What Does Repentance Mean In Regard To Unscriptural Marriages ?
Notice the following passages relating to the matter of what repentance means regarding righting wrongs:· Luke 19:8-9 Zacchaeus: if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.· Acts 26:20 that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance· Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.Now for application: If a person becoming a Christian is a kidnapper - can he keep on kidnapping? Can he keep all the children he has stolen (I Tim 1:10)? What about a polygamist - can he keep on practicing polygamy? Can he keep all four of his wives (I Cor 7:2)? If a homosexual wants to become a Christian - can he keep on practicing homosexuality? Can he keep his homosexual partner (Rom 1:26-27)? And finally, what about a person who desires to be a faithful Christian, but is living in adultery - can he keep his adulterous marriage, that is, keep practicing adultery with his unlawful wife (Matt 19:9, Rom 7:2-3)?Remember Mark 6:18 - For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Based upon that statement, do you think John the Baptist wanted Herod to keep his wife, or to give her up?