Condemning homosexuality as sin is not enough

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.