Last updated on October 6, 2020
Question:
I am 19 years old and am a Christian. My girlfriend and I, who also is a Christian, committed fornication. I have been reading your question and answers on your website and they have really helped. However, I have a few questions. I understand when you talk about I Corinthians 6:9-10 and I John 1:9, but a verse that is tripping me up and really worrying me is Hebrews 12:16-17. If you could please help me with this that would be great.
Thank you very much.
Answer:
Esau did not receive forgiveness, but it wasn’t solely because he committed fornication (among which he married multiple wives). Notice that he sinned, and “he found no place for repentance” (Hebrews 12:17). While he didn’t like the consequences of his sins, he never gave them up.
The point is the same for Christians. God offers forgiveness of sins, but there is a requirement to change your behavior and stop sinning. “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (II Corinthians 7:10-11). If you tell yourself that God understands your sins or that He will excuse them because you are in love, then you are simply fooling yourself. God will forgive you, but it means you have to stop dropping your pants.
Response:
I thank you very much for your reply. I didn’t know everything about Esau. I am glad you could talk to me about that. Once again thank you very much! You have helped me a lot!