Virginity

     I had considered beginning this study by presenting current statistics relative to virginity. However, I think all would acknowledge that we have observed sweeping changes in both attitudes and practices pertaining to virginity or the converse, the loss of virginity in America and to varying degrees, world-wide. Virginity is often today sadly considered "old fashion" and endemic to the Victorian Age. Our object in this material shall be to clearly establish what the Bible teaches regarding virginity. First, let us offer a basic definition of virginity. "One who has not experienced sexual intercourse" (Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol. 5, p. 885). A little more involved biblical definition pertains to one of the primary Hebrew words rendered virginity. It says, "From a root meaning ‘separated,’ is a woman living apart; i.e., ‘in her father’s house’ and hence a ‘virgin’" (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. 5, p. 3, 051). Thus, when we speak of virginity in this study, we are not talking about a male or female who has not held hands or kissed one of the opposite gender. Virginity has reference to the state of one who has not, whether male or female, engaged in sexual intercourse (see Addendum 1).

     Virginity as a sign of spiritual purity. God’s people of old were called, "O virgin of Israel" (Jere. 31: 21, cp. vs. 13, 4). When we come to the New Testament, we also find a spiritual use of "virgin." Paul wrote thus to the saints at Corinth:

     Regarding this use of "virgin," let it be clearly understood that the scriptures do not necessarily require all to be physical virgins in order to be saved, albeit "virginity" is often associated with salvation (cp. Rev. 14: 4). These scriptures are referring to spiritual purity and separateness. The scriptures do, though, also use "virgin" with reference to physical virginity. For instance, Philip is said to have had four daughters who were "virgins" (Acts 21: 9). The fact that they were virgins in their circumstance was spiritually complimentary and even spiritual virginity bespeaks of the specialness of physical virginity.

     The excellence of virginity is seen relative to Christ and His church. Spiritual virginity is obviously the point in Paul’s language:

     Just as Jesus only is presented as having "one bride," this one bride is pure and holy (Eph. 4: 4, 2 Cor. 11: 2). In the ideal sense, virginity should characterize all prior to their "marriage night."

     Pre-marital sex is condemned. Many today scoff at the idea of pre-marital sexual intercourse being a sin, but the Bible is plain regarding this matter. The sex act is only reserved for and allowed in God ordained marriage (Heb. 13: 4). All other applications and circumstances of sexual intercourse are sin, according to the same just mentioned verse. Pre-marital sexual intercourse is called "fornication" in the scriptures. Fornication is simply illicit or forbidden sexual intercourse.

     Notwithstanding the then prevailing situation that would dissuade marriage, marriage was preferable to fornication and "burning" (I Cor. 7: 26; 9). Joseph of old is an excellent example of sexual purity (Gen. 39: 7-9). Joseph literally did what Paul later said do, "Flee fornication" (I Cor. 6: 18).

     The Levitical Priest was to only marry a virgin. The Hebrew scriptures are replete with teaching pertaining to virginity. In the case of the Priest under the Law of Moses we read:

     We must not unnecessarily infer from Leviticus 21: 13 that all others with impunity were allowed to do otherwise. However, especially in the case of the spiritual leaders of Israel, they were to marry virgins (see addendum 3).

     The case of a man "enticing" a virgin. The Hebrew scriptures provide detailed teaching relative to many matters, matters that are just as applicable today due to their inherent moral nature. One such circumstance involved a man enticing a virgin who was not "engaged" and, thus, robbing her of her virginity.

     "This is Law of Moses teaching and since we are not under the Law of Moses today, we cannot bind or apply such teaching today!," I have been told. Regarding some, I have asked them if they would affirm that a man today, under the age of the gospel, may rob a virgin of her virginity and simply walk away from her, all things equal and understood? I concede that there are features of this foregoing teaching that are obviously endemic and peculiar to the theocratic Law of Moses legal structure. Case in point would be the role of the father, while not to be totally precluded today, and the fine of the "dowry of virgins." I think that due to the little value we place on virginity today, we fail to appreciate the general moral teaching and responsibility resident in Exodus 22: 16, 17 (consider addendum 4). Rather than Exodus 22: 16, 17 being simply "legalistic," I think the teaching takes into account a number of deeper emotional factors; matters such as what the loss of virginity can mean, especially to the female. We answer about five thousand questions each year pertaining to all manner of Bible related subjects, including moral issues. Consider one from "Alice" that I shall abbreviate:

     "Alice" was placed on a "suicide watch" list that we keep. I do not know what happened to Alice, as she dropped off from our correspondence. I do know that she was extremely depressed and had become suicidal.

     Many after experiencing the loss of their virginity reach the point to where they just do not care any longer about abstinence; hence, promiscuity becomes their lifestyle. Some even enter into prostitution. Rather than entering the "New, liberated class," many experience the loss of pride, dignity, and self-respect. They feel they do not have as much to physically, psychologically, and spiritually offer a prospective mate. While they can certainly obtain God’s forgiveness and move on in life, it will not ever be exactly the same. Those who have the greater quality, often suffer the most, such as "Alice." Males who are after another trophy or want to satisfy a passing physical need, should realize the price that is being paid, especially by the one whom they shall entice.

     Case of man discovering that his wife was not a virgin. The express teaching found in the Hebrew scriptures pertaining to a man marrying one whom he later discovered was not a virgin is as follows:

     Again, there are a number of features to the foregoing teaching that are manifestly Law of Moses and could only be executed under that theocracy (moral system involving "civil law"). The obvious is the death penalty. Since the Law of Moses as a system (including the civil) cannot and is not binding today, these features cannot be applied (Col. 2: 14-16). However, universal moral principles found within the Law of Moses did not cease, they are only modified and made more spiritual, if you please, under "the law of Christ" (cp. Gal. 6: 2). The moral, static point involved in Deuteronomy 22: 13-21 is the value placed on virginity and also the desirability of protecting a virgin’s reputation (seen in the deleted portion in the immediately above scripture quotation).

     It is, indeed, regrettable that many cultures today do not value virginity. If you are a virgin, remain one and do not be "enticed" ("I love you and want to marry you" sort of persuasion). Your sexual purity is one of the greatest gifts you can offer your husband on your wedding night. Young men, realize that you cannot just rob one of virginity and walk away, you have responsibility. Just think of all the good results the teaching that we have explored would have from lack of venereal disease, illegitimacy, emotional disorders and scars, to sexual purity if universally applied. The requirement of the scriptures is:

     Pristine Christianity is not just about the separateness of the soul or spirit; it also involves the body (see the final addendum, number 5).  (You might want to consider, "Fornication and Sexual Purity".)