Will God’s punishment be enough for you to straighten out your ways before Him?

Question:

My girlfriend and I live in cohabitation and have two children. We have agreed together to refrain from sexual intercourse because we want to correct our ways in our walk with God. I know we have already been judged, but will He punish us if we now seek to do His will? Please help us.

It is a pity that you have chosen to live in cohabitation for so many years, but it is a joy to know that you have come to know God and now want to straighten your ways in walking with Him, and you have even begun to do so by the fact that you refused to have sex until you legalize your relationship before Him and before people. May God help you to officiate the wedding and marriage registration at the registry office as soon as possible. Only then will your sexual relationship be right and within the limits of God’s will.

The book of the prophet Isaiah begins with a sad description of the apostasy the people of Israel had reached. God rebukes them severely, then calls them to repentance and to straighten their paths, saying:

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight.
Stop doing evil,
Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Rebuke the oppressor,
Obtain justice for the orphan,
Plead for the widow’s case.
Invitation to Debate
“Come now, and let us debate your case,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are as scarlet,
They shall become as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
You will eat the best of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel,
You will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 1:16-20 NASB)

See? God tells them that if their sins were like scarlet, that is, difficult, almost impossible to remove, and if they repented with God, their sins would become like snow, that is, they would be removed. Then he says that if they will desire and listen, they will eat the best fruits of the land that God wanted to give them. So it is with your relationship. If you have chosen to obey God and have repented, your sins have been completely forgiven the moment you entered into the New Covenant with the Lord Jesus. Now, if you live in obedience to God, know that He wants and is ready to bless your marriage and give you the “best fruits” of your marriage. Cling tightly to God!

Translated by Didina Vicliuc