Is it wrong?

Question: "Is it wrong for a couple to "cohabitate" or live together before they are married?"

Answer: The answer depends somewhat on what you mean by “living together.” If you mean having sexual relations – it is definitely sinful. Premarital sex is repeatedly condemned in Scripture along with all other forms of sexual immorality (Acts 15:20; Rom 1:29; 1 Cor 5:1; 6:13,18; 7:2; 10:8; 12:21; Gal 5:19; Eph 5:3; Col 3:5; 1Thess 4:3; Jude 7). The Bible promotes complete abstinence outside of (and before) marriage. Sex before marriage is just as wrong as adultery and other forms of sexual immorality, because they all involve having sex with someone you are not married to.

If by cohabiting you only mean living in the same house, that is perhaps somewhat of a different issue. Ultimately, there is nothing wrong for a man and a woman to live in the same house – IF there is nothing immoral taking place. However, the problem arises in that there is still the appearance of immorality (Ephesians 5:3) and it will be a tremendous temptation for immorality. People will think that the two of you are sleeping together no matter what you say – that is just the nature of things. Even though you may not be doing anything wrong by living in the same house, you are still giving the appearance of sin by “living together.” God knows your heart and your conduct. However, since the Bible tells us to avoid the appearance of evil (Ephesians 5:3), it would definitely be best for you to find separate living arrangements – for appearance sake – until you are married.
For more questions click here.