Is Kissing Before Marriage A Sin In The Bible? Yes & Here’s Why
The topic of kissing before marriage often sparks debate among Christians, with varying opinions on whether it is considered a sin according to the Bible.
While it is clear in the Bible that sexual intercourse before marriage is a sin, the interpretation of biblical principles when it comes to simple acts of affection is not as straightforward.
Throughout this article, we will explore the different perspectives on the matter, delving into relevant biblical passages to provide context and guidance.
As we navigate the intricacies of this subject, it is essential to keep an open mind and understand the delicate balance between physical affection and the core principles of Christianity.
What Is Kissing in the Context of a Relationship?
Types of Kissing
Kissing can be a sign of affection, love, and intimacy between couples. There are several types of kisses that hold different meanings in various contexts.
Some of these types include:
- Peck: A brief, light kiss, often used as a greeting or a sign of friendship.
- Eskimo Kiss: Gently rubbing noses, displaying a sense of closeness and affection without the use of lips.
- Butterfly Kiss: Fluttering one’s eyelashes against another’s cheek or eyelashes to show affection.
- Deep or Romantic Kissing: Referred to as “French kissing,” this involves the use of tongues and passionate lip-to-lip contact. It is typically associated with romantic relationships.
Cultural Differences in Kissing
In different cultures, kissing serves varying purposes and carries diverse connotations. Below are some examples of how cultural differences impact the act of kissing:
- Greeting: In certain cultures, such as those in Europe or the Middle East, it is common for individuals to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. While typically a friendly gesture, the number of kisses may vary depending on the region and custom.
- Affection: In some countries, kissing a spouse, partner, or family member in public is considered normal and acceptable. However, in other cultures, public displays of affection, including kissing, are frowned upon or even prohibited.
- Religious Beliefs: Some religions, such as Christianity, may have different views on premarital kissing. Whether it is considered a sin or not varies depending on the interpretation and denomination.
Overall, understanding the context of a relationship, as well as the cultural and personal beliefs surrounding kissing, can provide a clearer perspective on its role and significance.
Respecting individual and cultural differences is paramount in navigating any form of affection or physical expression.
Biblical Perspective on Pre-Marital Relationships
The Bible provides guidance for various aspects of life, including romantic relationships before marriage. In this section, we’ll explore the biblical perspective on dating, having a boyfriend or girlfriend, and other pre-marital aspects of romantic relationships.
When considering the subject of dating, it’s important to note that the modern concept of dating was not present in biblical times. However, the Bible does provide principles for building strong, Christ-centered relationships.
One key aspect is to treat one another with love, respect, and honor, as stated in Romans 12:10.
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
Biblically, becoming one flesh refers to the act of marriage, with its physical and emotional union (Genesis 2:24). For unmarried couples, this means maintaining boundaries and prioritizing purity.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
The Bible warns against engaging in “youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22) and advises unmarried individuals to exercise self-control in their relationships (1 Corinthians 7:1-2).
“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.“
“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
Romantic relationships can be a meaningful aspect of life, but it’s essential for couples to keep God at the center of their relationship. When a boyfriend and girlfriend have a strong spiritual foundation, they can model the love, joy, and bonds of Christ in their actions toward one another.
A crucial component of pre-marital romantic relationships is understanding the importance of not provoking sexual passions or emotions prematurely.
The Bible tells us to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) and advises against stirring up desires before the appropriate time (Song of Solomon 2:7).
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
“I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.”
Unmarried couples should also be mindful of public displays of affection, such as kissing, which may fall into a gray area.
While the Bible does not explicitly prohibit pre-marital kissing, wisdom, and discernment should be applied to maintain purity and honor God in the relationship (Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 10:23).
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.“
Differentiating Love, Lust, and Desire
Love, lust, and desire are emotions that are sometimes difficult to distinguish, especially in the context of relationships and physical intimacy.
Love is a profound emotion, a deep sense of connection, and commitment to another person. It is based on shared values, mutual respect, and genuine affection. In a romantic relationship, love expresses itself in various ways, including emotional and physical intimacy.
