The Bible talks a lot about sexual immorality being a sin. What is your take on an engaged couple studying the Bible, seeing they are living in sin, then eloping in order not to have to worry about their relationship being immoral? What passages could you share with me on this subject? Is this okay in the eyes of God, or is there a deeper heart issue? -- Brandie Fenton (Atlanta)
I think a couple who pulls this kind of stunt is likely to have major problems down the road. Spirituality, self-control, patience--these are what make for a harmonious and God-focused relationship down the road. While the Bible doesn't talk about eloping, it does recognize any legal marriage (between two non-married persons of the opposite sex--thought I'd better clarify that!) as a valid marriage. On the other hand, once the couple marries, they are technically no longer living in sin, even if they committed sin (deceit?) in order to marry. Better married than shacking up! Yet the secretiveness of eloping indicates a pattern of mistrust and independence that will need to broken if the couple are going to form a stable family.
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