Homosexuality
is sin. Just like many other sins listed in God's Word. But condemning
homosexuality as sin is not enough. Whenever we declare, "homosexuality is
sin," we must immediately follow it up with, "but there's good news!
God loves you so much that he sent Jesus to die for your sin so that you can be
forgiven and free. God wants you to repent of your sin and receive his grace
and be transformed by his Spirit."
This is
exactly how the apostle Paul deals with homosexuality three times in the New
Testament. He condemns it as sin, but when you look at the larger context, Paul
always points people to the gospel of grace.
Let's
start with Romans.
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)
Homosexuality
is sin. In the larger context, Paul explains that homosexuality is the end
result of people worshipping and serving the creature rather than the Creator
(v25). When people choose to suppress the truth about God (v18) and exchange
that truth for a lie (v25), the end result is homosexuality and a host of other
sins (v28-32).
But let's
remember the bigger context. For I am not
ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who
believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
Paul's
condemnation of homosexuality is set in the context of the gospel. Paul speaks
harshly against the sin of homosexuality so that those enslaved to it will
repent of their sin and embrace the good news of Jesus and enjoy salvation and
forgiveness and freedom. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to
everyone who believes, including homosexuals.
Let's go
to 1 Timothy.
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it
lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but
for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy
and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the
sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers,
and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine. (1 Timothy 1:8-10)
God gave
his law to expose sins, including the sin of homosexuality.
But let's
remember the bigger context. Paul goes on to share his personal story of grace.
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus
our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though
formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received
mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord
overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The
saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came
into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy
for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his
perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal
life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and
glory forever and ever. Amen. (v12-17)
If God’s
grace is powerful enough to save the chief of sinners, then God can also rescue
people from the slavery of homosexuality. God’s mercy is deep enough to reach
into the darkness of homosexuality and shine the light of the gospel of the
glory of Christ. Jesus came to save sinners, including homosexuals.
And
finally, 1 Corinthians.
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, nor thieves,
nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the
kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Homosexuality
is sin. Those who continue to live in unrepentant, arrogant, shameless
homosexuality have no place in God’s kingdom.
But let's
remember the bigger context.
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. (v11)
There is
hope for every sinner. Whether you are a
homosexual or a thief, whether you are an adulterer or a drunkard, there is
hope for you in Jesus Christ. When a
homosexual repents of their sin they are washed clean, they are made holy, they
are declared right in God’s eyes. When a homosexual trusts Jesus as Savior they
are transformed by the Holy Spirit living in them.
That's the
gospel of grace.
So
condemning homosexuality as sin is not enough. We must also point people to the
good news of salvation and mercy and forgiveness and freedom and hope and joy
in Jesus.
