I was baptized 3 years ago when I turned 18 and stopped going to church about a year after that when I broke the law of chastity with my long term boyfriend. Now that I want to go back, I’m scared to start the repentance process. What typically happens when a member admits to having had sex before marriage?
2 Responses to “I was baptized 3 years ago when I turned 18 and stopped…”
Lucas Bravo
2016-07-10 23:01:59
A life of sin can be cleansed and changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Hi brother. I'm happy you posted your question here and that you intend to come back to the church! You might find this article helpful. It describes how to recover from a serious sin.
It's impossible to say what specific repentance process will be necessary to help you fully recover by applying Christ's atonement. That will depend on the revelation your bishop receives from God to help you in your specific circumstances. What I can say is that the repentance process will be worth it! You need to get this challenge behind you so you can continue progressing along the spiritual path God has planned for you.
I'll leave you with this beautiful scripture from 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).
I know that can apply in your life too. All the best!
2016-07-11 16:21:33
I was inactive for about 17 years, I believed but had resentments, blaming others and sins to be forgiven of. I didn't think I could come back. I wanted to but I felt the process would be too hard for me to bare. So I prayed and asked for God to smooth the way and open the door for me. I asked for a loving person to help me, and for it to be easier than I imagined. He did that for me. I received two amazing experiences like visions one in the Bishops office and one the day I took the Sacrament again for the first time. These were gifts to me for being courageous In overcoming social anxiety and fear about speaking to the Bishop. I don't know if it is appropriate to tell about these visions but I am so grateful that the Lord has shown me so much love that he would bless me so much.
It's impossible to say what specific repentance process will be necessary to help you fully recover by applying Christ's atonement. That will depend on the revelation your bishop receives from God to help you in your specific circumstances. What I can say is that the repentance process will be worth it! You need to get this challenge behind you so you can continue progressing along the spiritual path God has planned for you.
I'll leave you with this beautiful scripture from 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).
I know that can apply in your life too. All the best!