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Discovering God’s Grace and Healing In Homosexuality.
“Have you not read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female… and a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his
GOD’S WORD ON THE TOUGH QUESTIONS
Are homosexuals born this way?
There is no reliable evidence that homosexuality has a genetic origin. The most complete research says otherwise (see Bibliography for details). Although complex, a growing body of evidence and understanding shows environmental forces frequently coupled with psychological difficulties to be a root cause. Many experts also agree that often a sexual trauma, such as molestation, rape, or other violent experience can play a strong role in developing this sexual behavior. Brown and Kolody in their work, Human Sexuality, categorically state that “the genetic theory of homosexuality has been generally discarded today.”
Can homosexual behavior be changed?
Some of the most respected experts in the field tell us that homosexuality is a learned response and that it can be unlearned. Thousands of successful, long-term cases prove this to be true. There is indeed hope for the one who desires to overcome! Organizations and expert counselors experienced in this area are reporting high success rates for those who truly desire to leave this lifestyle.
Are homosexual thoughts sin?
It is homosexual behavior that is of concern, not an inclination or temptation to it. This inclination can be temporary, controlled, and here’s the good news, even reversed. Jesus was tempted in every way and yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
GOD’S WORD ON RESTORATION
Unconditional Love
God’s love extends to all. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “ ...we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses…let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Such love demands truth, and the frank, honest, and accurate sharing of truth is not hate. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32).
Complete Forgiveness
Forgiveness and peace with God is available. “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). And 1 John 1:8-9 tells us, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” The prophet Jeremiah writes that God will “forgive our wickedness and will remember our sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12).
Available To All
The gospel is Good News to all persons including those in sexual brokenness. Although God’s love and forgiveness are available to all, it is not something that can be earned or deserved on our own merits. It is a gift from God that requires a humble and gracious acceptance (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23). Our acceptance of God’s forgiveness requires the confessing and denouncing of our sin, as evidenced by a sincere repentance or evidence of turning from the sin and no longer participating in it.
GOD’S WORD ON SEXUALITY
Sexuality In Creation
In the creation narrative of Genesis Chapter 2, God determines that, “It is not good that man should be alone.” God then acts to make a “fit” companion for Adam. Though Eve came from Adam there was a difference. Humanity is created with a definite sexual distinction, each an equal bearer of the image of God. In their sexual separateness, man and woman are complemented and completed only by the other.
Sexuality In Marriage
God met Adam’s need for companionship through sexual differentiation and the institution of marriage. God’s only plan for sexual relationships is a monogamous, heterosexual relationship within marriage. It is the only appropriate form of sexual expression that is defined in the Old Testament and upheld in the New Testament.
Marriage is divine in origin, and is comprised of one man and one woman. Scripture indicates no other kind of marriage or avenue for sexual intercourse or expression. God’s Word provides no alternative lifestyles, therefore, adherence to this norm is required, aside from singleness and/or celibacy. Christ himself proclaims, “Have you not read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female…and a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife…” (Matt 19:4-5). Departure from God’s standards is destructive and subject to God’s judgment. “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
GOD’S WORD ON HOMOSEXUALITY
The Bible Speaks
There are a number of references to homosexual behavior in scripture and they are never ambiguous as to what that behavior is. “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable” (Leviticus 18:22). The most notable passages are found in Romans 1; 1 Corinthians 6; Leviticus 18; Genesis 19.
The Bible Explains
Like all sin, homosexuality is a symptom of fallen humanity. We are not born homosexual (James 1:13-18; Romans 1:26-27). All sin is a result of a stubborn rebellion and independence from God (Jeremiah 17:9; Psalm 51:4).
The Bible Condemns
Under Old Testament law, homosexuality was one of many detestable practices punishable by death (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13) and is never mentioned with any measure of acceptance or tolerance.
WHAT IF SOMEONE I LOVE IS A HOMOSEXUAL?
A Christian Response
We need to respond to this sin with love, truth, compassion, and grace. A fundamental characteristic of love is sharing the truth, and when it comes to homosexuality, truth consists not only of proclaiming the redemptive love and power of God in Christ, but also declaring God’s norm for human sexuality and its consequences. Scripture condemns homosexuality, but in exactly the same way that it condemns pride, adulterers, thieves, drunkards, etc. It also offers the same cure! True Christian love does not ignore immorality and the lives ruined by it, but speaks out in the hope of helping those individuals.
Some Christian Resources And Bibliography
• Exodus International – http://www.messiah.edu
• Metanoia Ministries – Seattle – (206) 783-3500
• NARTH (National Assoc. for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality) http://www.narth.com
• The Portland Fellowship – http://www.portlandfellowship.com
• Ex-gay Testimonies – http://www.stonewallrevisited.com
• Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth by Jeffrey Satenover, MD, Baker ISBN 0-8010-5625-x
• Coming Out of Homosexuality New Freedom for Men and Women Bob Davies and Lori Rentzel, InterVarsity Press, ISBN 08308-1653-4
• A Strong Delusion - Confronting the “Gay Christian” Movement by Joe Dallas, Harvest House, ISBN 156507-431-9
• Setting the Record Straight – What Research Really Said About the Social Consequences of Homosexuality by Larry Brirtoft, Ph.D.
• Someone I love Is Gay- How Family and Friends Can Respond by Anita Worthen and Bob Davies, InterVarsity Press, ISBN 08308 |