[size=14pt]hmmmn[/size]

I think the problem with most christians is that we are still trying so hard to justify ourselves by our own righteousness which is gotten by obeying the law. So since the law says 'do not commit adultery' not 'do not kiss' then we feel justified to do the things which were not clearly stated. This was why God had to send Jesus to die for us because He saw that the Law could not make us holy. We are now in the new covenant which is written in our hearts by the blood of Jesus. We are now Baptized into Jesus and the Holyspirit dwells within us. 2nd Corinthians 3v6
If you are kissing, your mind can't be clean in the process. It's not just about whether it is right or wrong but about what it does to you. It stirs up lustful wishes and that is not healthy for either of you as christians. This is why Romans 12v2 says we should continuously renew our minds because what we think has a great effect on what we do. So many christians claim to be virgins but that is just physically, in their minds, they've done and undone all manner of sexual acts. This is why Jesus didn't just say 'don't commit adultery' but 'don't even think about it' because if you habour such thoughts, you are as guilty as the person who actually did it. Let your conscience be your judge.

ogaju007:
how is buying gift in the equation of showing affection? u can visit someone a million times does it show affection? excellent communication how does that show affection? do you even know the meaning of the word affection? I give my sibblings gifts, visit them every week and we communicate very well does that mean we share that kinda affection? explain to me how kissing someone you love a sin......

you are a stark illiterate!
are you really asking me what affection means? so because your dad does not french-kiss you in the mouth means he's not affectionate towards you? affection = fondness. if you are fond of your pet(a dog), you would show affection to it and you don't have to kiss a dog to show the affection! the next time you use a word you don't know it's meaning, i would piss in your nostrils!

nbright: Christianity is diverse o... Pastor Chris said wanking isn't a sin while some other Pastors will tell you that it's a sin.... Who do we believe?... That's why I do my thing my way and wait till I meet the Lord to know if I do it the right or wrong way..

By waiting for the Lord? Dnt u think that it may be too late then,what if what you do your way is wrong when u meet the Lord? That means hell for you but God forbid!
The Lord has given us His word to study and meditate on-His word reveals His mind; and we also have the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth!
Concerning the topic,i will say that one should check the motives behind the kissing,what is the state of your mind when you are kissing? Also is kissing edifying? Do you know majority of premarital sex starts with a 'sincere' kissing and hugging'?
The Bible say we shld flee from appearance of evil;we shld not also give room for the devil!
2 Tim 2:22
run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead pursue righteousness,faithfulness,love and peace...(NLT)
also read 2 thess 4:3-8.

I am a Christian (not religious) and I love kissing. Depending on your definition of sin, i think Nigerian Christians are gullible and are overly spiritual. When does kissing become a sin and where in the Bible was it clearly stated? Kissing is an emotional display of affection, and it doesn't necessarily have to lead to sex.

When kissing leads to sex, then you can call it a sin, but when it doesn't, what then do we call it, sin? Forget about the "it will lead to sex or other stuff" talk, @op question is simple and direct; is kissing or hugging a sin a not? If we are to isolate kissing or hugging, then everything we do in this world should be sinful then.

rezzy: Im not a matured christian, im still growing. I think kissing is a sin because it can lead to bed stuff but hugging is not. My fiance and i have hugged like 5 times. I will ask him when we see on his on view on kissing.

u ask him,
he says no,
everything else is story...

paris10: I am a Christian (not religious) and I love kissing. Depending on your definition of sin, i think Nigerian Christians are gullible and are overly spiritual. When does kissing become a sin and where in the Bible was it clearly stated? Kissing is an emotional display of affection, and it doesn't necessarily have to lead to sex.

emotional display of affection? then how come you don't kiss your dad in the mouth? you don't love him as a dad or he doesn't love you as a son?

When kissing leads to sex, then you can call it a sin, but when it doesn't, what then do we call it, sin? Forget about the "it will lead to sex or other stuff" talk, @op question is simple and direct; is kissing or hugging a sin a not? If we are to isolate kissing or hugging, then everything we do in this world should be sinful then.

there lies the problem!
the bible insisted the physical act does not have to be involved to commit sin. thinking about beyonce's boobs on tv is fornication on it's own. there's no way you would kiss a woman without thinking of immoral things to do with her. that's the sin!

