Sin is not taken very seriously by many in our society. People ignore it, make excuses for it, and joke about it. This casual attitude is in stark contrast with the way God views sin.
There are three examples from the book of Genesis that clearly demonstrate to us just how much God hates sin. We will briefly look at each of these examples as well as how they compare with God’s view of sin under the gospel age.
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I’ve written a few things about gay marriage and homosexuality recently (links at the end of this post). But something occurred to me today that I had not mentioned in a previous article. It’s a simple point, and maybe it will be another argument we can use when discussing this issue with others.
Many believe there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, that it is an inherited trait, an acceptable practice, and a normal lifestyle. They argue (incorrectly) that the Bible does not call this a sin. And they contend that God accepts those who continue to practice homosexuality.
Then the argument is made for same-sex marriage. If there is nothing wrong with homosexuality (as they believe), then there is no reason (in their minds) why gays cannot marry one another.
Even if homosexuality was not a sin, that would not necessarily mean that same-sex marriage is acceptable. For those who believe homosexuality is a wholesome lifestyle and that God accepts unrepentant homosexuals, I challenge them to find just one passage that mentions, or even suggests that God allows same-sex marriage. After all, God instituted marriage (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-6). If gays can marry, surely there is some verse were we can find this.
The fact of the matter is that there is no verse that either condones or explicitly condemns same-sex marriage. You would think that if homosexuality wasn’t a sin, then logically God would either endorse same-sex marriage or explain why He does not allow it. But there is nothing there. The lack of a mention says a lot.
Homosexuality is a sin (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:9-10). No twisted arguments used to justify the practice or same-sex marriage will change that.
Many homosexuals and those who support their lifestyle have argued that those who are gay are so because of their genetic makeup, i.e., they were born gay. This was given as a reason why we cannot say that homosexuality is wrong because, after all, they cannot help it. Supposedly, there was scientific evidence to back up this claim.
Reasoning from the Bible, Christians have taught that homosexuality is a chosen practice, not a trait that was hardwired into one’s DNA. After all, the Bible calls homosexuality a sin (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:9-10). And we know that God would not allow some people to be born in a state that would guarantee their damnation because “God is not one to show partiality” (Acts 10:35). Paul even alludes to some in Corinth who had once engaged in this practice, but had given it up when they turned to the Lord (“Such were some of you…” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
So we had this apparent conflict. Should we believe the word of God, or scientific evidence?
Well, it turns out that the American Psychological Association is now admitting that there is no evidence that a gene exists that makes one gay. You can read about it here: APA revises ‘gay gene’ theory.
There are surely many factors that contribute to one’s decision to engage in homosexuality. In the same way, there are many factors that might contribute to one’s decision to lie, steal, commit adultery, or murder. But that does not change the fact that these actions are sinful. Instead of looking for excuses for sinful behavior, we must simply repent and follow the Lord.
Jesus is, “to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9). Make the choice to follow Him. As the Hebrew writer went on to say, “let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
Fallen Evangelical “pastor,” Ted Haggard, has been speaking out recently about the scandal involving homosexuality that brought him down and the reaction of the religious community to his sin, particularly the “Christian Right.” Notice the following article from the Christian Post about how he believes the “Christian Right” needs to change.
Haggard: Christian Right Off Course, Needs to Change
It’s a short article, and an interesting read. I just wanted to comment on three things Haggard says.
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It was not that long ago in our society that homosexuality was a shameful practice that was mostly kept secret so that others would not know about it. Times have certainly changed! We have seen the transition from secrecy and shame to those who practice it parading and protesting in the streets, demanding that society recognize and accept same-sex “marriages.”
As we consider this practice and the growing acceptance of it, it is important to be reminded of what the Bible teaches. In this article we will look at what has happened in the past when homosexuality was widely practiced and/or accepted, as well as what the Bible has to say about the practice itself.
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This world is full of constant change. Many things come and go, whether they are people, cultures, governments, trends, or fashions. Yet the writer of Ecclesiastes noted, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The changes we see are just perpetual cycles that exist in this world. But in the midst of the changes we face in this life, there are certain fundamental truths that will always remain constant.
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What does “propitiation” mean? How is “justification” connected to salvation? What does “sanctification” look like in our day-to-day lives? The Bible uses some powerful words to describe God’s plan to save mankind. However, these words are not always easy to understand, especially when they are not part of our everyday vocabulary. This book explores key Bible terms that unlock the message of the gospel.
Big Words in the Bible examines five important words – Propitiation, Reconciliation, Sanctification, Justification, and Resurrection – using plain language to see how the Scriptures describe these concepts and how the apostle Paul employs them in his letter to the Romans. This book also contains an appendix with eleven additional articles to explore these topics further.
Whether you are new to the Bible and want to grow in your understanding or want a simple way to explain these core gospel doctrines to others, this book will be helpful. With a focus on the Scriptures, Big Words in the Bible helps break down these fundamental topics to shed light on the life-changing message of the gospel and the salvation found in it.
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