The American Journal of Sociology reports that “Teenagers who pledge to remain sexually abstinent until marriage are 34 percent less likely to have sex than those who do not take virginity vows.” This is one of the reasons that organizations like True Love Waits exist.

Many may ask, “Why wait to have sex until marriage?” One of the answers is fairly simple - because the Bible says so. Some might respond - “the Bible tells us not to do many things that we do anyway, for example getting piercings, growing hair long, and getting tattoos.” However, we need to remember that many of the commandments in the Bible were not created because God wanted to keep us from having a fulfilling life, but rather are stated because they help us to live healthy and productive lifes. For example, during Old Testament times it was dangerous to have piercings and tattoos as they were potentially life threatening and unhealthy. Eating certain animals in those days was also unhealthy as they did not have the scientific methods to make them safe. For example, eating pigs was particularly dangerous because of poor cooking practices back then. In fact, eating undercooked meat is still dangerous today. My point is that biblical rules are meant for our protection, not ruin our fun.

The question then stands - Is it important for Christians to refrain from sex outside of marriage in the modern times and culture? I propose that the answer is still YES! It is still unhealthy in these modern times and culture to engage in premarital sex. Lets look at some of the reasons that pre marital sex is unhealthy:

Why Pre-marital sex is unhealthy

The risk of dying. Everyone realizes having sex before marriage can have dangerous consequences. Even condoms and other ‘safe sex’ devices, there is still a chance of pregnancy. If sperm, which are living cells, can make it through these devices, how much easier is it for a virus (many times smaller than a human cell) to bypass the device. More than 600,000 cases of AIDS have been reported in the United States since 1981, and as many as 900,000 Americans may be infected with HIV. Numbers in other parts of the world are even higher.

Risks of disease or infertility Many incurable diseases, some that will make both men and women infertile are spread through sexual relationships. Once again ‘safe’ sex does not offer 100% protection. These diseases-are often termed STDs (sexually Transmitted Diseases) Herpes and other STDs are everywhere. (over 50 million cases of Herpes in the U.S. alone). Why risk contracting an STD? A doctor I knew suggested that in the next few years over 1/3 of the female population will be infertile due to sexally transmitted diseases.

The risk of damaged or lost relationship We are emotinally wired to see sex as a commitment when a cased sex relationship ends, you and the other person experience guilt and pain of the unspoken promises that were broken. I have seen many people lose good friends after having sex, because boundaries were crossed that now makes their friendship awkard.

The risk of depression Pre Marital sex is almost a form of abuse, as the partners are using each other without making the commitment of life long trust and love. This often causes emotional damage that may lead to an increased chance of mental depression and emotional despair.

The risk of damaging your future marriage marriage. I have several friends who are married, or who are about to be married that have struggled greatly with telling, or learning about, previous sexual encounters. This knowledge causes stress on these relationships because of lack of trust and regret.

The risk of sexual dysfunction Every year people spend millions of dollars to correct sexual dysfunction through drugs and psychotherapy. Many people think that once they enter marriage the problems of sleeping around, pornography, and masturbation will stop. However, many find these problems to be more noticeable and controlling once they are in a marriage.

I have spoken with several good Christians who have dysfunction because of a current addiction to pornography. Side note: Romance novels are women’s pornography and can often cause just as much trouble in a marriage as the woman is expecting unrealistic romance.

The risk of pregnancy pregnancy. Since condoms and other forms of ‘safe sex’ are not 100% effective, there is always a chance that a pregnancy will occur. Unwanted pregnancies often lead to abortions (which I believe to be against Gods’ will, and sinful), or unprepared parents who cannot properly take care of their children. It also makes finishing school, and going to college, a more complicated time”

The Bible Bible. All of above reasons are good reasons not to have pre marital sex even if you do not believe in the bible, and should be enough to convince someone to wait for marriage before having sex. however, there are also biblical reasons for remaining pure. The risk of damaging your testimony as a Christian Christian. It is commonly known that Christians are expected to wait until marriage for sex. If you have sex before that time then you effectively ruin your witness as a Christian. Don’t think that others won’t find out what you are doing in secret. The risk of disobeying God

True Love Waits tells us: “The Bible, time after time tells us to flee sexual sins.Why? Because it is a major strategy of the devil to sabotage God’s work on Earth.” The Bible states: 1 Thessalonians 4:3 “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;”

In conclusion, do not let anyone tell you that you don’t love them if you won’t have sex with them. True Love will not want to have sex with that person. If they are pressuring you to have sex, they do not have love for you, but rather are using you. They do not care about you, and you let them know your beliefs. If they break up with you because of this, then you are better off anyway.