Can I be forgiven for knowingly sinning by having sex with a prostitute?
Question:
Hi,
I am a young man, age 22. I came upon this woman, who was a prostitute. I decided to invite her to my place and we slept together. Since that time I became a Christian. I haven't committed fornication since, but I am scared that God will not forgive me because I did it knowing that what I was doing was wrong.
Please, I would appreciate it if you can help. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Answer:
Most sins that are committed are done so knowing that they are wrong at some level. God never said that only accidental sins are forgiven. What most people confuse is the passage that says, "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" (Hebrews 10:26). I quoted the New American Standard Bible because it makes what the Greek says clearer in this case. If you continued to commit fornication, knowing it was wrong, then there would be no sacrifice for your sins because you refuse to repent of your sins. You would have been like Esau, "For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears" (Hebrews 12:17).
A person cannot obtain forgiveness for sins he continues to commit, especially when he knows he shouldn't be doing those sins. But this isn't the case with you.
