So I am in the military, and made what I now consider to be a hasty and mindless decision to convert to the church when I was in basic training. After a few months, I kind of fell away from the church, and went back to my old ways, committing several sins along the way (fornication, pornography use, consumption of tea, coffee, and alchohol etc…). However, after some serious consideration, I found out that I believe the churches teachings in my heart and could live by them, but find it very difficult to. I honestly want to return to the church, but don’t know how, as I was properly baptized and given the aaronic priesthood, but never received the supposed certificates that stated such, so do I need to be baptized etc again? And I should probably do the confession to the bishop thing, right?
2 Responses to “So I am in the military, and made what I now consider to be …”
Fernando Ramos
2011-09-18 18:45:51
Hi Ryan. I'm happy to hear that your testimony has recently been strengthened and that you're ready to come back to the church. It's unfortunate your initial decision to be baptized was hasty, but how wonderful that it worked out in the end. Being Mormon is a bit counterintuitive at first. It's a bit like eating broccoli. Not always easy, but you end up feeling a lot better long term. You'd think that giving in to every whim and desire would lead to happiness, but true, lasting happiness really comes when we exercise self control and dedication to God. Your decision to come back to church is excellent; I hope you find the same peace in the gospel of Jesus Christ that I and countless others have found. It's not always easy, but it's definitely worth it in the long term.
I doubt you'll need to be baptized again. If you never received the needed certificates, they are probably sitting in church records somewhere. You're right that confessing to your bishop is an important next step, but don't see it as an impediment. The bishop's just going to help you apply Christ's atonement in your life so you can feel truly free of your past mistakes. There's nothing better than that feeling of redemption that can only come through the Savior.
A lot of people need help coming back to church. Certainly your bishop can help you. I also recommend that you contact the Mormon missionaries to ask for help to come back. May God bless you with the strength you need to find spiritual recovery. I'll pray for you.
Shalon
2011-10-05 16:45:04
The church keeps a record of all ordinances performed so they should have record of all that has gone before in your case. The concern would be with the sin I think, some sins entail a longer road of repentance, but given that your original decision was made in haste there's a good chance your bishop will be able to be lenient. Talk to your missionaries, talk to the Bishop. I'm certain they want to help you come back.
As for the particular sins... I'm not much help with figuring out how to let go since for me it came down to a simple choice. I love God, I trust God. I owe Him everything. He asked for such a tiny thing in return. To give up those few unhealthy habits and join His true and everlasting church. He's not even asking me to change anything big, which I would still do in return for what I have. All he asks, instead, is that I give up alcohol, tobacco, caffeine (which are bad for me anyway) and only have sex with the person who is willing to commit to forever with me. When it came down to those two choices... Repay God in this tiny way, or stay the way I was... I chose God.
I doubt you'll need to be baptized again. If you never received the needed certificates, they are probably sitting in church records somewhere. You're right that confessing to your bishop is an important next step, but don't see it as an impediment. The bishop's just going to help you apply Christ's atonement in your life so you can feel truly free of your past mistakes. There's nothing better than that feeling of redemption that can only come through the Savior.
A lot of people need help coming back to church. Certainly your bishop can help you. I also recommend that you contact the Mormon missionaries to ask for help to come back. May God bless you with the strength you need to find spiritual recovery. I'll pray for you.
As for the particular sins... I'm not much help with figuring out how to let go since for me it came down to a simple choice. I love God, I trust God. I owe Him everything. He asked for such a tiny thing in return. To give up those few unhealthy habits and join His true and everlasting church. He's not even asking me to change anything big, which I would still do in return for what I have. All he asks, instead, is that I give up alcohol, tobacco, caffeine (which are bad for me anyway) and only have sex with the person who is willing to commit to forever with me. When it came down to those two choices... Repay God in this tiny way, or stay the way I was... I chose God.