%% generate tags start %% #religion/christianity %% generate tags end %% #religion/christianity/conviction  While the Bible may not explicitly use the term "pre-marital sex," the overarching message from both the Old and New Testaments, as interpreted by these Christian perspectives, is that sexual activity is intended to occur only within the bounds of marriage. ## Sexual Immorality and Fornication Various passages condemn sexual immorality, often interpreted to include pre-marital sex. > 1 Corinthians 6:18: "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." > > Hebrews 13:4: "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." While the term "pre-marital sex" is not explicitly mentioned, it is generally considered to fall under the broader category of "sexual immorality" or "fornication," which is condemned. ## Marriage as the Proper Context for Sex > 1 Corinthians 7:2: "But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband." This scripture suggest that each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband to avoid sexual immorality. This implies that the proper context for sexual relations is within the bounds of marriage, making any sexual activity outside of it immoral. ## The Concept of "One Flesh" Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-5 speak of a man and a woman becoming "one flesh," interpreted as a unique union that includes sexual activity. > Genesis 2:24 (NIV): "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." > > Matthew 19:4-5 (NIV): "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?" The idea of becoming "one flesh" is tied to the marital relationship, suggesting that sexual activity should be confined to marriage. ## Old Testament Examples and Assumptions Genesis 1:28 ("be fruitful and multiply") is followed by examples of patriarchs like Adam, Noah, and Abraham having children within marriage. > Genesis 1:28 (NIV): "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'" The Old Testament assumes that sexual activity and procreation occur within the confines of marriage, reinforcing the idea that pre-marital sex is not in line with God's design. ## Jewish Tradition and New Testament Teachings 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 advises Christians to abstain from sexual immorality and to control their own bodies in holiness and honor. > 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NIV): "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God." Early Christian teachings, rooted in Jewish tradition, clearly condemn all forms of sexual activity outside of marriage, including pre-marital sex. ## Consequences and Societal Impact While not directly related to pre-marital sex, passages like Galatians 5:19 list sexual immorality as a "work of the flesh" that is not in line with the Spirit. > Galatians 5:19 (NIV): "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery." The articles suggest that following biblical teachings on sexual morality would lead to fewer societal issues like unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.