I broke the law of chastity with a man who isn’t a member of the church. I confessed my sin and am currently working through the repentance process. Will this prevent me from serving a mission or marrying in the temple? Thanks for your help.
2 Responses to “Can I still serve a mission and marry in the temple?”
Pedro Cruz
2015-03-01 19:51:21
Members of the Church believe that marriages performed in temples are sealed, or blessed to last for eternity.
Hi Yomaira. Thanks for posting your question here. It's excellent that you recognized the seriousness of your sin, confessed, and are working through your repentance. Christ's atoning power truly is miraculous, and it's satisfying to see that miracle operating in people's lives.
As you well know, repentance can be challenging. It's certainly best to avoid sin in the first place. But sin shouldn't lead to despair, because through Jesus Christ we can be forgiven of our sins. I know that your sin does not place you beyond the reach of Christ's atonement. I love the words of Isaiah: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18).
Serving a mission and marrying in the temple are possible once you've repented. Through prayer, fasting, pondering, and consulting with your church leaders, God will be able to guide you down the right path.
As you well know, repentance can be challenging. It's certainly best to avoid sin in the first place. But sin shouldn't lead to despair, because through Jesus Christ we can be forgiven of our sins. I know that your sin does not place you beyond the reach of Christ's atonement. I love the words of Isaiah: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18).
Serving a mission and marrying in the temple are possible once you've repented. Through prayer, fasting, pondering, and consulting with your church leaders, God will be able to guide you down the right path.