Sex before marriage is sinful (1Cor. 6:18). It is a beautiful act but only inside of marriage (Hb. 13:4). When Rebekah first saw Isaac, she didn’t fall into his arms. She acted purely and covered herself (v. 65). 

Today, most couples fornicate before they marry, even though Scripture clearly commands God’s children to abstain (1Th. 4:3). The fires of sexual passion burn hottest just before the wedding. To avoid immorality, couples must establish some guidelines.

First, the man should set the rules about what they will and will not do before marriage. Some examples would be: (1) Pray each time they’re together, asking that Christ would help them be pure. (2) Commit that they will not be sexually immoral before marriage. (3) Purpose not to engage in any physical action that ignites a fire. (4) Physically, the man should treat the woman as he does his sister (1Tm. 5:2). (5) Resist being alone in dark, secret places. 

Second, the couple should commit to memorizing Scripture together that will help them meditate upon purity. Scripture often gives mnemonic devices to help recall the Words of God, such as A-Z verses on purity. 

CONCLUSION

GK Chesterton called marriage “an adventure, like going to war.” Men who love a challenge should find themselves a wife. Just as the Scriptures will sanctify a man, so too will marriage. But he must find the proper wife. Genesis 24 lays out a wonderful plan in how to do this. Should a godly young man follow this pattern, the Lord will surely bless him with a wife that is valuable, far above rubies.