I was excommunicated for adultery a few years ago because I refused to repent. I never thought about recovering my church membership until recently, when I started to change. I’ve tried to repent sincerely, but the truth is that I still don’t feel sincere repentance in my heart, even though I’m praying a lot, asking for more humility. My question is, if I die before I complete the repentance process, could I at least be rebaptized vicariously and sealed to my wife and children that way? Or, given that I’ve been excommunicated, and my situation worse than another person who dies? Are there no more opportunities for me?
2 Responses to “Excommunicated for adultery, but I want to come back”
Felipe Prado
2013-09-22 15:52:07
For members of the church, Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer through whom salvation is made possible. Thanks to Church, we can recover from our sins. (Reflections of Christ)
Hi friend. I'm happy that you're working to recover your spirituality so you and your family can enjoy all the blessings that come from being unified in the faith.
Only God can pass final judgment on you. Only He knows what kinds of opportunities you'll have after death. But one thing I know for certain is this: it's very foolish to procrastinate the day of our repentance. Now is the best time to repent, not after death.
Perhaps you think your feelings should motivate your behavior. Perhaps you think you must first feel repentant before you can take the other steps towards spiritual recovery. Feelings often do precede action, but it doesn't have to be that way. For some people, actions motivate feelings. You said you're praying, which is excellent. Are you also going to church every Sunday? Are you chatting regularly with your bishop? Are you reading the scriptures and working to strengthen your relationship with your wife? If the answer to any of these questions is "no," then immerse yourself more fully in the gospel. You may well find that you'll feel more repentant as you grow closer to God through a life of greater discipleship.
I hope this answer helps! God is certainly happy with your decision to come back to the correct spiritual path. That decision will lead to great blessings for you and your family. Be patient and perseverant. I'm certain God will be with you during these challenging times. I'll pray for you.
Anonymous
2013-10-07 08:54:15
Hi friend. I write to you as someone who has felt exactly the same way you feel now for very similar reasons. The first thing you need to realize is that you know and you're able to feel that even though you want to repent, you don't feel its being honest - that kind of ability comes from the Savior!! You would not be able to know that you're not sincere if that ability weren't given to you. I went through what you are experiencing right now, so I know what I'm talking about.
The reason you can't offer right now a fully contrite and heartfelt repentance is because iniquity has weakened your spirit and made you lose the spiritual abilities you needed to offer such repentance. The only way you can regain them, even being outside of the church is:
Through prayer, we can communicate with our Heavenly Father. He’s anxious to guide and help us.
1- Daily prayer, at least 3 times a day. Don't worry if you can't putt your heart fully in to it. Just do it and the ability to be honest will come;
2- Read the Book of Mormon daily. Don't worry if you don't feel the spirit as you read it. Doing is the key, and the spirit will come to you eventually. This step is the most important of all. There is great power in the Book of Mormon - its the iron rod that will lead you to the tree (the love of God and the feelings you once had);
3- Attend church meetings - all of them! Not just on Sunday, but others too if possible.
4- Talk to your bishop. This is essential. He will support you and strengthen you. There is power in his calling;
Only God can pass final judgment on you. Only He knows what kinds of opportunities you'll have after death. But one thing I know for certain is this: it's very foolish to procrastinate the day of our repentance. Now is the best time to repent, not after death.
Perhaps you think your feelings should motivate your behavior. Perhaps you think you must first feel repentant before you can take the other steps towards spiritual recovery. Feelings often do precede action, but it doesn't have to be that way. For some people, actions motivate feelings. You said you're praying, which is excellent. Are you also going to church every Sunday? Are you chatting regularly with your bishop? Are you reading the scriptures and working to strengthen your relationship with your wife? If the answer to any of these questions is "no," then immerse yourself more fully in the gospel. You may well find that you'll feel more repentant as you grow closer to God through a life of greater discipleship.
I hope this answer helps! God is certainly happy with your decision to come back to the correct spiritual path. That decision will lead to great blessings for you and your family. Be patient and perseverant. I'm certain God will be with you during these challenging times. I'll pray for you.
The reason you can't offer right now a fully contrite and heartfelt repentance is because iniquity has weakened your spirit and made you lose the spiritual abilities you needed to offer such repentance. The only way you can regain them, even being outside of the church is:
2- Read the Book of Mormon daily. Don't worry if you don't feel the spirit as you read it. Doing is the key, and the spirit will come to you eventually. This step is the most important of all. There is great power in the Book of Mormon - its the iron rod that will lead you to the tree (the love of God and the feelings you once had);
3- Attend church meetings - all of them! Not just on Sunday, but others too if possible.
4- Talk to your bishop. This is essential. He will support you and strengthen you. There is power in his calling;
5- Fast and donate. Read Isaiah 58: 6-11.