 1. Dating understood biblically
The Bible doesn’t have a category for dating. In other words, there is no explicit biblical instruction with regards to the how, what, why, or when of dating. In biblical terms someone is either “single” (unmarried) or married (Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 7:8-10). Apart from the category of being married, there is the period of engagement which precedes marriage, and Scripture does refer to this. According to Jewish tradition breaking off the betrothal was just as serious as divorce (Mat. 1:18-19). However, in modern times, even engagement or betrothal does not constitute as being officially wed (1 Cor. 7:25-28). 2. The purpose for “getting to know someone” romantically The purpose for any romantic interaction between a guy and a girl should be intentionally aimed toward marriage, and for no other reason. All other reasons are not legitimate reasons for romantic interaction of any kind, whatever name society has for it, whether “dating,” “going steady,” and the like (1 Cor. 7:36-38). Someone either has the gift of singleness or not. However, not very many people in the church have this gift and statistics support this (1 Cor. 7:6). For this reason, the dating relationship should be “intentional.” Again, there is no other reason to be dating than to explore the possibility of marriage. Sadly, the world has falsely created the notion that people can date for other reasons than pursuing marriage. In the eyes of the world, marriage has become passé or archaic and for this reason many have rejected the institution and God’s requirements for it altogether. Christians cannot think this way. We cannot go about our dating relationships as if dating is the end goal. Marriage should always be the goal. Dating is merely the vehicle that allows us to determine the possibility of marriage. Read full article here
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