Lust, on the other hand, is an intense or unbridled sexual desire driven by physical attraction and is often mistaken for love.
Recognizing the difference between the two is essential, as the Bible teaches that lust should be avoided to maintain moral purity. Intimacy between two individuals should be based on affection and love, not merely lustful thoughts or actions.
The Bible provides guidelines for Christians in relation to physical intimacy. Ephesians 5:3 instructs believers to avoid sexual immorality and impure thoughts.
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;”
In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus states that even entertaining lustful thoughts are equivalent to committing adultery. It highlights the importance of the heart’s intentions, as opposed to just outward actions.
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Romantic kissing is an intimate expression of affection between two individuals. While it is not explicitly stated in the Bible that kissing before marriage is a sin, it is essential to examine the intentions behind it.
If kissing leads to lustful thoughts or actions, then it is no longer a beneficial or innocent display of love.
On the contrary, if romantic kissing is a sincere expression of love between two people who are committed to each other, it may not be inherently sinful. However, discretion and restraint should still be exercised to maintain purity.
Interpreting Bible Verses on Sexual Purity
When discussing kissing before marriage and whether it is considered a sin in the Bible, it is important to examine the verses that emphasize sexual purity and impurity.
Several Bible verses speak to this issue, providing guidance for those committed to following biblical principles.
In the context of sexual purity, Romans 14:23 advises adhering to one’s own conscience.
“And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.“
It states that anything not done in faith can be perceived as sin, suggesting that personal convictions play a pivotal role in making such decisions. Couples should be mindful of their conscience and its influence on their actions.
1 Corinthians 6:18 encourages believers to flee from sexual immorality, emphasizing the significance of maintaining purity.
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
By doing so, individuals display self-control and commitment to living in accordance with God’s expectations.
Furthermore, 2 Timothy 2:22 calls on individuals to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, striving for a pure heart in their interactions with others. A pure heart reflects the desire to honor God in all aspects of life, including romantic relationships.
“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.“
When it comes to expressions of affection, the Bible frequently mentions the act of a “holy kiss” (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26).
“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.”
This form of greeting was a culturally accepted practice at the time, symbolizing love, fellowship, and unity among believers.
It’s worth noting that the Bible does not specifically prohibit kissing before marriage. However, the aforementioned points emphasize the importance of maintaining purity and honoring God in relationships.
Believers should strive to be set apart, avoiding actions that could lead to impure thoughts or actions.
Is Kissing a Sin in the Bible?
According to the Bible, no specific verse mentions kissing before marriage as a sin. However, the Bible does provide guidance on maintaining physical boundaries and staying pure until marriage.
Christians should focus on developing a relationship that glorifies God and follows biblical principles.
What about kissing your girlfriend or boyfriend?
While kissing is technically not sexual intercourse, some Christians may view passionate kissing before marriage as crossing physical boundaries set in place by the Bible.
Scripture such as 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 serves as a guide to maintaining self-control and purity before marriage.
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God,”
On the other hand, some believers may argue that a simple and innocent kiss is a form of affection that doesn’t transgress these boundaries.
It is essential for couples to establish communicates with each other and seeks wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit to determine what is best for their relationship.
Ultimately, the decision to kiss before marriage should be a personal choice made with prayerful consideration and respect for each person’s conviction, as well as a shared understanding of the purpose of their relationship.
It is crucial to honor God and maintain a strong spiritual connection throughout the relationship while striving to observe the biblical principles surrounding purity and self-control.
Christian Principles on Boundaries in Relationships
Christians hold various beliefs about physical intimacy in relationships, and maintaining appropriate boundaries is essential for fostering healthy, God-centered connections.
Adhering to biblical teachings can help guide and regulate physical closeness between unmarried couples.
One aspect of a relationship that Christians should always respect is fidelity. Adultery, or engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage, is strictly prohibited in the Bible (Exodus 20:14).
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.“
Moreover, Christians are also called to avoid acts that may lead to adultery, including excessive foreplay, making out, and French kissing. These activities can trigger strong sexual emotions and desires, which may be difficult to manage and could lead to sinful behavior.
