Apparently the Apostle Paul wasn't a "true believer", because in Romans 7, he confesses that he was still sinning despite what his spirit wanted.

The New Testament book of 1 John was written to Christians, and yet in the first chapter, the author says to Christians, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."

So, "true believers" are still sinners.



Marriage isn't just about sex.

Its a tough one. We put alot of pressure on ourselves as people, as Christians.
When we fall madly in love, it is hard to not let a simple kiss turn into something more- it seems so natural to take the next step, when your madly in love. but then if the couple isnt compatible, then they have made themselves unpure for their next partner, perhaps...
I also think waiting has its merits and benefits. I think if the couple waits till the wedding day, and it turns out they are very compatible, well that will crown the night off perfectly- best day of their lives and worth the wait.
Either follow Gods word or your own, i guess it is not a bad a sin as the things we see on the news etc.

"it wasn't really worth it", certainly speaks volumes. JMHO I don't need to test drive a Ferarri to know I want one.

I grew up in a fundamentalist Christian home and later converted to Catholicism. Both forms of Christianity are very clear that sex outside of marriage is a sin. Catholics take it a step further. Masturbation is a very serious sin as well.

Additionally, you can't get a civil divorce and remarry as a Catholic. If you do that you are committing adultery.

Most Christians do what they want, but strictly speaking, there's no way around the fact that its a sin.

Yes many Christians have sex out of marriage, some do it because they will eventually get married.

Sex outside of marriage is a sin.

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

I have never been married but have been in sexual relationships with women whome I loved but could not afford to marry, so I believe there can be mitigating circumstances.

It says whoremongers and adulterers will be judged.

I have never had sex with a prostitute or married woman.

And I would love to be married but if circumstances make it impossible, how am I supposed to go without sex?

So my conscience is clear.

How much does it cost to get married?

sex outside marriage is a sin accordn 2 d Bible

Masturbation is a very serious sin as well. hold that thought.

in light of the previous post I would like to rephrase.
I have mastur-ed the art of sinning. and i have sinned quite a lot, for ages.

We all have.

the bible is not detailed in its description of what makes marriage marriage,,,

my understanding was the consummation itself was the marriage, and the ceremony and documents mostly tradition or cultural in nature


if we commit in love to one person, and take vows with God to commit as one to him,, I think that is as legitimate a marriage, biblically , as any


as to divorce, it is one school that any relation after divorce is adultery,,,, but there are actually two things mentioned seperate from that condition

they are adultery itself (if we divorce for the reason of their having been adultery,,its different than divorcing for reasons other than adultery )


and abandonment,, if the non believe abandons the marriage, the other partner is at peace with God and not held accountable,,,

So being broke is your excuse for sinning?

No silly, sinning is his excuse for being broke
Sorry I am just kidding, the Devil made me do it.

I can imagine hearing this one too.

So it's just yours (and other religious peoples') opinions that they're living in sin. Why worry about them, though?

Congratulations! You have illustrated my point in one of my previous posts by claiming "mitigating circumstances".

How are you supposed to go without sex?

The same way that single men have for centuries.

The last time that I checked, sexual intercourse is not necessary for personal survival. Yes, you enjoy sexual intercourse, and you want it. However, it isn't something that your life depends on. Thus, your "mitigating circumstances" argument fails IMHO.

The OP of this thread specifically addresses Christians.

The Bible says nothing about masturbation.

I agree.

Catholics like to cite the Onan story as the basis for this. I find it to be a real stretch.

I have read Christian authors though who say that while the act of masturbation itself is not a sin, the thoughts that inevitably go along with it are.

Sex Before Date: Man Rule lol