Homosexuality

There are many questions related to the issue of homosexuality. Is it wrong? Should the United States permit gay marriage? Should homosexuals be permitted to join a church? What should the church tell homosexuals? These questions will be addressed in this paper.

God declared homosexuality an abomination (Lev 18:22) and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah due, in large part, to their open homosexuality (Gen 19). Paul wrote that God gave man over to his unnatural, sinful homosexual lusts (Rom 1:24-27), showing that even the New Testament deems it an abomination. Furthermore, Paul said that homosexuals, among others, will not be saved (1 Cor 6:9-10) unless they repent of their sin (1 Cor 6:11). Based on these verses, it is clear that, contrary to the homosexual political movement, homosexuality is unnatural, abominable, and wrong.

Regarding same-sex marriage, since homosexuality is wrong, same-sex marriage is also wrong. God declared that marriage is only between one man and one woman (Gen 2:24; Matt 19:5-6; Mark 10:7-8; Eph 5:3). Because of the First Amendment, Congress cannot endorse one religious belief over another. However, God blesses or destroys nations based on their national morals and laws (2 Chr 7:14; Matt 25:31-46). Therefore, the United States should oppose same-sex marriage and, hence, glorify God.

Regarding church membership, homosexuals should be treated as any other sinner. If they come repenting of their sin, seeking to be obedient to God, church membership is permitted, for we all are sinners in need of God's grace (Rom 3:23-24). If they choose to remain living a homosexual life, then church membership should be denied or revoked. In other words, they should be treated like all others: as needy sinners. Those who say anyone who commits a single homosexual act must be denied membership forgets that there is no one who is righteous, including those condemning homosexuals (Ps 14:3; 53:3; Rom 3:10). Therefore, membership should depend on repentance.

What, then, should Christians do for homosexuals? There are three things we must do. First, we must pray for them to be saved (Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; 1 Tim 2:1). Second, we must love them and not hate them (Lev 19:17; Matt 5:44; Luke 6:27; Rom 12:20) just as God loves us despite our sinfulness (Rom 5:5-10). Third, we must share the gospel with them (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Tim 2:2; 4:2).

Homosexuality is wrong and those who practice it will be judged, along with all other sinners. However, Christ died to save all who repent (Luke 19:10; John 3:16; Acts 3:19; Rom 10:9-13). Our mission is to seek their salvation through Christ.