I have written a book called ‘God’s way for romance’ which presents biblical arguments for purity in courtship. The Bible makes it clear that marriage is the only place for sexual relations (Hebrews 13:4). But the Bible also teaches that marriage is the only place for two people to be joined together and belong together (Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:5).
The world has what can be called a ‘relationship culture’ that says that two unmarried people can belong to each other in a type of pseudo-marriage with a degree of sexual activity. But such relationships are dishonoring to marriage because they are an alternative to marriage. Such illegitimate relationships are also inherently dangerous (Proverbs 6:27 and Malachi 2:16). In western society, over 30% of women suffer serious sexual assault in relationships. Apart from the danger of sexual assault there is also the problem of the devastation of relationship splits that is felt by virtually everyone who follows the relationship culture. Such problems are inevitable when people reject God’s way.
Sadly, the relationship culture has entered the church and people are suffering the same harmful consequences. There is a need for reformation in this area. I have also produced a talk on this topic which can be viewed here:
Professor Stuart Burgess 