A few years ago this headline appeared in the Winston-Salem Journal: “Weddings drop to lowest level for over 100 years.” Much of the article had to do with present economic conditions and the effect it has had on marriage. But it also contained this statement: “Marriage rates have been declining for years because of rising divorce and an increase in unmarried couples living together.” We now live in a society in which cohabitation without the blessing of marriage is generally accepted.
The Bible, however, is very clear: God expects all sexual activity to be confined to marriage. “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4) “This is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that everyone of you know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
As we stand for Christian morality we find ourselves out of step with society. But we should not be surprised—Christianity has always been a counter-culture and it is no different today.
Claude