Ever since homosexuality has begun moving into an ever-increasing position of dominance as a topic of identity, acceptance, and now civil right, almost anyone who dares to take a conservative stance, generally based on Holy Scripture, has been labeled a bigoted hate-monger.
Now I will absolutely grant that there has been a learning curve in terms of Christians taking a biblically loving approach to any issues surrounding homosexuality. Many individuals, as well as horrific "ministries and minsters" such as Westboro Baptist Church and the likes of Fred Phelps have given an embarrassing name to Christians as it relates to this discussion. Those types do not understand what it means to demonstrate the love of Christ to sinners!
However, I believe we have come along way, though many would disagree. I believe this because I spend a lot of time reading and listening to Christian leaders of our day who desperately want to handle this issue with love and discernment. I also know of a number of well known Christians, at least in certain Christian circles, whom have amazing testimonies of God's grace; enabling them either to overcome their same-sex attraction and live happily married lives or to live celibate single lives of satisfaction in Christ. If you read my previous post entitled "What Would I Do If My Kids Were Gay", you would be familiar with some of these people. As a repeat, a couple of examples would be Rosaria Butterfield and Sam Alberry at Living Out and author of "Is God Anti-Gay". There is also a site known as Spiritual Friendship where the celibacy of Christians who are wrestling with same-sex attraction is celebrated and written about.
But I digress. What does the hate of homosexuals look like? How is it perceived and what is real? We already know that what Christians believe is love is percieved as hate. We will speak to that. But, is there a version of hate that is labeled as love? Let's look at some different perspectives.
The Perspective of the Secular Society
At this point, I think you have two perspectives in secular society regarding this issue. There are two parties and you will find these two perspectives varying in degrees of severity among these two parties. The two parties are the LGBT community, consisting of those whom are actually lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender; and then you have their supporters, who may be straight but sympathize.
The two perspectives, as I understand them, are fleshed out like this:
1.) According to David Gushee, a liberal teacher of Christian ethics at Mercer University, "our human understanding of what is sinful has changed over time." Jimmy Creech, a former Methodist minister who was defrocked after performing a same-sex marriage thinks that, and I paraphrase, the conservative view of homosexuality is a part of the culture and history of the bible that is not appropriate for today. Matthew Vines, author of God and the Gay Christian, argues that NT writers did not have any way to process the idea that human sexuality is a part of a person's identity and thus should not be condemned.
Jimmy Creech and a gay philanthropist and prominent furniture maker named Mitchell Gold, have formed an advocacy group named Faith in America which labels damage done to the LGBT community as "religious bigotry". Gold has stated that "church leaders must be made to take homosexuality off of the sin list".
These quotes come from an article entitled Bigotry, the Bible and the lessons of Indiana, written by a well known Op-ed writer for the NY Times. I quote them because the label of "religious bigotry" and the statement that "church leaders must be made to take homosexuality off the sin list" are strong representations of one perspective on hate by the secular society. They do not allow for any middle ground. This group, it seems, will not be happy until Christians are walking hand in hand with homosexuals at gay pride parades. They are walking all over the religious liberties of Christians, even though there are other religions that also do not agree with homosexuality.
2.) The second perspective is a much more fair-minded perspective held by many homosexuals. I am afraid however, that this group is in the minority because they are being drowned out by the group described above. This second perspective is comprised of homosexual's that are happy to practice their convictions in their own way and allow those whom disagree to disagree. I have spoken to homosexuals who could care less if a Christian baker or florist provides services to them. They understand the conflict. If a Christian stands up for their convictions in a firm but loving manner, these homosexuals can handle it and respect it. They don't see it as hate. However, they also do not appreciate those "Christians" whom would talk trash and have nothing constructive to say. For the record, neither do I.
The Perspective of the Liberal Christian
There are those whom believe themselves to be Christians that are in what is known as the Mainline Denominations. These are denominations such as The United Church of Christ, The Episcopal Church, and the Presbyterian Church (USA). We could also include the Church of England even though they do not directly affect us. There are also less publicized, but just as liberal segments of the Lutheran Church and the Catholic Church. Even among the more conservative denominations you will have the occasional church that changes their position on things such as gay marriage and ordination of gay ministers. These ministers or churches are generally removed from that denomination if they will not repent. Then of course there are independent churches and ministers that shift as well.
