Is paying lobola equivalent to marriage?
Question:
Greetings, I would like to know if lobola (bride price) is equivalent to marriage with regards to sexual relations. I have recently paid lobola (bride price) but not the full amount, I am saving money and will pay the full price next and then get married. My curiosity is: Is it ok still sinful to have sexual relations after paying the bride price and having been declared the groom and the bride but prior to marriage?
Answer:
As you noted, you are not yet married. There is no covenant entered into (Malachi 2:14), just an intention to enter a covenant with her. Until the wedding takes place and you made a covenant with her, sex is not allowed. "Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge" (Hebrews 13:4).
