Cohabitation

Cohabitation means that a couple live together without being married. This was previously unacceptable in many countries (and still is in some), but today it has become more normal. However, this doesn’t mean it is a good alternative to marriage. Couples who live together without being married have not publicly promised to be faithful to each other for their whole lives. The Bible says that marriage is a covenant, but cohabitation is not. Research shows that couples who only live together after getting married, are more satisfied with their marriage and are less likely to divorce. It is more secure for the children if the parents are married. The Bible is very clear that sex belongs only in the context of marriage.