Whether hugging and kissing are sins depend on
what is on your mind when doing it and the place
of doing it. Bedroom with you and her only is no
go area. You will want to perfect the hugging and
kissing!

nevderek: We need to know the concept of sin first.
What really is sin?

Did u know that commiting adultery is not the sin, rather disobeying God who asked u not commit adultery IS the sin?

Why was the King Saul rejected by God?
God actually said "thou shall not shed blood" and somewhere else you find the same God telling a man to annilhiliate totally a nation, sparing not even a beast. And in that context, sin would be NOT totally killing them people.
That was why King Saul failed; He disobeyed God by not killing all.

If you conduct a dilligent study of the chronicles of men and women God walked with back in the bible days, you'll discover things that will amaze you.
Lot and his family were instructed by an angel to run from Sodom and not look back, Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, but that same day Abraham was on the mountian looking directly into Soddom and Gomorrah as the angels rained fire on them.
To Lot and his family, looking back would be a sin which attracted immediate repercussions, to Abraham it wasnt.

what about the ark of covenant, a man tried to touch it and stop it from falling, he died at the spot yet Obodebom took it home and prospered.
To the man it was sinful, to Obedebom it was a commendable act with multiple blessings.

Samson sleeps with a LovePeddler yet God's spirit comes upon him the next moment when he's ready to fight.

Human beings with out societal norms and values try to define God and explain His ways. Jesus chided the Phasrisees and Sadducees for "making the word of God of ineffect by the reason of their traditions". He called them tombs, looking neat outside but full of dead, rotten particles inside.

To the one who's born again; Sin is not a set or list of actions that seems wrong, its an act of disobedience to a direct specific instruction from God at a particular time or given situation.
Sin to the christian is personal, Paul ate everything, even the meats the Jews called unclean, sacrificed to gods, but Peter wouldnt dare.

To the one who's not born again, sin has got nothing with what they do, it's their nature.. No matter how nice they may seem, no matter how right they behave, they are simply sinners, everything they do is sin. No wonder God says "their righteousness is a filthy rag to me".

NB: there are habits u dont exhibit, not cos they are sinful but cos they may put u in trouble, or put someone else in trouble.

Now is kissing and hugging sinful or not?
God didnt specify anywhere in the bible (infact Solomon did a lot of kissing with a girl he was in love with, songs of solomon and it's scripture!!!) so that leaves it to a personal level.
And personally to me, it aint.
Africa no fit tie me down

u did justice to dis topic, can't agree less wit u especially were u said "Sin is not a set or list of actions that seems wrong, its an act of disobedience to a direct specific instruction from God at a particular time or given situation." If only we can stop dis "Do dis, Don't do that attitude in christianity" only then can we truely understand wat dis calling is all about. @Topic, ur question does not have a Yes or No answer, this poster have said enuf so let him dat has ear hear...

Find Out!:

@Topic, not a xtian, but I dont think any real christian needs the Bible to tell him/her that kissing / hugging someone who is not your wife/husband (& who you can marry) is a sin. May God forgive us.

What is worse than commiting a sin is proudly defending it or looking for a way to justify it or present it as d right thing.

There is nothing like Real Christian. The day you were born again, you became a Christian. A Christian is a person that follow the foot step of Christ and live a sinless life in all raminfication under the power of the Holy Spirit. Is that true today in the life of professing Christians? For this answer to come from a non Christian or believer, it means there is hope for the world and further demonstrate TRUTH cannot be buried or manipulated. Well done.

Posted from mobile

coogar:

emotional display of affection? then how come you don't kiss your dad in the mouth? you don't love him as a dad or he doesn't love you as a son?



there lies the problem!
the bible insisted the physical act does not have to be involved to commit sin. thinking about beyonce's boobs on tv is fornication on it's own. there's no way you would kiss a woman without thinking of immoral things to do with her. that's the sin!

Don't be silly...we're talking about the opposite sex here, and someone we are in love with (not your parent). Naturally you don't go about kissing your mum or dad in the lips (you might be an exception though), and all these holly than thou attitudes of nigerians is hypocritical.

You profess you are Christians and have thousands of Churches in virtually every corners and streets, yet corruption dominate you like cankerworms. A country where people find it difficult to construct a sentence without mentioning God's name, yet they lavish in poverty. Kissing or hugging should be the least of our worries, doing good and helping one another should be our priorities.

