Is the only way to have sex is if one is married?

Question:

Good evening,

I'm sure you get a lot of questions that are related to sexual intercourse and the like; however, it is difficult to fully grasp and understand the word of God when it doesn't match the heart's desires. What I'm asking is if the only way that one can have sexual intercourse is if one is married.

Why I'm asking this is because I would like to know what should happen if one does not want to be married but would rather stay committed and faithful to one person. I ask this because I feel as though it prompts people to get married prematurely in order to indulge in sexual intercourse; thus, defeating the whole act of marriage.

Is marriage the only sanctifying method for professing one's love and commitment to another person?

Answer:

Sexual intercourse is reserved exclusively for married couples. Sex outside of marriage is sinful. "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). The Greek word that is translated as "bed" here, refers to the act of sexual intercourse. See: Why Sex Outside of Marriage is Wrong.

The argument that the desire for sex will cause people to marry prematurely is false. Sex creates bonds between two people. If you are not certain that a person is someone you want to be with for the rest of your life and you are willing to commit yourself to that person, then you have no business binding yourself to that person with sex. See Marriage's Glue.

Mothers ought to profess their love and commitment to their children (Titus 2:4). Close friends can profess their love and devotion to each other (I Samuel 18:1). Christians are to love each other and be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10). However, these types of relationships do not include sex.

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