Dear Reader,

The subject of premarital sex is one that is being addressed more and more in some circles as the instances of abortion among unmarried women reaches epidemic proportion. You can find leaders who say there is nothing wrong with premarital sex as long as it is safe sex, and as long as both partners are in agreement with the practice. Other leaders speak out against that position, actively and passionately promoting abstinence until marriage, and pointing out the many dangers and side effects that can accompany the practice of premarital sex. God’s Word, the Bible, takes the latter position, and I’m on that side, as well.

God tells us in His Word that He created man and woman, made them with natural drives and desires, and told them to populate the earth. You can read the account in the first several chapters of the book of Genesis, the first Book in the Bible. Along with these natural desires, God laid down some rules that, if followed, would bring the deepest satisfaction in the closest relationship that exists between a man and a woman. God tells us in Genesis 2:24 that “a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” The word translated “cleave” is a word that indicates a welding or gluing together, effectively making the two persons become an actual mental and emotional part of each other even as the physical act of sex makes them part of each other. The Apostle Paul points out, as well, this unity of a man and woman, and likens it to the close relationship that God’s Son, Jesus, has with His Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Paul also tells us that the person who engages in premarital sex sins against his (her) own body. Read what he has to say in I Corinthians 6:12-20.

In summary, even though the sexual drive was created in us by God, we are responsible to satisfy this appetite in legitimate ways, which means that we restrict our activities until the proper time, within the confines of marriage. Sound too harsh? Remember, God gives us rules for our good, not just to show us who is boss.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Pregnancy Ministries, Inc.:

Chambersburg, PA 717-267-3738
Waynesboro, PA 717-762-8066
Shippensburg, PA 717-532-4446

Focus on the Family at: www.family.org

Christian Light Bookstore at: www.christianlight.org

Thanks for reading,
Pastor Ritchey