Yes, premarital sex is a sin according to the Bible. God designed sexual intimacy to take place exclusively within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Any sexual activity outside of that covenant, including fornication, is condemned throughout Scripture.
Hebrews 13:4 says:
“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
The Greek word for fornication (“porneia”) refers to all sexual immorality, including premarital sex. 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 commands:
“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body… you are not your own… therefore glorify God in your body.”
Sexual sin is not just physical, it affects the heart, the soul, and the relationship with God. Paul warns in 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5:
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality… not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
The purpose of sexual purity is not to restrict joy but to protect and bless. Marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31–32). Defiling that picture through premarital sex dishonors God’s design.
Repentance and forgiveness are available through Christ for those who have sinned sexually. But Scripture is clear: premarital sex is sin, and believers are called to holiness.
1 Corinthians 6:9–10 gives a sober warning:
“Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators… nor adulterers… will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Those who truly belong to Christ will turn away from sin and pursue righteousness. God’s commands regarding sex are not suggestions, they are expressions of His love and protection for His people.
