Can We Enter Heaven If We Are Living Together Without Marriage? Shall I go to hell someday? These are fearsome questions, but fear not, I promise to give you answers and peace of mind from the scriptures."

1. Salvation Through Faith in Jesus

The core message of Christianity is that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not based on our works, but on God’s grace. This means that the way we enter heaven is by putting our complete trust in Jesus as our Savior. Jesus Himself said:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6

The Apostle Paul also made it clear:

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

This means that salvation is not something we earn by what we do—it is God’s gift to us through our faith in Christ.

2. True Faith Produces Transformation

While salvation is through faith alone, the Bible teaches that true faith leads to a transformed life. This transformation is evidence of God working in our lives. James wrote:

"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." - James 2:17

True faith changes the way we live, not because we are trying to earn our way to heaven, but because we love God and desire to live according to His will. Jesus said:

"If you love me, keep my commands." - John 14:15

Therefore, while salvation is not dependent on our works, our actions reflect our faith. If we truly believe in Jesus, we will want to live in a way that honors Him, which includes honoring His teachings on relationships and purity.

3. God’s Design for Marriage and Relationships

The Bible teaches that sexual relationships are intended to occur within the covenant of marriage. Jesus said:

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." - Matthew 19:5

Living together without being married often involves sexual intimacy, which the Bible calls sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). God’s design for intimacy is within a committed marriage relationship, which is meant to reflect His love and faithfulness.

4. Repentance and God’s Grace

The good news is that God offers forgiveness to everyone, no matter their past, if they are willing to repent—to turn away from sin and turn to God. The Bible says:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9

If you are living together without being married, the Bible calls you to repent. This means acknowledging that it is not God’s will, seeking His forgiveness, and taking steps to align your life with His design. Repentance does not mean you have to be perfect immediately, but it does mean striving for spiritual maturity and growth, as Jesus commanded:

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:48

Here, Jesus calls us to aim for spiritual maturity and completeness, reflecting the love, holiness, and character of God. It is about the direction of our lives—seeking to grow in holiness and align with God's standards, with His help.

5. Should We Get Married?

If you and your partner love each other and want to honor God, getting married is a step that aligns with His design for relationships. Marriage is a sacred commitment before God and others, and it is the right way to express your love in a way that honors Him. While getting married is important, salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not through our actions.

However, choosing to marry pleases God because it reflects obedience to His will. As followers of Christ, we are called to align our lives with God’s design. Living together without marriage falls outside of His will, and as His children, disobedience may lead to God's discipline, which serves as a loving warning intended to protect us from greater harm. This discipline may take the form of physical sickness, emotional distress, sadness, or setbacks in work and other areas of life. These are not punishments meant to destroy but rather warnings from a loving Father, urging you to turn back to His will for your own good and well-being (Hebrews 12:5-11).

If you love each other, get married to honor God and to walk in His blessing. Obedience to God’s design brings peace and fulfillment, while His discipline is meant to guide us away from choices that could lead to hurt. Marriage is about committing to follow God’s path together, seeking His guidance and experiencing His love fully.

6. Assurance of Salvation and God’s Patience

It is important to understand that salvation is not about being perfect in every sense immediately. Jesus calls us to strive for perfection—meaning spiritual maturity and growth—but He also understands our human limitations and extends grace and patience as we grow. The key is to have a heart that is committed to growth and willing to repent when we fall short.

The Christian life is a journey of transformation. The key is to have a heart that is open to God, willing to repent, and eager to follow His will. God’s grace is greater than our mistakes, and His love is always available.

7. Summary

• Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ—it is not something we earn by our works.

• True faith leads to a changed life. If we truly believe in Jesus, we will want to follow His teachings, including His design for relationships.

• Living together without marriage is outside of God’s will, but God’s grace and forgiveness are available if you repent.

• Getting married is the right step if you desire to stay together and honor God, but it is not what saves you—faith in Jesus is.

• Jesus calls us to strive for perfection, which means spiritual maturity and growth, not instant flawlessness. God is patient with us, and the Christian life is a journey of growth and transformation.

The focus should be on your relationship with God: Do you trust in Jesus for your salvation? Are you willing to let Him guide your life, including your relationships? If so, His grace is sufficient for you, and He will help you take the right steps forward.