Gospel Symbol:

There was no particular gospel symbol which directly address pre-marital sex so, our group decided to

relate it to Jesus as The Good Sheperd. Primarily, to comprehend further the purpose of a shepherd

during the times of Jesus, it is helpful to realize that sheep are defenseless and dependent upon the

shepherd. Sheep are always subject to danger and must always be under the watchful eye of the

shepherd as they graze. Jesus is the sheperd who watches over us, his children to protect us from

harm even if we bring it upon ourselves through the decisions we make. Furthermore, pre-marital sex

is considered a sin and serve as a hindrance towards the path of righteousness. Shepherds were

frequently subjected to immense danger, at times even risking their own lives to protect their sheep.

Likewise, Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross as the Good Shepherd for his people. He who would

save others, though He had the power, did not choose to save Himself. The Son of Man did not come

to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). Through the giving

of His life, the Lord made salvation possible to all those who believed in him. In proclaiming that He is

the Good Shepherd, Jesus speaks of laying down His life for His sheep (John 10:15, 1718).

It is only through Him that we receive salvation. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and

am known by My own (John 10:14). Moreover, Jesus clearly stated that he laid down His life, not only

for the Jewish people but also for the other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must

bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd (John 10:16). We as

sinners are thought of as the other sheep who do not belong in the flock because we go against the

will of our sheperd, Lord Jesus Christ but although we are in the midst of temptation and sin he is

forever willing to leave the flock in search for the other sheep to carry him back to the rest of the flock

because Jesus loves us enough to forgive our sins, we only need to ask and repent and consequently

make the right decisions that would keep us from doing unrighteous acts.

Reference: http://www.gotquestions.org/Good-Shepherd.html

How the Moral Issue of Pre-Marital Sex Affects the Youth:

Pre-marital sex is increasingly being regarded as a norm by young people. Recently, the incidence

and prevalence of premarital sex in our society have been alarming. There have been concerns

regarding students attitudes and perception of premarital sex because it has already caused damage

in the lives of the youth today, both emotionally and spiritually. In our society the long term effects of

premarital sex have been increasingly rampant thus affecting the different aspects of a persons life

most especially in ones spiritual being and this creates distance towards our relationship with God and

with each other. Consequently, this leads to much serious matters such as alcohol and drug use, less

inclination towards academic concerns and becomes a primary cause of family problems etc. because

when one is spiritually weak we are prone to distraction from the more important things in life, we lose

our goals and missions in life and we forget what our lives can do to improve others by influencing

them to go towards the path of righteousness.