The Bible does not explicitly say "Thou shalt not have premarital sex." However, many interpret biblical texts to mean that sexual activity is reserved for marriage. Here's a breakdown of the arguments:
* Arguments against premarital sex:
* Sex within marriage: Several passages emphasize the importance of marriage and the family unit. Some interpret these passages to mean that sex is intended to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage.
* Fornication: The Bible mentions "fornication" (Greek: *porneia*), which is often understood as sexual activity outside of marriage. Many believe that the Bible condemns fornication.
* Sexual purity: The Bible urges believers to maintain sexual purity, which some interpret as abstaining from sex before marriage.
* The Seventh Commandment: "You shall not commit adultery." Some connect this commandment to the idea of reserving sexual activity for marriage.
* Avoiding temptation: Some interpret that people who engage in premarital sex are engaging in a form of temptation.
* Examples of relevant Bible verses:
* Hebrews 13:4: "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."
* 1 Corinthians 7:2: "But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband."
* 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God"
Different denominations and individual Christians hold varying views on this topic, leading to diverse interpretations of the biblical texts.