In the Albuquerque Journal (August 13, 1998), a headline read: "Clerics'
Group Draws 'Line in Sand' Against Gays." After reading the article, it dawned
on me that it was not any "cleric" group or any particular denomination that
"drew the line" against homosexuality, but rather God himself. It is good that
there are still many religious groups that will take a stand against
homosexuality because the Bible teaches that it is a sin. There are various
passages of Scripture that condemn the practice (or lifestyle) of homosexuality.
Notice: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of
God? Do not be deceived. Neither fomicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10).
Other passages of Scripture condemning the sin homosexuality include: Romans
1:26-32, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, and Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.
God
Called Them "Homosexuals"
It is interesting that when the homosexual community raises its head to "come
out of the closet" and "tell all" that we are supposed to listen to their
concerns and be sympathetic to their cause. Yet when we who are opposed to homosexuality raise our head and cry out against the sin
of homosexuality, then we are accused of violating human rights. Let's not
forget that it was not I or any other man that determined that homosexuality is
a sin; it was our Maker and Creator, God himself!
Remember that this is the same God who made everyone of us. He made us with
the ability to follow and practice his righteousness. Yet the homosexual
community cries out against those who are
trying to uphold the teaching of God as "a well-orchestrated political campaign
directed against the 'gay community!'" In the article, one individual said,
"It's simply wrong to use God as an excuse for name-calling." Wait a minute. It
was God who called them "homosexual," pronounced that it is a sin,
and said that anyone engaging in this sin will not inherit the kingdom of
heaven. The homosexuals of the world don't want to be labeled as sinners and
called names; they don't appreciate "using God as an excuse for name-calling,"
but then the very next line of the article calls those ministers an "intolerant,
homophobic chorus." See what I mean? The homosexual community can take a stand
and call names, but when it gets thrown back their way, they cry "foul!"
Calling It Like It Is
When Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott,
R-Miss., compared homosexuality to kleptomania, and Green Bay Packers star
Reggie White called homosexuality a sin during a speech to the Wisconsin
legislature, they drew immediate fire from the homosexual community. Men and
brethren, homosexuality is lawlessness [disregard for God's law], and those engaging in this act and who
do not repent will not be in heaven. God said that a long time ago. We can
either accept his word or reject it.
Must Do All of the Word of God
By the way, it is also interesting that all
of these religious denominations find it necessary to take a stand against
homosexuality (that which is lawlessness), but will not take a stand on many,
many other things that God has also condemned such as instrumental music in
worship, partaking of the Lord's supper only once or twice a year, raising
money for the church treasury in ways not authorized and then using money from
the church treasury in support of organizations or institutions not authorized
in Scripture, sprinkling instead of immersion, teaching that baptism is not
necessary for salvation, etc. The same God that condemned homosexuality is the
very same God that instructed us how we must worship him (John 4:24). There is
no such thing as a smorgasbord religion as far as God is concerned. We must eat
that which has been set before us and that is the all of the Word of God.
Homosexuality has been condemned as sin by God since creation, and He expects man to do all of His will (Matt. 7:21) and to teach His whole counsel (Acts 20:27). May we all do our very best to live and defend all of which God's Word has taught us (Rev. 2:10; 1 Peter 3: 15, 2 Tim. 2: 15).