JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning a husband and wife having sexual relations on the Sabbath.

When we consider the very first marriage, we see that Adam was created on the sixth day of the week. It was only after he had named the animals and found that there was no suitable companion for him that God created a woman to be his wife. No doubt they were united in marriage late on that sixth day.

This means that the first day of their "honeymoon" was the weekly Sabbath! God intended them to become "one flesh." See Genesis 2:24. The Bible elsewhere shows that becoming one flesh refers directly to coitus. (Our book THE MISSING DIMENSION IN SEX explains this in detail. If you would like to have a free copy, please send us your request.) Interestingly enough, God's first recorded command to the first couple was "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" (Gen. 1:28).

In short, except for sickness, menstruation, or special times of fasting and prayer agreed upon by mutual consent, the Bible places no restriction as to when sexual intercourse may take place between a husband and wife. See Leviticus 15:19-25; 20:18; and I Corinthians 7:3-5.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible or in Christian living, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT