when a couple decides to live together.
Conclusion
The question of whether it is permissible to live together before marriage according to the Bible is a complex and nuanced issue. While some Christians argue that cohabitation is biblically impermissible, others believe that it can be a valuable step towards a healthy marriage. Ultimately, the decision to live together before marriage should be made with careful consideration of personal beliefs, biblical teachings, and the potential consequences of such a decision.
