“I’M GLAD YOU ASKED!” (TWENTY-THIRD IN A SERIES)
Pastors Answer Frequently-Asked Questions
It may be surprising to learn that the Bible doesn’t say a lot about homosexuality. It is mentioned specifically in just a handful of places (such as Leviticus 18:22-24, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and 1 Timothy 1:9-10). However, what the Bible says about this topic is clear and pointed. Homosexuality is an abomination—a thing hated by God. It is also a sin against society and against one’s own body. Any argument in favor or support of homosexuality cannot stand in the light of God’s Word.
Unfortunately, what is most certainly a moral issue has, in our society, also become a political issue. Thumbing their noses at God, godless politicians, sociologists, and socially minded clergy have argued in favor of homosexuality to keep themselves in favor with those who desire to fulfill the lusts of their flesh. In an attempt to appear non-judgmental, they willfully ignore the judgment which God Himself makes against those who suppress the truth (see Romans 1).
This article, though, is not meant for those who use their positions to influence others. Rather, it is for those who have been influenced, to one degree or another, by them. Sadly, it is not just the avowed atheists who have bought the lie of homosexuality; many professing Christians are also being influenced into thinking that this lifestyle is nothing more than a personal choice that is morally neutral.
Let it be said up front that while homosexuality is a sin, it is a sin for which Jesus suffered and died on the cross. Many individuals who have been tempted by this sin, and even those who have engaged in homosexual relations, have found comfort and forgiveness from God for Jesus’ sake. God is not shocked by the corruption that flows forth from our hearts and minds, but has mercy on us and continues to desire our repentance and salvation.
Homosexual behavior is rebellion against God (as is defending or excusing it). It is rebellion in a number of ways: it mocks the marriage relationship that Scripture specifically says is a reflection of Christ and the Church, it disdains God’s blessing of life in that no human being ever resulted from a homosexual union, it seeks first and foremost the fulfillment of one’s own fleshly desires, and it ultimately results in calling God a liar for accusing one of sin and for pointing out his need for Christ who is the Savior from sin. Any and every argument in favor of homosexuality must reject God’s own testimony and replace His Word with one’s own foolish opinions.
God’s Word through the Prophet Isaiah finds application here: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9 ESV). It is interesting to note here that when God spoke the words of Isaiah chapter 55, He wasn’t just speaking about what is and what is not sin. He was speaking about how to deal with sin. Sin isn’t dealt with by ignoring it, justifying it, or defending it. Sin is dealt with by bringing it to God in repentance. And this is His promise: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7 ESV).
If you have any questions or if you desire to study this issue further, be sure to speak with your own pastor. God gave him to you for the purpose of helping you grow in your understanding of His truth and especially for bringing to you His forgiveness.
Frank Gantt is pastor of St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lemmon, South Dakota.