Nothing is wrong with kissing, but when u do it with someone u are emotionally attached to, chances are high that some other ungodly things will follow.

Nothing is wrong abt going to a club house, bt in order not to be lead into temptation (our lord's prayer), dnt go there.

Omnisharp: @Nbright: learn 2be more respectful (especially, wit Men of God)..."wanking"? Stop loading up curses upon urself, u are too small a rat 2develope loud mouth!

men of God?.. I said what he (Oyakhilome) said how is that a curse upon myself?.. Wanking is the same as mas.t.u.r.b.a.t.i.n.g....

paris10:
Don't be silly...we're talking about the opposite sex here, and someone we are in love with (not your parent). Naturally you don't go about kissing your mum or dad in the lips (you might be an exception though), and all these holly than thou attitudes of nigerians is hypocritical.

your mind is filth-filled.
must you kiss a woman to express affection?

You profess you are Christians and have thousands of Churches in virtually every corners and streets, yet corruption dominate you like cankerworms. A country where people find it difficult to construct a sentence without mentioning God's name, yet they lavish in poverty. Kissing or hugging should be the least of our worries, doing good and helping one another should be our priorities.

you are veering into another matter.
what makes you think i am nigerian and corruption is rife in my country? in case you are struggling to cope with the pace of the discourse - the op asked if kissing/hugging is a sin. it's not only about nigerians - this is about christians in general!

Oga OP, what exactly are you trying to find out - if kissing and hugging is not socially acceptable or whether it is a sin? If your query is the former then you'll find your answer on this thread. But if it is the latter I'll advise you to ask God for yourself.

Abi is it NLanders you are sinning against or God? Why don't you find out the answer from God Himself rather than subjecting yourself to the opinions of strangers whose spiritual standing you are not sure of, not to talk of their ability to hear from God.

Someone once mentioned that trying to gauge how much sexual temptation you can handle before you fall into sin is like trying to catch the moment your eyes close before you fall asleep. It's a hopeless cause. Once that fire of sexual desire starts, it cannot be managed. It has to be put out, totally, THOROUGHLY. Giving yourself arbitrary limits of "no touching", "touch only hand but don't touch other places", "we can peck but our tongue must not touch", etc is useless once the desire has already been stimulated. You are just digging a pit you will definitely fall into. The most instructive bible verse for me in this situation is "Flee all appearances of evil". Evil in the sense that, falling into premarital sex is falling into sin, and making both you and the one you claim to love target for judgement and condemnation by God.

paris10:

Don't be silly...we're talking about the opposite sex here, and someone we are in love with (not your parent). Naturally you don't go about kissing your mum or dad in the lips (you might be an exception though), and all these holly than thou attitudes of nigerians is hypocritical.

You profess you are Christians and have thousands of Churches in virtually every corners and streets, yet corruption dominate you like cankerworms. A country where people find it difficult to construct a sentence without mentioning God's name, yet they lavish in poverty. Kissing or hugging should be the least of our worries, doing good and helping one another should be our priorities.

"Kissing and hugging should be the least of our worries" well its a worry for the OP, so let him be. Who are you to judge what should be a worry for one and not the other? Abeg to each his own. Stop mixing issues here. How do you know the OP does not help other people and only bothers himself with kissing and hugging? That comment of yours was just judgemental.

LondyC: I think the problem with most christians is that we are still trying so hard to justify ourselves by our own righteousness which is gotten by obeying the law. So since the law says 'do not commit adultery' not 'do not kiss' then we feel justified to do the things which were not clearly stated. This was why God had to send Jesus to die for us because He saw that the Law could not make us holy. We are now in the new covenant which is written in our hearts by the blood of Jesus. We are now Baptized into Jesus and the Holyspirit dwells within us. 2nd Corinthians 3v6
If you are kissing, your mind can't be clean in the process. It's not just about whether it is right or wrong but about what it does to you. It stirs up lustful wishes and that is not healthy for either of you as christians. This is why Romans 12v2 says we should continuously renew our minds because what we think has a great effect on what we do. So many christians claim to be virgins but that is just physically, in their minds, they've done and undone all manner of sexual acts. This is why Jesus didn't just say 'don't commit adultery' but 'don't even think about it' because if you habour such thoughts, you are as guilty as the person who actually did it. Let your conscience be your judge.

What then is/ are the difference(s) btw d the law nd d era of grace?