All of these groups have totally turned their backs on the teachings of the bible as it relates to homosexuality in every aspect of life and ministry. This process stems from having such a desire to show love in an "inclusive and accepting" kind of way that they are willing to ignore scripture to try to accomplish this. Individually and corporately you will hear arguments like, God came to heal the sick, God accepts all sinners into his fold, Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors and a loving God would not make people with this desire and then reject them because of it, etc.
These individuals and groups are so afraid of offending and running off people that they have been deceived into believing it is better not to call sin, sin. They would rather not suggest that God expects us to turn from our sins if we are truly His. No, their message is "God loves you just the way you are". He made you this way.
They believe it is unloving and consequently hateful to suggest that an impenitent homosexual would go to hell. They not only avoid the truth, but they reinforce the lie by allowing for gay marriage and gay ministers.
I might point out also that these denominations have been hemorrhaging members and loosing church bodies as they have become progressively more liberal.
The Perspective of the Conservative Christian
Healthy, bible-believing, conservative Christians do not see sharing the truth of scripture on this subject as hate. In fact, they see it as the most loving thing they can do.
Let me ask you, if I see someone in a burning house, flames are coming out of the windows and any minute the house will collapse, what should I do? Would the most loving thing be to walk away and say, "well if they want to stay in there and burn that's none of my business. Who am I to tell them they are wrong?" Or should I risk my life to go in and pull them out? Which one is more loving?
This is the challenge that faces every Christian who is striving for obedience to their Lord and Savior. Jude 1:23 instructs Christians to "save others by snatching them out of the fire". That's right, the scenario above is actually a warranted illustration according to scripture. There is an urgency to this call.
Jesus said, "if you love me, you will keep my commands."(John 14:15) In the 1st and 2nd Epistles of John, he reinforces that idea.
But we know that commandments do not simply refer to the 10 Commandments or just the sayings of Jesus. In Matthews 22:37-40 Jesus answers the Pharisees question about "which is the greatest commandment" by saying, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."
In the same way the author of Hebrews tells us that, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."(Hebrews 1:1-2)
Both of these scriptures place value not on any one part of the Bible, but on God's word as a whole. The false-dichotomy which suggests that Jesus never said homosexuality or gay marriage was wrong so we can ignore all the scriptures that do is a lie! In Matthew 19:3-6, as a response to a question about divorce, Jesus actually defines what marriage should look like and refers to the creation account in Genesis in order to give a foundation for his definition. The whole bible is full of God's commands.
Keeping those commandments not only means exhorting each other to pursue perfection in the do's and don'ts but, preaching the Gospel that Jesus is the only one who actually kept the do's and don'ts perfectly. It is faith in His perfect life and His sacrificial death that save us and make His grace available so that we can succeed in obedience.
God did not send His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that we could do whatever feels right. An understanding of salvation rooted in biblical truth will result in a tree that bears biblical fruit in obedience to God's word.
So, Who Are The Real Haters?
What I wish the world understood and what the liberal professing Christian is actively ignoring is that, ANYONE who affirms homosexuality as being ok and not a sin is a true hater. They are guilty of multiple offenses. Not only are they actively ignoring biblical truth and spitting in Christ's face; but they are also doing the exact opposite of what they hope to achieve for the LGBT community.
It has been historically true that, at the root of a liberal approach which compromises the gospel, is an honest, heart felt desire to see people believe in Jesus and go to heaven. The problem is a lack of confidence in the Holy Spirit, by the declaring of God's word, to change hearts and turn them toward Christ. A compromised gospel is a faithless, man-centered, man-driven gospel.
If you do not preach the true, complete gospel of Jesus Christ and call sinners to repentance, you are effectively holding ANY sinners hand as they walk down the road to hell. They might as well be holding Satan's hand! You are doing them no favors.
If you affirm them in their sin and tell them God loves them just the way they are and doesn't expect them to change, the same is true. You are shining a light on the gates of Hell and making them look beautiful.
AFFIRMATION IN THE FACE OF BLATANT SIN IS DAMNING!
Romans 1:32 states that, "Though they know God's decree, that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."
Paul has just finished listing a slew of "all manner of unrighteousness" that those who have rejected God perform. Then in Romans 1:32 he links those who approve of such actions with those whom have been doing them. He is preaching the condemnation of both.
In Isaiah 5:20-21 states, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!"
