There is quite a lot of news on homosexuality at the present time, August, 2003; especially do we hear of the favourable position some churches are taking regarding this practice. I think of the installation of the openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson, as the bishop of the diocese of New Hampshire, USA, by the Episcopalians. My question is, seeing that the Christian church is not presenting a united front against homosexuality, it is possible that an individual can interpret the Bible in such a way that homosexuality can be accepted among Christians as legitimate? Pt. 6
Dear Reader,
You are perfectly correct in observing that the Christian church seems very disunited regarding the practice of homosexuality. It’s either the Anglican church or the Episcopalian, or the Baptist or even the Lutheran, fighting off supporters within its own ranks.
Well, what are we to make of this? Is the Bible at fault? Can the Bible be interpreted in such a manner as to give legitimacy to the practice of homosexuality? Let’s explore this.
First of all, let me state clearly, that the Bible is the Christian’s only rule of faith and doctrine. Without the Bible we would not have a Christian faith. In order to know what the Bible says about homosexuality one has to go to the pages of the Bible. One must not blindly take one’s answers from ministers, theologians, or church members. One must test all answers by the Bible.
History has clearly shown us that there is biblical Christianity and that there is ‘Christianity’ that is not totally biblical. True Christianity must always lead the individual to the Bible. Over the years false doctrines have crept into the Christian Church. We have false doctrines like Mariology, the veneration of the virgin Mary; the teaching that when one dies one goes immediately to heaven (or to some other place depending on the quality of life before death); and some teach that the law of God is not to be kept any longer. And now we hear of preachers telling the public that homosexual love is divine love and that we should not discriminate against homosexual practices.
It is important to remember reader, that this is not a unique phenomenon. There has always been false teachers down through the ages, even in the Bible times. Here are just a few: (Gal 1:6 KJV) I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (Gal 1:7 KJV) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. And again, (Acts 20:29 KJV) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And finally, listen to the words of Christ himself, (Mat 24:24 KJV) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
These texts tell us quite clearly that not all Christians are to be listened to; they tell us that the intent of some teachers, professing to be Christians, is to deceive and lead astray.
Similarly with homosexuality. The Bible is absolutely clear on the practice of homosexuality. It teaches that homosexuality is a sin, and that God calls it an abomination. It teachers that while God loves the sinner, and will seek to save him or her, if he or she practices homosexuality, or is a lesbian, then he or she must surrender and confess these sinful practices or stand the consequences of being lost.
Jesus Christ himself makes reference to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and states that in the last days these attitudes will be repeated. Let’s read this account found in Luke’s gospel, (Luke 17:28 KJV) Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; (Luke 17:29 KJV) But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:30 KJV) Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
The Bible tells us clearly why Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. We read the episode of Lot and the angels and the men of Sodom in Genesis 19:1-11; and Peter also makes reference to Sodom in 2Pet. 2:6-8. Finally, Paul is very precise on the question of homosexuality, he says in Romans 1, (Rom 1:26 KJV) For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: (Rom 1:27 KJV) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. (Rom 1:28 KJV) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.
The above texts are just a sampling of what the Bible has to say regarding homosexuality. Therefore, when we hear of ministers or church organizations speaking in favour of homosexuality, let it be known that they are not speaking with reference to the Bible, but they are speaking their own words. And by so doing they will deceive those individuals who do not go to the Bible to check out the validity of these false teachers. In closing, let me leave with you the admonition of the Bible, (Isa 8:20 KJV) To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
May God grant us the ability to love sinners, all sinners. And may He grant us wisdom to understand His Word, and to seek it always in order to know what is truth. And may we not be afraid to share this word with all men for their salvation sake.
Pastor Ron is a retired Adventist pastor. Reach him at ron.hende@gmail.com. with your comments.