Why Does God Want Us To Wait Until Marriage?
In today’s sexually-charged culture, saving sex for marriage can seem old-fashioned or unrealistic. Yet millions of people still believe God wants us to wait until marriage before having sex. If you’re wondering why, you’re not alone.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: According to the Bible, sex is a sacred gift from God meant only for a husband and wife. Waiting honors God and leads to true fulfillment and joy in marriage.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the biblical, practical, and personal reasons God calls us to reserve sex for marriage.
The Bible Sets Sex Apart for Marriage
Sex Is a Sacred Gift from God
The Bible teaches that sex is a beautiful and sacred gift from God that is meant to be enjoyed only within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24). God designed sex to spiritually, emotionally, and physically bond husband and wife together as one flesh.
Sex involves a level of intimacy and vulnerability that God intended to be reserved for marriage.
Sex is repeatedly referred to in Scripture as a gift from God that is honorable and pure when enjoyed as God designed it (Hebrews 13:4). But like any gift from God, sex can be horribly misused and abused when taken outside God’s boundaries.
That is why God’s Word clearly instructs us to wait until marriage to engage in sex.
Sex Forms a Covenant Between Spouses
The Bible explains that the act of sex forms a covenant between the man and woman who engage in it (Malachi 2:14). God’s design is for this covenant to be made within the sacred commitment of marriage between one man and one woman.
Sex outside of marriage goes directly against God’s intentional design for this sacred act. Having multiple sexual partners or engaging casually in sex outside of marriage fails to grasp the sanctity and depth of meaning God intends the act of sex to have.
Sex Outside of Marriage Is Sin
God could not be more clear in His Word that sex outside of marriage is sinful. There are countless verses that prohibit fornication (sex before marriage), adultery (sex with someone other than your spouse), and other forms of sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18, Galatians 5:19, 1 Thessalonians 4:3).
God does not forbid sex because He wants to withhold something good from us. On the contrary, He instructs us to wait until marriage for our own protection and joy. Just as a loving parent sets boundaries for their child’s safety, God sets boundaries around sex to protect us from harm, disease, unplanned pregnancy, emotional distress, and more.
When we trust God’s design for sex within marriage, we experience it as the beautiful, intimate gift it was meant to be. Waiting until marriage may require self-control and patience, but it allows married couples to fully embrace the sacred nature of sex that God intended.
Practical Benefits of Waiting for Marriage
Avoids Risks of Premarital Sex
Engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage can expose individuals to serious risks. Premarital sex increases the chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HPV.
According to the CDC, people aged 15-24 account for 50% of new STIs annually despite being only 25% of the sexually active population. Avoiding premarital sex is one of the most effective ways to prevent STIs.
In addition, premarital sex can lead to unplanned pregnancies. According to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, nearly 1 in 4 women in America will have an unplanned pregnancy by age 20. Unplanned pregnancies can derail education and career goals.
They may also strain the emotional and financial resources of unmarried couples. Saving sex for marriage allows couples to avoid this risk altogether.
Builds Trust and Intimacy
Waiting until marriage to have sex allows couples to build emotional intimacy first. Without the pressure of sexual activity, couples can focus on communicating well and learning about one another’s values, hopes, dreams, and goals.
Developing a strong friendship and deep level of trust provides a solid foundation for a lasting marriage.
Sex in marriage becomes an expression of intimacy instead of just physical pleasure. Studies show that couples who wait for sex report higher relationship satisfaction, better communication, and greater sexual fulfillment within marriage.
Saving sexual intimacy for marriage allows it to become a sacred act between spouses.
Increases Sexual Satisfaction in Marriage
Contrary to popular belief, waiting until marriage to have sex may actually improve sex life in marriage. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Family Psychology surveyed over 2,200 married couples.
Researchers found that couples who delayed sex until marriage reported higher marital quality and sexual satisfaction compared to those who had premarital sex.
Why does this happen? When sex is reserved for marriage, there is greater excitement, anticipation, and novelty of having sex for the first time within wedding vows. Partners are able to explore sexual compatibility at their own pace without pressure or rushed timelines.
There are also no comparisons to previous sexual partners or experiences. Couples can learn and grow together when sex is linked exclusively to marriage.
Waiting Honors God and Your Future Spouse
Obedience Shows Love for God
When God gives us commands in the Bible, it is an act of love to obey them. God asks us to save sexual intimacy for marriage not to withhold something good, but to protect us and help us thrive in relationships that honor Him.
As we choose obedience, we build trust with God and show that we value His wisdom and care for our well-being.
Patience Develops Character and Integrity
Waiting until marriage requires patience and self-control. As we say “no” to physical temptation now, we grow in godly character and cultivate strong morals for the future. This builds integrity that will help sustain a lifelong commitment in marriage.
Saving Yourself for Your Spouse Shows Love
Honoring God’s command to remain sexually pure also demonstrates love for your future husband or wife. Guarding your heart and reserving sexual intimacy for marriage gives a profound gift – the security that you have never shared this special bond with anyone else.
This cultivates trust and strengthens the marital union.
In a recent study, 88% of married people who saved intercourse for marriage reported happiness, compared to 80% who had intercourse beforehand. This indicates the blessing and fulfillment found by following God’s design for sexuality and marriage.
Conclusion
God’s command to wait for marriage is not meant to punish us or diminish sexuality. Rather, it safeguards the beauty and joy of sex while honoring God and others.
Trusting God’s timing and wisdom leads to true fulfillment. If you’re waiting, be encouraged. Your patience will be rewarded with the gift of sex as God intended – in marriage.
