The Weekly Encourager – May 5, 2015 – Is Homosexuality a Sin?

I hesitate to post this Encourager for three reasons. 1. I try to avoid political issues in this blog. 2.I try to avoid anything that may be divisive to the Body of Christ, preferring to write only about issues which affect us all, whether we're Baptists, Lutherans, Charismatic, or the Frozen Chosen. 3.I try to avoid passing judgment on how things are done in other congregations, knowing that we'll all be worshipping together one day in Heaven, in that Perfect Church which cannot exist on this earth. However, there's an issue in the news now about which I can't keep silent, because God doesn't keep silent. Homosexuality affects us all. Let me apologize in advance if I cause offense. It's not my intention.

I think there's a huge question in the church today: Is Homosexuality a Sin? According to at least one poll, most Americans still think so, but they're okay with gay marriage. Twenty years ago, less than a quarter of people believed that gay marriage was acceptable; now over half of Americans think it's okay. What about Christians? Recently, yet another mainline Protestant denomination rewrote their rules to allow practicing homosexuals to be ministers of the gospel, in positions of authority over men's souls. Leaders said they gave it much thought, and they concluded that homosexuality was not a sin.

What about you personally? Have you given it much thought? Are you in line with what your church teaches? Are you in line with what Jesus teaches? Do you know the difference?

If your good friend were to speak with you today and “come out” as a homosexual or transgender person, or argue in favor of gay marriage or gay ministers, what would you do? I think every Christian ought to know what God says about it, in order to speak knowledgeably to friends, family, and community. If Christians don't understand the truth, then how will we be salt and light?

Romans 1:24-31 is my go-to passage to explain why the practice of homosexuality is wrong. God says these passions are dishonorable because they are unnatural, contrary to nature the way God set it up when He made us. People who practice these things have lost a sense of shame for their error. Along with other sinners listed in this passage, homosexuals do not acknowledge God, they are debased, they do what ought not to be done. Finally, they give hearty approval to others who practice the same evils. There's an agenda to change society's rules, so that they cannot be reproofed or punished for their perversions.

What of those who say, “I was born that way?” Yeah, maybe, but it's still wrong. You may have been born with a genetic predisposition to become an alcoholic, but that does not excuse becoming one. You don't just give up and say, “I was born to be an alcoholic, so pour me another drink.” You knuckle down and fight that much harder. It's the same if you have a genetic predisposition to be a gossip or a thief, a murderer, or an adulterer. If you've been redeemed by Jesus Christ, you want to do what is right, and the Holy Spirit gives you the power to do it.

I believe that the ongoing persistent lifestyle of homosexuality, without any remorse or effort to change one's behavior, is sin. Notice I did not say anyone who does a homosexual act. I have known those who regret their actions, acknowledge their sin, and beg God to change them. They repent and seek the Lord, rather than continuing freely in what they know is wrong. They may stumble, but they keep trying to do right. These sinners should be welcomed into our congregations, for they are no different than you and me. We are to forgive them 70×7, as we ourselves wish to be forgiven.

No matter how much we love these dear friends and family members, homosexuality is wrong, and we can't be wishy-washy about sin. Of course, my sins are just as bad as theirs. I also deserve death. If not for the mercy of God, I might have fallen into homosexuality myself, or something else equally horrible. Actually, I have failed to worship God and love Him with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. I have broken all 10 commandments at one time or another, in my heart if not in action, so I'm just as bad. But the Lord brought me up out of the miry pit and set my feet upon solid ground – thanks be to God!

We must treat ALL people with dignity and respect, no matter what their color, religion, politics, or “preference.” Christ came for sinners like us. How did Jesus deal with sinners in His day? He spoke with them, ate with them, stayed in their homes, befriended them, listened to them, admonished them, loved them. He died for them. But He did NOT place unrepentant sinners in positions of authority in the church!

I believe that those who cannot see God's clear truth in Romans 1 (not to mention the other places in the Bible that agree) have scales over their eyes. We need to pray earnestly for our brothers and sisters in Christ who have been blinded to the truth of God's holy Word. But more than that, we need to pray earnestly that the leaders of Christian churches everywhere will turn to God's Word as the source of faith and practice, rather than being swayed by society and the ideas of men.

With current challenges to Biblical marriage on many fronts, there is an urgent need to pray for those in civil authority, including all three branches of U.S. government, our state and local governments, and our school boards. Far-reaching decisions are being made as I write this today. Pray for wise rules and good policies based on God's timeless truth, not the wishes of vocal minorities. Speak to power where appropriate. Then pray for all authority in the church. Be informed by God's Word; refuse to unite with any church which does not recognize God's Word as the sole standard. The enemy is strong; we need our full armor to fight. God is great, and He will prevail!

God is faithful,
j