Shepherd of Hermas 31

1“Still,” I say, “sir, I will add another question.”

2“Speak,” he says.

3“I heard,” I say, “sir, from certain teachers, that there is no other repentance except that one when we went down into the water and received forgiveness of our former sins.”

4He says to me, “You heard well; for so it is. For the one who has received forgiveness—”

5“Bear with me,” I say, “and make this clear to me also.”

6“Speak,” he says.

7“If a woman,” I say, “sir, or again some man, should fall asleep, and one of them marries, does the one who marries sin?”

8“He does not sin,” he says; “but if someone remains by himself, he obtains for himself greater honor and great glory with the Lord; but if he also marries, he does not sin. Therefore keep purity and dignity, and you will live to God. These things that I speak to you and am about to speak, keep from now on, from the day you were entrusted to me, and I will dwell in your house. And for your former trespasses there will be forgiveness, if you keep my commandments; and there will also be forgiveness for all, if they keep these commandments of mine and walk in this purity.”