Can I get baptized while being in a relationship?
Question:
I'm a 21-year-old male. My Father is a pastor. I'm in a relationship with my sister-in-law. Now I wanted to take baptism, but I have concerns. Do we need to break our relationship in order to get baptized? She is a very good girl, and I preached the gospel to her and made her to be strong in Jesus Christ. She has changed completely, and she too wanted to be baptized. But some people said that how can you take baptism as you were in a relationship, and you need to break up with her and leave your old life and get baptized.
But I can't do that. We have been in a long-distance relationship for several years. We did not meet except for any family gatherings. So can I take baptism?
Expecting your reply. Thank you.
Answer:
When people say that they are in a relationship, it implies that they are in a sexual relationship with another person or that it would become sexual if they had the opportunity. I gather from your note that other people know that you have been sinning with this woman since they are telling you that you cannot become a Christian while holding onto your sins.
Repentance is required before baptism. "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:38). Repentance is changing your sinful behavior and changing your mind about the acceptability of sin in your life. Baptism is worthless without repentance (Luke 13:3,5).
What you are doing is attempting to justify yourself by citing all the good in your life, such as saying your father is a pastor and that you've taught your partner the gospel. Good doesn't make wrong right. "And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), "Let us do evil that good may come"? Their condemnation is just" (Romans 3:8).
The woman is your brother's wife. She is married to him as long as he lives (Romans 7:2-3).
Question:
Can I repent and ask forgiveness from God and take baptism? And she too wants to get baptized.
Answer:
Repentance means that you both change your mind about the acceptableness of your sin and change your behavior so that you are no longer in sin. In this case, it means that you end your relationship with your brother's wife.
Yes, after you repent, you can become a Christian through baptism. "Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit"" (Acts 2:38).
