For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Yes, living together before marriage is a sin because it is considered fornication. Adultery and fornication are synonymous And are considered sins against the flesh. God's Word says that marriage in honorable in all, and the bed should be undefiled, but whoremongers and adulterers God shall judge.
Lots of people live together in this day and age as so many don't have any regard or reverence for what God has to say about how we should conduct our lives.
My confusion now is precisely what defines a "marriage." I mean, obviously, Adam and Eve did not go through any legal processes to get married, and "marriage" in Biblical times was obviously MUCH different than ours are today. People had arranged marriages, were married VERY young, and often had numerous wives and concubines. Please understand, I'm not being flippant--I'm quite sincere. How is it--and why is it--that "marriage" today is SO, SO, SO different than it was then? Who determines what "marriage" really means? I know many people who are "legally married" and have sexual relations...but they don't love each other. Sadly, they can barely tolerate each other. Can anybody shed some guiding light? Thank you in advance. God bless.
OK MR Houdmann, you have convinced me, we are now going to tie the knot, and get married. Thank you.
Thank you for your answer, I just want to say the Holy Spirit has come to me, and there is no more sexual activity, and we are now going to get married after 15 years together, and I will be asking GOD for forgiveness, thank you, all of you for your warning and your help with this matter.