TW: Living Together, Marriage, and Divorce

Jewish Marriage Contract Called a Ketubah

The latest TW News & Prophecy from the Living Church of God has the following:

Perils of “living together” before marriage.

Today, it is popular to believe that living together before marriage increases the likelihood of success in a future marriage. In the USA, “the majority of young adults in their 20’s will live with a romantic partner at least once, and more than half of all marriages will be preceded by cohabitation.” However scientific research points to just the opposite! Studies show, “Couples who cohabit before marriage (and especially before an engagement or an otherwise clear commitment) tend to be less satisfied with their marriage–and more likely to divorce–than couples who do not. These negative outcomes are called the cohabitation effect.”

One reason for the failure of cohabitation is that the “standards” that individuals place on their cohabiting partner are usually far lower than for a future mate (New York Times, April 14, 2012).

In the light of modern research, the biblical commandment forbidding adultery (sex outside of marriage–Exodus 20:14) and the New Testament condemnation of fornication (sex before marriage–1 Corinthians 6:18) become much more significant. While popular opinion tends to view these biblical instructions as antiquated and confining, the God of the Bible said that following these instructions would bring blessings (see Deuteronomy 28:1-14). God knew that cohabitation before marriage would bring heartaches and problems, and that is why He inspired instructions against it.

For more information on this vital topic see our free booklet, God’s Plan for Happy Marriage.

The Bible clearly condemns forms of sexual immorality, of which ‘living together’ is a major form of that:

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints (Ephesians 5:3).

The fruits of sexual immorality are not good and do not lead to the development of the type of loving character that God expects all to work towards.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

God’s Plan for Happy Marriage This is an LCG booklet by Dr. R. Meredith.
God Created Marriage Some falsely claim that God did not create marriage and that fornication is fine. What does the Bible really teach?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?