Exodus 22:16
16 If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price for her and make her his wife.
The 10 commandments are followed by a long list of other more specific laws. Verse 16 addresses the issue of premarital sex, and says that the consequence is that you must marry her. This law makes it clear that the problem with premarital sex is not just the act itself but also the ramifications of that act. This will affect any future relationships. How can one enter a marriage relationship with a pure heart if you have given your heart to another in the past? One of the traps that we easily fall into is to think only of the present pleasure, and try to separate the act from the relationship. But God calls us to consider the future consequences, to count the cost before taking action.
Lord, it is easy to get tunnel vision and only think of the immediate pleasure. Help me to remember that sex is a relational act, and to consider the consequences of my actions.
16 If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price for her and make her his wife.
The 10 commandments are followed by a long list of other more specific laws. Verse 16 addresses the issue of premarital sex, and says that the consequence is that you must marry her. This law makes it clear that the problem with premarital sex is not just the act itself but also the ramifications of that act. This will affect any future relationships. How can one enter a marriage relationship with a pure heart if you have given your heart to another in the past? One of the traps that we easily fall into is to think only of the present pleasure, and try to separate the act from the relationship. But God calls us to consider the future consequences, to count the cost before taking action.
Lord, it is easy to get tunnel vision and only think of the immediate pleasure. Help me to remember that sex is a relational act, and to consider the consequences of my actions.