While the concept of virginity has varied throughout history and across cultures, it typically refers to the state of a person who has never engaged in sexual activity. In many societies, virginity is closely associated with personal or moral integrity, which is highly prized and is regarded as a valuable commodity that should be preserved until marriage by abstinence. If her virginity is lost before marriage, she may be viewed as tainted or impure and face severe consequences, such as being disowned or shunned by her community.
In the Bible, a young woman’s virginity was considered a sign of her chastity before marriage (Deuteronomy 22:15-17). The Lord instructed parents to safeguard their children’s virginity, saying that if a man finds a young woman who is a virgin, not betrothed, and seizes her and lies with her, the man shall give to the young woman’s father 50 shekels of silver, to be his wife. This way, they shall not be permitted to divorce all their days (Deuteronomy 22:28-29; Exodus 22:16).
This means that young men and women should wait to have sexual intercourse until they get married to be physically and emotionally stable. Like the Virgin Mary, being a virgin symbolizes our purity and a higher spiritual purpose.
What Does the Bible Say About Virginity?
In the Bible, several laws relate to virginity and sexual purity. For example, in Deuteronomy 22:23-25, it is stated that if a man lies with a betrothed young woman who did not cry out in the city, then both the man and the woman shall be stoned to death. This law shows how seriously God takes the issue of virginity and sexual purity. In addition, some other laws relate to virginity, such as the law stating that a virgin must marry the man who defiles her (Deuteronomy 22:28-29).
These laws show how important virginity was in biblical times. Today, virginity is still considered an essential virtue by many people. In some cultures, virginity is seen as a gift that should be given to one’s husband on their wedding night, while in other cultures, virginity is seen as a sign of purity and innocence.
What Does It Mean To Be Pure?
In many cultures, purity is seen as an essential virtue. To be pure means to be clean and unsullied, free from dirt, impurities, or contaminants. In some cases, it also refers to being innocent or chaste.
The concept of purity has been used throughout history to define social and religious groups and dictate behavior standards. For example, in many cultures, women were expected to remain pure until marriage, while men were often allowed greater freedom.
In recent years, the meaning of purity has come under scrutiny, and many people now see it as a relic of a bygone era. However, the idea of purity still holds great importance for many people, who see it as a way to maintain their integrity and uphold their values.
Does Being Impure Drive Us Further From God?
With so many societal issues, such as poverty and crimes that lead to mortal sins like greed, lust, and envy, it’s undeniable that we live in an impure world. We also live in an ever-present temptation to engage in immoral behavior that leads us away from God by disobeying His commands.
However, it is essential to remember that God is always with us, even when engaging in sinful behavior. He is always there for us to offer forgiveness, restoration, counsel, and solace as we work through the process of coping with impurity, whether we are feeling lost or alone.
What’s the Importance of Abstinence Before Marriage?
While there are many benefits to waiting until marriage to have sex, the most important reason is that it helps to ensure both partners’ physical and emotional safety. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a genuine danger, and people can avoid these risks by abstaining from sexual activity.
In addition, waiting to have sex gives couples time to get to know each other better and build a strong foundation for their relationship. This can help to prevent problems such as infidelity down the road.
Finally, abstaining from sex before marriage shows respect for oneself and one’s partner. It is a decision that should not be taken lightly. By waiting, people can be sure that they are ready for the physical, emotional, and commitment involved in a sexual relationship.
What Is Modern Society’s Stand on Abstinence These Days?
In recent years, there has been a growing debate over the merits of abstinence. On the one side, those who agree to follow abstinence would prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Conversely, those who contend abstinence would result in early teenage pregnancy. So, where does society stand on this issue?
Modern society generally takes a more tolerant view of sexuality than it did in the past. This is reflected in the increased availability of contraception and the declining stigma attached to premarital sex. At the same time, however, there is still a strong belief in the value of abstinence. This can be seen in the continued support for sex education and the existence of virginity pledging programs. Ultimately, whether or not to abstain from sexual activity is a personal decision that individuals should decide for themselves.
What Does the Bible Say About Sex and Marriage?
The Lord created sex for married couples to express love, intimacy, sharing, and unity. The two become one flesh during sex, which is a way for them to connect and physically express their love for each other. Additionally, sex is a way to create new lives and families. When a couple has had sex, they trust God with the creation of a new human being and commit to raising that child together. Consequently, sex is a beautiful and sacred act that should be cherished and only shared between a husband and wife.
Any sex outside of marriage is a sin because it dishonors the sanctity of marriage, which is a special bond between a man and a woman for a lifetime. The seventh commandment states that we should not commit adultery, including any sexual intercourse outside marriage. This also includes fornication, which is voluntary sexual intercourse between people who are not married to each other. When we have sex outside of marriage, we are breaking this commandment and dishonoring God’s gift of marriage.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul teaches that those who engage in sexual immorality will not inherit the kingdom of God. He says that it is God’s will for believers to be sanctified and that part of sanctification is avoiding sexual immorality. This passage makes it clear that sexual immorality is a serious sin in the eyes of God and one that believers should earnestly strive to avoid.
There are many ways to do this, including staying away from tempting situations, fleeing from lustful thoughts, and being accountable to someone who can help us stay on the right track. By following Paul’s instructions in this passage, we can ensure that we live in a way that pleases God and keeps ourselves sexually pure.
Bottom Line
Virginity is a concept that has undergone different approaches over the years. In the past, society gave valuable importance to abstinence before marriage. While this is the ideal case that the community should follow up on these days, it is no longer being followed by most people today. However, God’s command still holds vital for His believers, and His stand on virginity remains the same.
