As well the current dating relationships generally place an emphasis ondetachingthe proper authorities from the dating relationship. Dating is considered to be the province of the young people involved, who are supposed to need their 'privacy'. Parents may be asked for their opinion on the relationship, but the world screams at them that 'it is the kids decision' and holds the threat of calling them 'old fashioned' and 'domineering' over their heads.

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Dating currently 'ends' with a vague relationship called 'engagement'; a relationship that can be 'called off' by either party at any time for any reason; a vague and ephemeral covenant.

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All of this is a far cry from the kind of relationships that Scripture tells us to have.[1]

Contrast this with the marriage of Adam: a marriage created by God Himself. A marriage without any ‘dating’, no ‘forming friendship’. They meet, and they are immediately ‘one flesh’. Contrast it with the marriage of Isaac; a marriage arranged by his father, a marriage without any relationship at all between the young people until they were alone together in his mothers tent in the process ofconsummatingthe marriage. Contrast it with the marriage of Christ; betrothed from before the foundation of the world to his bride the church; currently washing us in the water of his word as we await the marriage supper.

A Biblical relationship has the following aspects:

1. It is permanent based on a choice of the will. Even Biblical friendships (see Jonathan and David, for example) between Godly men are marked by a solid, permanent commitment.
2. It is designed to glorify God.
3. It follows one of the patterns put forth in Scripture. Man to man relationships are either authority based (king to servant, father to son, etc.), or friendship. Man to woman relationships are family relationship based (husband/wife, brother/sister, etc.)
4. A Biblical relationship is based in purity, and is a foundation for further purity.

The worlds current, unBiblical relationships have the following aspects:

1. They consist of temporary, feeling based relationships.
2. They exist to glorify self, or make the people involved ‘happy'.
3. They ignore the patterns set in place in Scripture, denigrating them as ‘outmoded’ or ‘sexist’ etc. They replace them with concepts of 'friends' and 'boy/girl friend' and 'fiance'.
4. They create a series of relationships that are mentally adulterous, and are a form of practice for later adultery.

No obedience to Scriptural pattern and precept can, by itself and without the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit, aid in righteousness. However we are called, as part of our love for God, to obey his commands; and his commands, by the power of his spirit, will lead us in righteousness.