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Perhaps one of the most hot-button issues of our time is homosexuality. For the first time in history the majority of Americans see nothing wrong with homosexuality and homosexual marriage.
What should we make of this majority acceptance of homosexuality? Should we conclude that God going to judge the USA? The Bible makes clear that homosexuality is not the basis of God’s judgment; it is God’s judgment (Rom 1:18–32). God judges those who reject Him by giving them up to their sinful lusts, letting them have their way instead of graciously restraining them.
What is the evidence of God’s judgment through homosexuality? Consider these recent indications—
- The immoral morals of America—the vast majority see nothing wrong with pre-marital sex, unmarried couples living together, and divorce. A quick sampling of what people watch and listen to provides more than sufficient evidence of America’s immoral morals.
- The President of the USA boldly proclaimed in his second inaugural address: “The president has called for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act that defines marriage as a union of a man and a woman…Later in the address, Obama said: ‘Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law—for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.’”
- The Boy Scouts of America is considering ending its ban on gay scouts and leaders. The honorary president of the Scouts, the President of the United States, said, “My attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunity the same way everybody else does, in every institution and walk of life” (emphasis added).
- Fast changing laws about marriage—there are now nine states that legally recognize same-sex marriage: Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Washington—as well as the District of Columbia and two Native American tribes. As mentioned above, President Obama wants the Defense of Marriage Act to be repealed so that the federal government would recognize same-sex marriages.
- There are many alleged Christian groups accepting homosexuality. The United Methodist Church does not view homosexuality as sin, allowing homosexuals to be members and lay leaders. A number of American Baptist Churches conduct gay weddings and make a conscious effort to make church “weird” so everyone is accepted “for who they are.” Even some evangelicals allow gays and lesbians as church members, view it as genetic, or no longer proclaim it as sinful.
In view of these evidences, what should Bible-believing Christians expect? We should expect homosexuality to continue to grow in acceptance. Expect advocates of homosexuality to press their views in the name of “tolerance.” Expect growing pressure on the true Christian church to compromise. Expect growing persecution on churches that do not compromise
We did not get to this point because of the media, rising divorce rate, etc. True, Satan uses such means to destroy humanity and ultimately attack God, but means are not the cause or root issue. Legal and social efforts to reinforce and strengthen a biblical view of marriage are good and have their place, but such will never deal with the root problem.
What is the root issue? In a word, it is sin. America’s refusal to acknowledge and honor the true God of the Christian Scriptures and instead suppress that through unrighteousness is the root cause. God judges the unrepentant by giving them up to their sinful and vile desires so that they dishonor their bodies and engage in idolatry and every gross perversion. Overall, the American way of life practices and approves of sin and those who engage in such (Rom 1:32).
More than ever, Christians must sanctify Christ as Lord in their hearts, and thus be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in them (1 Pet 3:15). This requires understanding what the Bible teaches about homosexuality. It is sin that God forbids (Lev 18:22) and a perversion (Gen 18:20–21; Rom 1:26–27). God judges unrepentant homosexuals (Gen 19:4–5, 24–25; Rom 1:18–32; 2 Pet 2:4–10; Jude 6–7). Unrepentant homosexuals will not be in Christ’s Kingdom (1 Cor 6:9–10). What must be remembered is that sin is not just the act of sinning—one’s thoughts, affections, desires, and disposition are sinful as well, and this applies to homosexuality (Rom 1:24–27; 8:5–8; Gal 5:19–21).
The Bible also teaches that God saves and sanctifies homosexuals. God can forgive and cleanse sin (Isa 43:25; Mic 7:18–19; 1 Cor 6:11), change homosexuals (2 Cor 5:17), and helps repentant homosexuals fight against temptation (1 Cor 10:13; Gal 5:16).
What should be the response of Christian churches? We must proclaim the biblical gospel which “is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom 1:16). We must teach, defend, and exemplify biblical marriage and morality in our churches (1 Thess 4:1–8). We must strive for sexual purity in our churches and personal lives by fleeing from immorality (Ps 141:4; 1 Cor 6:18–20; Eph 4:17–24; 5:11–12; 2 Tim 2:22). We must avoid evil and tempting situations (Job 31:1; Prov 1:10; 4:25–27), which necessarily involves rejecting media that contains unbiblical morality (public compromise always begins with personal compromise). Last, we must be faithful and compassionate witnesses to homosexuals and encourage Christians who struggle with homosexual thoughts, affections, and desires.
“Such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God”
1 Corinthians 6:11
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