It does not matter if you say you love Jesus or even believe that he rose from the dead. If you are unwilling to stand for truth and defend God's word as the final authority for both faith and practice, then you have not surrendered your heart to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and you are in eternal danger. Your faith is in a God of your own making, not the God of the bible.
You are robbing yourself and your hearers of the Good News that sin is damning but God is saving. Sexuality and marriage ceases with this life(Matthew 22:30). It will not be the focal point at all in eternity. Please stop believing the enemies lie that our identity and satisfaction are found in our sexuality. There are only two identities in this life, Sinner or Saint. Which one are you?
Conclusion
I know this will go over like a lead balloon with a bunch of people. Still, a few will probably like it and agree. The fact remains that this is not the popular stance either in secular culture or much of church culture. However, it is absolutely what the bible teaches.
If you are a liberal or even if you consider yourself a conservative, yet you approve of homosexuality I plead with you to repent. Maybe you don't outright approve, but you are unwilling to say anything for fear of being judged as unloving, I beg you to repent. In either case you are doing damage to the gospel of Jesus Christ and you are misleading people who need a Savior whom demands everything because He gave everything. He gives so much more than what we can ever give. You may think you are being loving but you are actually showing a dangerously subtle hatred.
If you are a Christian who believes the bible, strives for obedience, and is willing to stand firm in a biblical stance on homosexuality or any other sin then I applaud you. This is not easy. Continue proclaiming the Good News.
Even the most well meaning of Christians can fall into the the camps which call for extreme caution. These camps will dare to suggest that even the most subtle suggestions that sin is sin, presented in the most subtle ways are somehow bible-beating.
I have seen that, even today; warnings contrasting expressions of love, with lessons from the law. As if the two were in such stark contrast that they could never be uttered in the same conversation. The law is not our enemy. It is meant to drive us to grace. People do not know that they need a cure if they do not know they have a disease. The law shines the light on our disease (sin) so that we will desire the cure (grace).
We must always strive to speak the truth in love however, that never means not speaking the truth at all. It means telling sinners that God accepts us just as we are, but not so that we can remain as we are. We are expected to grow in the knowledge of the truth; becoming more and more like Christ until the day we get to see Him face to face.
As believers, by God's grace, we can do this because when Christ died for us, He did it even as we were hating Him. May we find strength to love others as Christ loved us.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Now I will absolutely grant that there has been a learning curve in terms of Christians taking a biblically loving approach to any issues surrounding homosexuality. Many individuals, as well as horrific "ministries and minsters" such as Westboro Baptist Church and the likes of Fred Phelps have given an embarrassing name to Christians as it relates to this discussion. Those types do not understand what it means to demonstrate the love of Christ to sinners!
However, I believe we have come along way, though many would disagree. I believe this because I spend a lot of time reading and listening to Christian leaders of our day who desperately want to handle this issue with love and discernment. I also know of a number of well known Christians, at least in certain Christian circles, whom have amazing testimonies of God's grace; enabling them either to overcome their same-sex attraction and live happily married lives or to live celibate single lives of satisfaction in Christ. If you read my previous post entitled "What Would I Do If My Kids Were Gay", you would be familiar with some of these people. As a repeat, a couple of examples would be Rosaria Butterfield and Sam Alberry at Living Out and author of "Is God Anti-Gay". There is also a site known as Spiritual Friendship where the celibacy of Christians who are wrestling with same-sex attraction is celebrated and written about.
But I digress. What does the hate of homosexuals look like? How is it perceived and what is real? We already know that what Christians believe is love is percieved as hate. We will speak to that. But, is there a version of hate that is labeled as love? Let's look at some different perspectives.
The Perspective of the Secular Society
At this point, I think you have two perspectives in secular society regarding this issue. There are two parties and you will find these two perspectives varying in degrees of severity among these two parties. The two parties are the LGBT community, consisting of those whom are actually lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender; and then you have their supporters, who may be straight but sympathize.
The two perspectives, as I understand them, are fleshed out like this:
1.) According to David Gushee, a liberal teacher of Christian ethics at Mercer University, "our human understanding of what is sinful has changed over time." Jimmy Creech, a former Methodist minister who was defrocked after performing a same-sex marriage thinks that, and I paraphrase, the conservative view of homosexuality is a part of the culture and history of the bible that is not appropriate for today. Matthew Vines, author of God and the Gay Christian, argues that NT writers did not have any way to process the idea that human sexuality is a part of a person's identity and thus should not be condemned.