Kiss/hugging isn't a sin on it's own, what constitutes sin is the motive behind it(your preconceived thoughts). Then there's the issue of how it's received by the other person.
You will agree that there are times u hug a person for very platonic reasons and yet it arouses them s.exually. That brings in the issue of what it could lead to.

In both situations, your safest bet is to avoid the act altogether. The bible says 'take heed lest you fall'. You should not deliberately put yourself in a position where the probability of falling into sin is equal to or greater than one.
Kissing/hugging isn't a sin in itself, it's what it 'could' lead to that is sinful and the thoughts of your heart.

Just my opinion.

Compliance: Sex in itself is not a sin, kissing in itself is not a sin. What made them sin is the time they are carried out...before marriage they are great sins...after marriage they are no sins. The bible not only teaches us about sin but about the naature of God...there are some sins that the bible did not mention directly as sin. Eg. Smoking...but since in ur wildest imagination God would not love smoking bcs it is not His nature...that makes smoking a sin.

If Jesus was in Ukraine or any of the cold country....
He would have probably smoked to survive

To me.... Walking with God is a personal thing.

There can be situation where by you kiss (passionately) ur partner and ur conscience won't hunt you... Dat because is something u ve settled b4 God personally.

You need to ve a personal relationship with God and stop d extracting bible verses dat can make ur life miserable.

Timijo: I strongly believe that premarital sex is sinful and I know that other bible believers know this.
It is clear that many xtian believers abstain from sex during courtship, but some cannot do away with hugging and kissing. Many believe that it is not sinful while others believe that it is sinful. Look, am not talking of pecking here. But the real bedroom kissing and hugging that can lead to the next scene.
I want mature christians to shed more light on this. If it is sinful, give biblical support to convince me and if it is not, give your reasons and support it with bible verses.
Thanks.

Its an appearance of sin. Sex doesn't just happen...The guy and the lady dont just start to penetrate inside each other...It stats with some pre-sex moves...Its in stages...This stages start with kissing. pecking, smooching and all that...Hugging is fine but intense hugging that brings sexual arousement is not so healthy for any relationship...Soon parties would discover they want something more, they would realize that they aren't just satisfied with just pecking and hugging...They wanna kiss and do some intense hugging..They want to do something more...sexual feelings are coming up more and more...they are no longer interested in just hugging...they wanna smooch...and that where the devil sneakingly gets christains!
Its an appearance of sin which isn't sin itself and the bible warns that we should run from all appearances of evil.
Secondly in the book of songs of Solomon, the Bible says we shouldn't awaken love until its ripe. Means we should not awaken some sexual feelings until we can fully express it in Marriage. For me, I would personally not wanna smell what I would not be able to eat NOW...

Miss Ope:

What then is/ are the difference(s) btw d the law nd d era of grace?

In this new era, we are saved by faith not by our works. Read Deuteronomy 28 and see how God dealt with the israelites according to what they did and what they didn't do. But now, Jesus has died for us and He is our mediator seated at d right hand of God and interceeding on our behalf. It's not about what we do, it's believing that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour and in Him we have our sufficiency not in our 'living right'. Galatians 2 v 16. We are justified by faith not by our 'fleshly righteousness' our righteousness is in Christ Jesus. This is why Jesus had to come. If the law was enough to make us holy and righteous before God, then He wouldn't have needed to send His Son. Galatians 2v21. We have now been baptized into Jesus and adopted as God's sons and have received the HolySpirit who is now our Guide. Just read through the new testament and you'll receive more light.

All Contributions Well said,and this is a forum we need to share ideas. Reading the front page and last page to my post, without repetition, I want to make few comment, although all had been said.

The Question Is Kissing And Hugging Sinful In Christian Courtship?
The Question Narrow it down to Christian not just anybody or Church goer. And Courtship is meant for knowing each other well, not exchanging emotional feeling(s). To me Kissing referred to in in the Bible are for Greeting,Praise,Affection not "[s]prolonged Mouth to mouth exchange of saliva[/s]" as meant from the question. the contributions are good so far but we need a final stand (which had already been said)so as not to remain blindfolded.

Some may Say "prolonged Mouth to mouth exchange of saliva" is not a sin; because they've experience it and it did not lead to Sinful act, Good for THEM what about those that can't manage such condition?
Paul said "I Cor 6:12[KJV]-All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."

