Must I wed because I slept with my wife to be?
Question:
I want to change churches. I have two churches in mind that I could go to. I don't know which one to go to. I want to be where the man of God will help bring out what God has put in me. Please pray for me.
Also, if I did not wed, is it a sin? Is it compulsory that I must wed because I slept with my wife to be? My pastor said no wedding, but rather a marriage blessing. I have paid her dowry.
Answer:
Too many people select churches based on what they want instead of considering whether a church is what God wants. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (II Timothy 4:3-4). Selecting a church is about comparing the accuracy of its teachings and practices against what God said in the Bible should be done. "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (I John 4:1).
Just because you sinned, it doesn't mean you cannot marry the woman you love. I have no idea why the preacher at your current church is claiming you cannot wed. At the same time, marriage is never required under the New Testament. However, it is recommended if you don't have the self-control to not commit fornication. "But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion" (I Corinthians 7:8-9).
But a better question is why are you wanting to call off this wedding?