Physical touch, such as holding hands, is generally considered an acceptable expression of affection between Christian couples, but maintaining self-control is crucial.
Developing self-control can help individuals resist the temptation to engage in inappropriate sexual activity and ensure that both partners uphold their faith’s teachings and values.
When considering physical intimacy before marriage, Christians should remember that the Bible expressly forbids sexual intercourse outside of wedlock.
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
Furthermore, engaging in other explicit sexual acts, like oral or anal sex, also falls under the category of fornication, and avoiding such behavior is imperative.
To ensure that their relationship remains pure, Christian couples should establish clear boundaries for physical contact. Doing so can help prevent compromising situations and encourage a focus on building a loving, wholesome bond.
While some aspects of physical intimacy may not be explicitly addressed in scripture, the fundamental principle of looking out for one another’s best interests should take precedence.
Christians must remember the biblical call to love and respect one another, and to commit to a lifestyle that honors God and their partner.
This includes applying self-control in all areas of life, including their relationships, and refraining from engaging in acts driven by greed or lust.
Physical intimacy is undoubtedly an essential part of a loving, committed marital relationship, but setting proper boundaries before marriage can help Christian couples build a strong and God-honoring foundation for their future together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is making out considered a sin in Christianity?
Making out can be considered a sin if it leads to lustful thoughts or actions. Christians should strive to remain pure in their relationships and make decisions based on their personal convictions and understanding of biblical teachings.
What does the bible say about premarital kissing?
The Bible does not specifically address premarital kissing, but it does emphasize the importance of remaining morally pure. Christians should consider their own convictions and the potential for lustful thoughts when deciding whether to engage in premarital kissing.
Are there spiritual dangers associated with kissing?
There can be spiritual dangers associated with kissing if it leads to impure thoughts or actions. Christians should be careful to maintain purity and respect for one another in their relationships.
Is romance before marriage considered a sin in the Bible?
Romance before marriage is not inherently sinful, but the Bible cautions against engaging in immoral activities or allowing lustful desires to take control. It is important for Christians to ensure their romantic relationships honor God.
How does the Bible view physical intimacy between unmarried couples?
The Bible encourages Christians to remain pure and morally upright, especially in their relationships. While specific acts are not always explicitly mentioned, it is important to consider the impact of physical intimacy on oneself, the relationship, and one’s relationship with God.
Can Christians engage in affectionate acts before marriage?
Christians can engage in affectionate acts before marriage, but they should be mindful of their motivations and strive to maintain purity. It is important for Christians to make decisions based on their own convictions and understanding of biblical principles.
What does the catholic church say about kissing?
The Catholic Church does not have a specific teaching on kissing, but it does emphasize the importance of maintaining purity in relationships. Catholics should be mindful of their intentions and the potential impact of their actions on their spiritual well-being.
Is watching kissing scenes a sin in christianity?
Watching kissing scenes may not be inherently sinful, but Christians should consider whether the content they are viewing is in line with their values and beliefs. If it stirs up impure thoughts or emotions, it is best to avoid it.
Is kissing sexual immorality or not?
Kissing is not inherently sexual immorality; it can be a display of affection and love. However, Christians should be mindful of their motivations and intentions when engaging in such activities and avoid anything that may lead to lust or impurity.
Is french kissing a sin as a married christian?
French kissing between married Christians is generally viewed as permissible and an expression of their love and commitment to one another. However, it is important for couples to communicate openly about their comfort levels and boundaries.
What does the bible say about kissing and cuddling as a whole?
The Bible does not specifically address kissing and cuddling but emphasizes the importance of maintaining moral purity and honoring God in relationships. Affectionate acts, when done with the right intentions, can be acceptable within a Christian context.
What are the best christian dating rules?
Christian dating rules may vary depending on the individual’s convictions and beliefs. However, some common guidelines include: praying and seeking God’s guidance in relationships, setting boundaries to maintain purity, pursuing accountability through the counsel of trusted friends or mentors, engaging in meaningful communication, focusing on emotional and spiritual connections, and treating one another with respect and love.