If seems good to you and you enjoy the European style while you can control yourself, be careful not to encourage other into what is not convenient with their faith. If you kiss are you the better, if you kiss not are you the worse? NO:
I Cor 8:9 - "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak."

Now My conclusion of the Matter
Greeting each other, Praise one another, Express Affection with an HOLY KISS
But "prolonged Mouth to mouth exchange of saliva" is a SINFUL ACT In Christian Courtship.

---

nbright: Go to the Palm Sunday thread and see your brother at work....

There are just two of them. I have cautioned one.
The other is a thorn in the flesh of muslims too. I don't want a black face, so I let him be

OH i forgot to say

JUDE
20. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

AND let us lay aside all non essential to our christian race. GRACE OF GOD BE UPON US ALL AMEN

paris10: I am a Christian (not religious) and I love kissing. Depending on your definition of sin, i think Nigerian Christians are gullible and are overly spiritual. When does kissing become a sin and where in the Bible was it clearly stated? Kissing is an emotional display of affection, and it doesn't necessarily have to lead to sex.

When kissing leads to sex, then you can call it a sin, but when it doesn't, what then do we call it, sin? Forget about the "it will lead to sex or other stuff" talk, @op question is simple and direct; is kissing or hugging a sin a not? If we are to isolate kissing or hugging, then everything we do in this world should be sinful then.

Don't u knw dat dis type of kissing usually takes place in the closet and nt in the public? U shud knw dat wen doing it d both don't just limit it to kissing since it is in d closet. Pecking can b done in d public and people will nt frown at it. U said it cannot lead to sex, but it wil make d both of u wet dat u wil lose control and go into d act.

To everybody saying it depends on wat u have in mind while hugging or kissing...... what else can possibly be on ur mind when kissing?...im no saint or SU dude...but lets be honest its a sin

kissing is only a sin if you have bad breath.

Wetin man no go chop,make e no put am near em nose. If you are sure you will not take it to that level and begin to regret,don't do it. The Bible in Hebrews 3:4 says that Marriage is honorable in all and the marital bed undefiled

nenergy: Pre-marital sex and everything that goes before is unpleasing to God. But in courtship how do you show affection if not by hugging and non-sensual kisses? Let's be real,ok? Courtship is for mature people,mature people who are disciplined and can set boundaries and respect them. Let's say my future wife had a bad day and i met her crying. What should i do, stand metres away and cry with her or hold her close and kiss her tears away? But the kiss must be "holy",so staying within the confines of "holy" is the problem many people have.lol Seriously, when you really love someone you'll naturally want to hug and kiss them. If its from your heart and its pure "agape", just do it.

I found this page,hope it helps.
A Touchy Subject: Hand-holding, Hugging, Kissing and More... - Vertical Thought|
http://www.ucg.org/christian-living/touchy-subject-hand-holding-hugging-kissing-and-more/

Lets say your future wife does not know what a holy kiss means

Timijo: I like your answer and the biblical verses u quoted.
Do you know it took me over 3 hours to convinced a lady on this issue? She argued and gave reasons for hugging and kissing during courtship. My stand is NO. What I need is biblical verses to support my points.

now you can go to her and let her know those verses,

LondyC: I think the problem with most christians is that we are still trying so hard to justify ourselves by our own righteousness which is gotten by obeying the law. So since the law says 'do not commit adultery' not 'do not kiss' then we feel justified to do the things which were not clearly stated. This was why God had to send Jesus to die for us because He saw that the Law could not make us holy. We are now in the new covenant which is written in our hearts by the blood of Jesus. We are now Baptized into Jesus and the Holyspirit dwells within us. 2nd Corinthians 3v6
If you are kissing, your mind can't be clean in the process. It's not just about whether it is right or wrong but about what it does to you. It stirs up lustful wishes and that is not healthy for either of you as christians. This is why Romans 12v2 says we should continuously renew our minds because what we think has a great effect on what we do. So many christians claim to be virgins but that is just physically, in their minds, they've done and undone all manner of sexual acts. This is why Jesus didn't just say 'don't commit adultery' but 'don't even think about it' because if you habour such thoughts, you are as guilty as the person who actually did it. Let your conscience be your judge.

Well spoken:: the law brought condemnation upon mankind. As 4 me ~ I live by grace n not under d obedience of d law!!! Period!!!