If you fornicate with a woman (assuming you are a man) is it a mortal sin?

I'm reading the passage and I'm having trouble understanding how sexual relations are mortal sins.

I realize sex without marriage takes away a level of seriousness involved with sex but I find it hard to believe sex is a sin that can condemn you to hell for all eternity?

Some guidance would be appreciated

God gave humans the gift of sex. How we should be treating it is no sex before marriage.

The reason why that is the case is to give the bonding between man and woman more meaning in a nutshell.

However not everybody abides by those rules.

I like to think that god deems of us things for a better reason then just because he deems it of us.

the heart break caused, reputation earned, and STDs that can come with being frivolous with sex are things that can stick with you for the rest of your life.

though jesus forgives, your always welcome to recognize your mistake, repent, and avoid such mistakes in the future.

Fornication involves sex outside the marriage relationship. As previously stated, that sin can be forgiven. However, we are called to repent of our sins and "sin no more". You cannot choose to do the same sins over and over again because that is not repentance. Without repentance, that sin (or any sin) has become a lifestyle. Salvation is dependent upon repenting and turning to Christ.

This post was edited by Dune1 on Apr 10 2013 07:28am

so basically dont feel sorry about it until after marriage and you'll be good to be forgiven?

im not the best

I think it's hard to understand the bible because it isn't the exact words of God. The bible was written by man, no?
There's countless things in the Bible that don't make sense for modern times, including things in the new testament.

If you have sex because of lust then I think it is wrong and a sin.
If you have sex out of love and with a mutual respect with your partner, it could very well be OK (in my humble opinion).

Definitely not a mortal sin, but if you want to play it safe then sure, wait till marriage.

I never said that. We should feel bad for all sin, no matter the time or place. We are called to stop sinning. Repentance is turning from that sin right then and there. Not when you "feel" like it.

It is my understanding that salvation comes from turning to Jesus; repenting for your sins accomplishes nothing towards salvation. This does that mean that you shouldn't repent.

Also keep in mind there are technically two ways to heaven: One is Jesus, the other is to live a sinless life. Masturbation is acceptable if you are glorifying God while you do it. Living a sinless life and glorifying God while masturbating are almost completely impossible. (Only Jesus could do this.) As for sex before marriage... its absolutely wrong, immoral, and forgivable. But it is your choice to life a lifestyle that serves and honors God, or to continue in a lifestyle of sin. If you have truly given your heart to God then you will make the right decision (Sometimes we need to call on the strength of Jesus to help us). We are all sinners, and we all slip up, but like Dune1 said, you don't want to fall into a lifestyle of sin, that can lead you down a very very bad path. This is how I abandoned God (I'm back now, but I am careful to resist temptation.)

So in conclusion: You should always be a Christian, not just when it is convenient for you. Worshiping God is a lifestyle, not just church or the few minutes of music. Show Him that you are following his light with every part of your life, every minute, every second. You will have a great reward in heaven awaiting you for eternity, which far surpasses the trivial moments here on earth where you are given difficult opportunities to obey God.

PS. I have discussed masturbation with pastors and am convinced it is absolutely wrong. So watch our that our planks are removed before we go admonishing our fellow Christians for their speck of dust.