How does Exodus 22:16 guide us in valuing purity and commitment today? Setting the Scene “If a man entices a virgin who is not pledged to be married and lies with her, he must pay the bride price for her to be his wife.” — Exodus 22:16 What the Verse Meant Then • Sexual intimacy was inseparably linked to covenant. • “Bride price” publicly honored the woman and compensated her family. • The man’s responsibility was immediate and lifelong; he could not treat intimacy as casual. (See also Deuteronomy 22:28-29.) Timeless Principles We Carry Forward • Purity matters—God treats premarital sex as a breach of covenant. • Commitment follows intimacy—responsibility cannot be separated from desire. • Honor protects the vulnerable—God safeguards those who could be exploited. How This Shapes Our View of Purity Today • Sex is sacred, reserved for marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Hebrews 13:4). • Casual hookups contradict God’s design; desire must be governed by self-control (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). • Purity is not merely physical; Jesus applies it to the heart and eyes (Matthew 5:27-28). Practical Steps for Modern Commitment • Define boundaries before dating begins. • Honor your future spouse by exclusive fidelity now. • When attraction grows, pursue godly counsel and transparent accountability. • If sin has occurred, confess, repent, and pursue restoration—God’s grace is sufficient (1 John 1:9). For Those Preparing for Marriage • Remember that vows are covenantal, not contractual (Malachi 2:14). • Husbands are called to sacrificial love; wives to respectful partnership (Ephesians 5:25-33). • Financial, emotional, and spiritual readiness all signal respect for the “bride price” principle—taking full responsibility before uniting lives. Encouragement for Every Season • God’s commands protect joy; purity today builds trust tomorrow. • Commitment is counter-cultural but life-giving; it reflects Christ’s unwavering love for His Church. |
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