For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
JOHN PERRY
Obviously God is directing us through His word for our PROTECTION, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, physically. However, here's what can be planted in the psyche, especially the female mindset: "Well my potential partner is rather weak when it comes to sexual temptation. If I was able to get him in bed outside of marriage who's to say someone else can't do it. So will I be able to TRUST HIM?"
We all have our little sub-conscience tests on our partners, sometimes not even aware of them until after the fact. The bottom line is trust will be eroded by premarital sex if people are honest with themselves. Also not having the will power to resist sex is more of an emotional security issue than sexual issue.
Terry Gillard
Some excellent explanations given in the answers. Howevr, there seems to be one glaring omission:
Sin is seen as "MY" acting against the "WORD"
Or as "MY" acting against the "BABY / PARTNER"
Where does our Saviour fit into this? He can be ignored (?!) as we can sit and analyse the written word? There is a biblical description of that attitude - its called "being under the law"!
Sin is not when I offend you - just see the way Jesus spoke to the Pharisees and Peter - Its when I offend my Saviour!
In the case discussed, it is resulting in a baby - but its exactly the same sin, with the same Hell at the end of it as if I had committed the act when it didn't result in a pregnancy! Should the couple get married in those circumstances?
Shirley H
As we know, the Bible is the ultimate guide for life. God does not make mistakes.
The "yoke" is mentioned 53 times in scripture. I think that the concept is obviously pretty important.
Although 2 Corinthians 6:14, this verse is not about marriage, per say, the concept can be applied.
Unity and burdens are things we face in life. The church is to be unified as the body of Christ. Jesus, the ultimate bond servant took the burden of the sins of the world.
As Christians, we take on the yoke to follow Jesus and serve Him.
God, Jesus, does not want to lose anyone. Proof of that is evident in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew chapter 1.
Study that and look at all the characters that are bound together by the love of God.