On Sunday I talked about boundaries in relationships among students and singles.  Every time I do this I always list the physical progression of sexual intimacy in relationships.  Here it is:

The Progression of physical intimacy:

Hand to shoulder

Hand to hand

Hand to head/face

Mouth to face

Mouth to mouth

Tongue to tongue

Hand to body

Mouth to body

Body to body

There is some debate about God's standard in this.  Here is the question - Where do I draw the line in this physical progression so that I honor God, honor my body, honor the other person and honor marriage.  Those 4 things are commanded, but where is the line?  Well, I think we could argue some over this, but there are a few relevent verses.  Here is one example:

Ezekial 23 - ¹ The word of the LORD came to me: ² "Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother. ³ They became prostitutes in Egypt, engaging in prostitution from their youth. In that land their breasts were fondled and their virgin bosoms caressed . . .²¹ So you longed for the lewdness of your youth, when in Egypt your bosom was caressed and your young breasts fondled.

Proverbs 5 - May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. ⁹ A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.

As you look at these two verses you will see that they speak of the exact same action (culturally known as 'second base').  However, this very same action is viewed in two totally different ways.  In Ezekial, where it is figuratively happening with Egypt, outside of the covenant of marriage (God and Israel were figuratively married), it is viewed as a lewd act of immorality.  Conversely, in Proverbs, where it is happening inside the context of marriage, it is viewed as a good, wholesome and delightful act, as a husband enjoys his wife's body.  So contrary to some popular opinion, God is not totally silent on where to draw this line . . . where are you going to draw yours?  It is a question of great importance and one to be decided with God, not with your boyfriend or girlfriend.  I can tell you this - Kerri and I were challenged to draw our line at nothing more than a kiss on the cheek during our courtship and the trust, honor and integrity that was built by that radical step has paid great dividends in our marriage and in our marriage bed these last 15 years . . . .