Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 2/13/2011

Question
how can you be forgiven and again be pleasing to God after you have committed sexual intercourse outside marriage?

Answer
Hi Frances,

Thank you for this great question.  I am glad that you are willing to get right with God and repent of this sin.  Here is what you must do.

1.  Confess your sin to God, trusting that Jesus paid the price for your sin.


1 John 1:9 (AV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


2.  Avoid this sin in the future by not touching a woman at all, kissing, carressing, etc until marriage.  If you don't start something physical, then you will not be tempted to finish it.

1 Corinthians 7:1–2 (AV)
1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

3.  Avoid any situation where you would be tempted to go back on this commitment of purity.  Do not be alone with a woman.

Romans 13:14 (AV)
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.


I know that these are drastic, but fleshly lust is a powerful force that once you give in to it, you will have a major fight on your hands not to repeat it.

1 Peter 2:11 (AV)
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;


I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don