Jimmy Creech and a gay philanthropist and prominent furniture maker named Mitchell Gold, have formed an advocacy group named Faith in America which labels damage done to the LGBT community as "religious bigotry". Gold has stated that "church leaders must be made to take homosexuality off of the sin list".
These quotes come from an article entitled Bigotry, the Bible and the lessons of Indiana, written by a well known Op-ed writer for the NY Times. I quote them because the label of "religious bigotry" and the statement that "church leaders must be made to take homosexuality off the sin list" are strong representations of one perspective on hate by the secular society. They do not allow for any middle ground. This group, it seems, will not be happy until Christians are walking hand in hand with homosexuals at gay pride parades. They are walking all over the religious liberties of Christians, even though there are other religions that also do not agree with homosexuality.
2.) The second perspective is a much more fair-minded perspective held by many homosexuals. I am afraid however, that this group is in the minority because they are being drowned out by the group described above. This second perspective is comprised of homosexual's that are happy to practice their convictions in their own way and allow those whom disagree to disagree. I have spoken to homosexuals who could care less if a Christian baker or florist provides services to them. They understand the conflict. If a Christian stands up for their convictions in a firm but loving manner, these homosexuals can handle it and respect it. They don't see it as hate. However, they also do not appreciate those "Christians" whom would talk trash and have nothing constructive to say. For the record, neither do I.
The Perspective of the Liberal Christian
There are those whom believe themselves to be Christians that are in what is known as the Mainline Denominations. These are denominations such as The United Church of Christ, The Episcopal Church, and the Presbyterian Church (USA). We could also include the Church of England even though they do not directly affect us. There are also less publicized, but just as liberal segments of the Lutheran Church and the Catholic Church. Even among the more conservative denominations you will have the occasional church that changes their position on things such as gay marriage and ordination of gay ministers. These ministers or churches are generally removed from that denomination if they will not repent. Then of course there are independent churches and ministers that shift as well.
All of these groups have totally turned their backs on the teachings of the bible as it relates to homosexuality in every aspect of life and ministry. This process stems from having such a desire to show love in an "inclusive and accepting" kind of way that they are willing to ignore scripture to try to accomplish this. Individually and corporately you will hear arguments like, God came to heal the sick, God accepts all sinners into his fold, Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors and a loving God would not make people with this desire and then reject them because of it, etc.
These individuals and groups are so afraid of offending and running off people that they have been deceived into believing it is better not to call sin, sin. They would rather not suggest that God expects us to turn from our sins if we are truly His. No, their message is "God loves you just the way you are". He made you this way.
They believe it is unloving and consequently hateful to suggest that an impenitent homosexual would go to hell. They not only avoid the truth, but they reinforce the lie by allowing for gay marriage and gay ministers.
I might point out also that these denominations have been hemorrhaging members and loosing church bodies as they have become progressively more liberal.
The Perspective of the Conservative Christian
Healthy, bible-believing, conservative Christians do not see sharing the truth of scripture on this subject as hate. In fact, they see it as the most loving thing they can do.
Let me ask you, if I see someone in a burning house, flames are coming out of the windows and any minute the house will collapse, what should I do? Would the most loving thing be to walk away and say, "well if they want to stay in there and burn that's none of my business. Who am I to tell them they are wrong?" Or should I risk my life to go in and pull them out? Which one is more loving?
This is the challenge that faces every Christian who is striving for obedience to their Lord and Savior. Jude 1:23 instructs Christians to "save others by snatching them out of the fire". That's right, the scenario above is actually a warranted illustration according to scripture. There is an urgency to this call.
Jesus said, "if you love me, you will keep my commands."(John 14:15) In the 1st and 2nd Epistles of John, he reinforces that idea.
But we know that commandments do not simply refer to the 10 Commandments or just the sayings of Jesus. In Matthews 22:37-40 Jesus answers the Pharisees question about "which is the greatest commandment" by saying, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."
In the same way the author of Hebrews tells us that, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."(Hebrews 1:1-2)
Both of these scriptures place value not on any one part of the Bible, but on God's word as a whole. The false-dichotomy which suggests that Jesus never said homosexuality or gay marriage was wrong so we can ignore all the scriptures that do is a lie! In Matthew 19:3-6, as a response to a question about divorce, Jesus actually defines what marriage should look like and refers to the creation account in Genesis in order to give a foundation for his definition. The whole bible is full of God's commands.
