what does the bible say?

Question

Can anyone tell me exactly what the Bible says about 'shacking up' or living with the opposite sex before marriage?

Answer 1

The answer to this question depends somewhat on what is meant by “living together.” If it means having sexual relations – it is definitely sinful. Premarital sex is repeatedly condemned in Scripture along with all other forms of sexual immorality (Acts 15:20; Romans 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:13,18; 7:2; 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Jude 7). The Bible promotes complete abstinence outside of (and before) marriage. Sex before marriage is just as wrong as adultery and other forms of sexual immorality, because they all involve having sex with someone you are not married to.

Recommended Resource: Why True Love Waits by Josh McDowell.

Answer 2

Jesus said we are not to marry. Jesus told the people "there are no marriages in heaven" and " they were marrying and being given in marriage and knew not until the flood came and took them all away.

Many think that Jesus said a married woman, but he did not he said if you look upon a woman to "Lust" after her, the sin is Lusting.

Another misconception is concerning fornication, one can not commit fornication if you are married.

Finally Jesus told us do not make or take oaths, a marriage vow is and oath, in which an oath is taken and made swearing that you will not leave each other before death, an oath (covenant) can not be broken it must be must be fulfilled

What God has joined together let no man put asunder.
Once you choose each other in God's eyes you are one flesh, and your relationship is sanctified by God

Answer 3

A marriage is an union between a man and a woman, they must have sexual intercourse, because that is what a marriage is.

You and your other make an agreement with Jesus, and when all 3 of you decide it is the right time to marry; then marry...

Adam and Eve didn't need any paperwork, so don't get the lawyers involved, with any unnecessary paper work type of unions...

Answer 4

it says a man leaves his parent's home and cleaves unto his wife, and the two become one flesh. Basically meaning that when a man and woman "shack up" and have sex, and stay together as a couple, as long as they are comitted to one another, they are basically "married" in God's eyes. But it needs to be a comittment, and not one shack job after another, as that's fornication.

Answer 5

It is wrong, it is called fornication, or sex outside of marriage as I'm sure there are no vows of Celibacy in this "shacking " arrangement.

Answer 6

It was the way people got married before the ritualization of marriage. If a man 'knew' a woman, he was then married to her. You can start with Cain.

Answer 7

the Bible calls it fornication,it say's fornicaters,adulters,idol worshipers will not see the kingdom of heaven.Read in 1 corinthians 6:9

Answer 8

The Bible calls it fornication. It is a gross sin.
However, if you are not a Christian or do not believe in God-it really does not apply to you.

Answer 9

Is it Acceptable for Couples to Live Together Without Marriage?


As we know, in our present society this is a common practice by many couples. However, this is not considered acceptable to a Christian life-style for the following reasons:


(a) Sexual Impurity -- Unmarried couples who live together usually have a sexual relationship. As already mentioned, premarital sex is sin condemned by God’s Word. If a believer wishes to be obedient to God and His will, they will refrain from sexual impurity. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thess. 4:3).


(b) The Appearance of Sin -- Not only does the Bible teach that believers are not to live a life-style of sin, but they are even to avoid the “appearance” of sin (1 Thess. 5:22). Even if a couple does not have sexual relations while living together, sleeping in the same dwelling gives every appearance that they do.


Regardless of whatever innocent intentions that some couples might have, the appearance of living together tends to endorse sexual impurity and sets a bad example to other Christians. We all have an obligation to our brethren, not to provide a stumbling block to their faith. “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak... when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ” (1 Cor. 8:9, 12).


(c) Exposure to Temptation -- Even if an unmarried couple plan to refrain from premarital sex, living together could allow temptation to compromise those standards. The Bible teaches us to flee lusts and other temptations which could cause us to sin (2 Tim. 2:22). When we give our desires over to lust and temptation, it leads to sin, and the Bible says that sin leads to death. “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:14-15.


We are taught to avoid temptation for our own sake, but should also comply as a good example for others. Even if a couple living together were strong enough to abstain from sexual relations, would those who follow their example also be able to be strong enough to overcome temptation? Set a good example for other couples in the body of Christ.

Answer 10

It says it's wrong, as fornication is wrong. I can't quote scripture, but just search the Internet or as a pastor.