Sexual involvement, either before marriage or with someone other than the marriage partner, is ____ in Scripture.

• A. Strictly forbidden
• B. Encouraged
• C. Permitted
• D. Questionable

Answer: (A)

Sexual activity is presented in Scripture as something that belongs within the marriage covenant between husband and wife. The Bible repeatedly condemns sexual immorality, including sex before marriage (premarital sex) and sex outside of one’s spouse (adultery). This is shown in exhortations to flee sexual immorality, to honor the marriage bed, and to keep the body holy as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Because of this consistent biblical stance, sexual involvement outside of marriage is described as not permissible at all. Within marriage, sex is affirmed as appropriate and good, which underscores why any sexual activity outside that bond is treated as forbidden.