Will homosexuals be lost?  What does the Bible say? Pt. 8

Dear Reader,

        As we have said before in previous articles, the Bible has a few things to say about homosexuality and those who practice homosexuality.

        As a pastor, friend, and parent I would say that the most significant thing that the Bible has to say on this subject is for everyone; and God says these thing because He love everyone and wishes for all to be saved. Here is what I have found in several passages and which I will like to share.  

        My first text is from the gospel of John: (John 3:16 KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  (John 3:17 KJV) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  This text tells us very clearly, without any shadow of doubt, that God sent Jesus into this world to save homosexuals (and everyone else) and not condemn them.  Here is a similar text from Paul: (Rom 5:8 KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Clearly, Jesus died for us, including homosexuals, while we were yet practicing our sins!!  Friend, this is love beyond comprehension.

        The next significant thing that the Bible says to homosexuals is that homosexuality is a sin, and that it must be stopped and repented of.  Here are two texts; the first from Leviticus: (Lev 18:22 KJV) Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.  And the second text is from Proverbs: (Prov 28:13 KJV) He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.  These two texts are very clear as to the nature of homosexuality and our response to it.  It is sinful and we should confess and forsake it. 

        We must all bear in mind, however, that the Bible does not single out homosexuality as the only abominable thing that needs to be confessed and forsaken.  In essence the Bible tells us that all sin is abominable before God; and sin should be confessed and forsaken through the mighty working of God’s Holy Spirit.  Here is a lovely promise God offers to the homosexual as well as to us all: (Acts 2:37 KJV) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?  (Acts 2:38 KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  God promises the homosexual, as well as everyone else, forgiveness, mercy, and the infilling of His Holy Spirit if he confesses his sin, accepts Jesus into his life, and is baptized.

        Finally, the last significant thing that God says to the homosexual, and this applies to all of us, is that he will lose the beauty and loveliness of heaven (salvation) if he refuses to give up his sin.  That is, if he refuses to allow God to take away his sin and heal him, then he will lose eternal life and will not enter the kingdom of God.  Here, for example, are some statements from God: (1 Cor 6:9 KJV) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (1 Cor 6:10 KJV) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  

       Lastly, we read from 1 Timothy: (1 Tim 1:9 KJV) Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, (1 Tim 1:10 KJV) For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

        Clearly, then, the Bible tells the homosexual, as well as all others, that continuance in his sin will certainly keep him out of God’s lovely kingdom.  My prayer for us all, is that we turn to Jesus our Saviour in contrition for forgiveness, pardon, and eternal life; for it is His good pleasure to give us eternal life.  Let us not lose this wonderful opportunity.  God bless.

    Pastor Ron is a retired Adventist pastor. Reach him at ron.hende@gmail.com. with your comments.