Keeping those commandments not only means exhorting each other to pursue perfection in the do's and don'ts but, preaching the Gospel that Jesus is the only one who actually kept the do's and don'ts perfectly. It is faith in His perfect life and His sacrificial death that save us and make His grace available so that we can succeed in obedience.
God did not send His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that we could do whatever feels right. An understanding of salvation rooted in biblical truth will result in a tree that bears biblical fruit in obedience to God's word.
So, Who Are The Real Haters?
What I wish the world understood and what the liberal professing Christian is actively ignoring is that, ANYONE who affirms homosexuality as being ok and not a sin is a true hater. They are guilty of multiple offenses. Not only are they actively ignoring biblical truth and spitting in Christ's face; but they are also doing the exact opposite of what they hope to achieve for the LGBT community.
It has been historically true that, at the root of a liberal approach which compromises the gospel, is an honest, heart felt desire to see people believe in Jesus and go to heaven. The problem is a lack of confidence in the Holy Spirit, by the declaring of God's word, to change hearts and turn them toward Christ. A compromised gospel is a faithless, man-centered, man-driven gospel.
If you do not preach the true, complete gospel of Jesus Christ and call sinners to repentance, you are effectively holding ANY sinners hand as they walk down the road to hell. They might as well be holding Satan's hand! You are doing them no favors.
If you affirm them in their sin and tell them God loves them just the way they are and doesn't expect them to change, the same is true. You are shining a light on the gates of Hell and making them look beautiful.
 |
| Rodin's Gates of Hell |
AFFIRMATION IN THE FACE OF BLATANT SIN IS DAMNING!
Romans 1:32 states that, "Though they know God's decree, that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."
Paul has just finished listing a slew of "all manner of unrighteousness" that those who have rejected God perform. Then in Romans 1:32 he links those who approve of such actions with those whom have been doing them. He is preaching the condemnation of both.
In Isaiah 5:20-21 states, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!"
It does not matter if you say you love Jesus or even believe that he rose from the dead. If you are unwilling to stand for truth and defend God's word as the final authority for both faith and practice, then you have not surrendered your heart to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and you are in eternal danger. Your faith is in a God of your own making, not the God of the bible.
You are robbing yourself and your hearers of the Good News that sin is damning but God is saving. Sexuality and marriage ceases with this life(Matthew 22:30). It will not be the focal point at all in eternity. Please stop believing the enemies lie that our identity and satisfaction are found in our sexuality. There are only two identities in this life, Sinner or Saint. Which one are you?
Conclusion
I know this will go over like a lead balloon with a bunch of people. Still, a few will probably like it and agree. The fact remains that this is not the popular stance either in secular culture or much of church culture. However, it is absolutely what the bible teaches.
If you are a liberal or even if you consider yourself a conservative, yet you approve of homosexuality I plead with you to repent. Maybe you don't outright approve, but you are unwilling to say anything for fear of being judged as unloving, I beg you to repent. In either case you are doing damage to the gospel of Jesus Christ and you are misleading people who need a Savior whom demands everything because He gave everything. He gives so much more than what we can ever give. You may think you are being loving but you are actually showing a dangerously subtle hatred.
If you are a Christian who believes the bible, strives for obedience, and is willing to stand firm in a biblical stance on homosexuality or any other sin then I applaud you. This is not easy. Continue proclaiming the Good News.
Even the most well meaning of Christians can fall into the the camps which call for extreme caution. These camps will dare to suggest that even the most subtle suggestions that sin is sin, presented in the most subtle ways are somehow bible-beating.
I have seen that, even today; warnings contrasting expressions of love, with lessons from the law. As if the two were in such stark contrast that they could never be uttered in the same conversation. The law is not our enemy. It is meant to drive us to grace. People do not know that they need a cure if they do not know they have a disease. The law shines the light on our disease (sin) so that we will desire the cure (grace).
We must always strive to speak the truth in love however, that never means not speaking the truth at all. It means telling sinners that God accepts us just as we are, but not so that we can remain as we are. We are expected to grow in the knowledge of the truth; becoming more and more like Christ until the day we get to see Him face to face.
As believers, by God's grace, we can do this because when Christ died for us, He did it even as we were hating Him. May we find strength to love others as Christ loved us.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
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