Thoughtful and wise material from Russell D. Moore in response to a question posed by a young Christian woman about the knowing the past sexual history of her prospective husband: ‘How Much Do I Need to Know About My Potential Spouse’s Sexual Past? My Response’.
Moore’s answer goes beyond the specifics of preparation for marriage (which is important, and the earnest manner in which this young woman is conducting herself is to her great credit) and addresses how God’s providence toward us is always a matter of grace, ultimately demonstrated in Jesus’ love, obedience and sacrifice. This a truth for all of life, for every Christian.
Toward the end of the answer:
You are not “owed” a virgin because you are. Your sexual purity wasn’t part of a quid pro quo in which God would guarantee you a sexually unbroken man. Your sexual purity is your obligation as a creature of God. And you have rebelled at other points, and been forgiven. If you believe the gospel, you believe the gospel for everyone, and not just for yourself.
Jesus was a virgin. His Bride wasn’t. He loved us anyway.
HT: Justin Taylor.
mgpcpastor's blog 
VERY challenging. Especially the phrase: ‘You are not “owed” a virgin because you are.’ How I still often think that because I’m doing the ‘right thing’ it entitles me to my ‘fair reward’. When really, doing the ‘right thing’ is merely what we are required to do.
Our obedience is only that which we should do. It is not meritorious, in itself.
The book of Proverbs shows us, among other things, that wise and obedient living are linked to the experience of a fruitful and peaceful life.
The book of Psalms shows us, among other things, that there are times when wise and obedient living can occur in the midst of a life that seems bereft of temporal comforts and security while the foolish and the disobedient appear to enjoy fruit and peace.
This seeming anomaly points us to the existence of a sovereign God and to a final experience of His presence, justice, mercy and blessings that will only be realised fully beyond this age.
A great help. On lots of levels.