What is God’s view on opposite sex doctors?

Sincerely,
Making An Appointment

Dear Making An Appointment,

The Bible gives no specific view on opposite sex doctors.  There is debate amongst brethren over that particular issue.  The concerns that it brings up are modesty (1 Tim 2:9) and sexual purity (1 Cor 6:18).  However, very few people would consider seeing a doctor an issue of sexual morality, and dealing with nakedness in front of a doctor doesn't exactly fit the common pattern of a modesty issue.  Ultimately, this is a conscience issue.  Some people do not feel that they can in good conscience see a doctor of the opposite gender... while others will be unbothered by it.  We must be careful to always obey our own consciences (Rom 14:23) and not condemn other brethren who make a different decision in issues such as this (Rom 14:3-4).

I've been dating my fiancé now for almost three years, and I'm twenty-four, almost twenty-five years old.  We got engaged this past September.  He is the only man I have done anything sexual with.  We have not had sex, but we have done everything else.  I want to have sex so badly, and so does he, but I'm hesitant to because I don't want to sin more than I already have.  Our wedding is not until next September.  Is it really a sin to give yourself to one man who you are committed to be with for the rest of your life and love so much?  What does the Bible say?  And does it matter that when the Bible was written, women married much earlier in life, and a woman's honor was everything she had?  Now there isn't a stigma against a woman who sleeps with a man she loves.  Please give me your opinion.

Sincerely,
Ready To Wed

Dear Ready To Wed,

Yes, it would be wrong if you slept with him before marriage.  God understands the strain and toll that waiting for marriage takes upon young couples, and He provides a solution if the strain becomes too great… get married.  1 Cor 7:9 specifically says that it is better to marry than to burn with passion.  You said that you are getting married next September.  Wedding dates are set for reasons of convenience, location, weather, etc.  All of those reasons pale in comparison to living pure and faithful lives before God.  If you and your fiancé cannot wait without sinning, then you must flee fornication (1 Cor 6:18) and get married now.  The pomp and circumstance of a formal wedding ceremony is not as important as going to heaven.  Pre-marital sex will taint your relationship with your future husband and with God.

The Bible’s teachings are timeless and unwavering.  Just because culture changes doesn’t mean God does (Jas 1:17).  It is a sad thing that today’s society accepts pre-marital sex.  Be bold; be different… be pure (2 Tim 2:22).

If God knows our sinful nature, why did He destroy the earth and promise never to do it again?

Sincerely,
Strong Swimmer

Dear Strong Swimmer,

God made the promise never to flood the earth again because He had a different plan in mind.  Instead of leaving every man to do what was right in his own eyes until things got completely and totally depraved (as was the case before the flood – Gen 6:5-6)… He used one man to bring hope to all men.

After the Great Flood, God called Abraham to be His servant and the father of a great nation (Gen 12:1-2).  God made a promise to Abraham that through Abraham’s seed, all mankind would be blessed (Gen 22:18).  Jesus is the seed of Abraham (Gal 3:16).  After the Great Flood, God put into motion His plan to offer salvation to all mankind through Jesus Christ.  That road began with Abraham, and when the proper time came… Jesus was born (Gal 4:4).

When I was young, I publicly received Jesus in my life, but I fell into a sinful life until now.  I’m forty-two; can I return to God?  I’m worried about what Hebrews 6:4-6 says; do I have any hope?

Sincerely,
Wanting Out

Dear Wanting Out,

Yes, there is hope.  Heb 6:4-6 says that it is impossible for anyone else to renew a person who has fallen away to repentance.  The point is that when someone falls away, there isn’t anything new that can be said… the person’s problem isn’t ignorance – it’s attitude.  Only you can change your attitude, and it sounds like you have.

Think of your journey to God as starting anew – don’t make any assumptions.  We must study the Scriptures to find what makes God happy (Rom 10:17).  We recommend you read “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” and carefully examine the Scriptures in that post to see if you have obeyed them.  After that, we recommend you read “Finding The Church” and carefully examine whether or not the church you are currently attending (if you are attending one) is doing what the Bible teaches.  If you would like help finding a congregation, e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org.  God finds great joy when lost sheep are found… rejoice in a new beginning to your journey (Lk 15:4-7).

I have a question concerning forgiveness.  I have a friend that was baptized a few years ago but still wants to drink to get it out of their system… but will stop in a few years.  When I ask why they are doing it, they say they, "are going to be forgiven anyway if they ask for it later", so they continue to drink.  My question is, will they really be forgiven?  Or will their forgiveness being asked in vain?

Sincerely,
Sober-Minded

Dear Sober-Minded,

Your friend has a common misconception about sin… that it is easy to quit.  When we openly and purposefully sin, we are choosing to become enslaved by that sin (alcohol is specifically mentioned as being addictive - Tit 2:3).  Paul teaches that part of becoming a christian is changing our attitude toward sin (Rom 6:1-4).  Christianity is a new life… a new life where sin no longer rules over us (Rom 6:11).

When we are baptized, we are making a statement that we hate sin, want it removed from our lives, and are seeking forgiveness from Christ.  Baptism is an appeal to God for a new life free from the filth of sin (1 Pet. 3:21).  If your friend still wants to live in sin and trick God into forgiveness later – God will not be deceived (Gal 6:7).  God knows our hearts (Lk 16:15).  If we accidently sin and then ask Him for forgiveness… that is very different from purposefully living a sinful lifestyle.  Your friend has some maturing to do before they really understand what it means to live a godly lifestyle.  In fact, if they are currently sinning, it may be time for you to talk to them about it.  Unfortunately, if he/she won’t listen to Scriptures, you may need to do what Matt 18:15-16 says and bring another faithful christian along to help you explain the sinful predicament he/she is in.