For the Record…
Homosexuality is first mentioned in the earliest books of the Bible. Its practice was not uncommon in ancient Greece, nor in ancient Rome. In the United States, although not new, the past 50 years have witnessed the discussion surrounding homosexuality move from tolerance and fairness – to an issue that affects everything from politics, family, and even the church.
For the record, scripture is clear in both the Old and New Testament about the practice of homosexuality. In the Old Testament, the account of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) includes Abraham seeking 10 righteous souls, so God would not destroy the cities for their sin, (a sin that Jude 1:7 further indicates was sexual immorality and homosexuality, but other passages included pride, apathy, complacency, idleness, and unconcern for the underprivileged). In the account, 10 righteous people were not found and the cities suffered destruction through the wrath of God. The book of Leviticus clearly states, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination,” (Leviticus 18:22 ESV).
For the record, even in the New Testament, Paul writing to the Corinthians includes a clear warning, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,” (I Corinthians 6:9 ESV). The writer of Romans states, “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error,” (Romans 1:26-27 ESV). Simply, there is no doubt that God’s Word condemns acts of homosexuality – in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, 2,000 years ago, and today!
Yet, the complete passage in I Corinthians is not there to serve merely as a condemnation. It is also a passage filled with hope and celebration in the saving, changing power of Jesus Christ! I Corinthians 6:11 gloriously proclaims “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God,” (ESV). Alongside a long list of sinful behaviors, the Apostle Paul reminds them that many of them were once separated from God by sin, (yes, even homosexuality), but were given the power to leave sin behind and become servants of Christ!
For the record, homosexuality is not an unforgiveable sin. For the record, Jesus Christ died for all sinners and saves those who follow Him in faith. For the record, we are called to reach out to all those separated from Christ in both love AND in the truth of God’s Word!
Pastor Chris
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