Question

So if you had sex before you got married, can you get married in an orthodox church? Since adultery is sin and you have committed it, is there a chance to get married like anyone else?

Answer

The basic answer to your question is “Yes, under certain conditions.” Let me explain more thoroughly.

Sex outside of marriage is sin, according to the Bible. Exodus 20:14 says, “You shall not commit adultery.” Other passages make the same point.

Because sin is the breaking of God’s commandments, it brings guilt upon the sinner. Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse. Sin also brings corruption, and leaves the sinner “stained.” Sin leaves us feeling “dirty.”

Because of the guilt and corruption brought on by sin, every sinner deserves to be sent to hell. Man needs forgiveness and cleansing from his sin.

God himself provides forgiveness and cleansing for sinners through Jesus Christ, the Savior of sinners.

Being the Son of God, he came to earth and took on our humanity. Throughout his life, Jesus was the “God-man”—fully and truly God, and fully and truly man. Although he was tempted in all things as we are, yet he was without any sin of his own. Jesus lived a perfect life and never sinned—not even once.

Jesus then died upon the cross as a perfect sacrifice and a substitute for lost sinners. His death paid the penalty men owed, and satisfied God’s justice. Man’s guilt is taken away because of Jesus’ death on the cross. Moreover, his blood shed upon the cross cleanses man from every stain of every sin.

Jesus not only died for sinners, but he rose again for their justification. Because Jesus rose again from the dead, we are no longer in our sins, but are forgiven. We have good hopes of eternal life through the perfect work of Jesus.

If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, embracing him as your Savior and Lord, and putting your confidence in him alone, you will be forgiven and saved. Your sins will be paid for, and your guilt taken away. You will be set free by the Son of God—Jesus Christ our Lord!

Those who repent of their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus are welcomed into the church. Forgiven sinners can be church members, can get married, can enjoy all the blessings and benefits of church membership, and can experience God’s grace, which is rich and free.

I hope that answers your question.