Subject: Is homosexuality actually forbidden? |
Bible Note: Dear Benito, Why would we ever mistake a practicing homosexual as being a Christian? We are able to determine that they are not believers by their behavior, "You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:16 ESV) The internal reality always has an external manifestation. We already know from Romans 1 that homosexuality is a consequence of people having rejected the truth of God (see Romans 1:18-25). Christians do not reject the truth of God. Furthermore, we have the clear message of another of Paul's epistles, "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 ESV) Not one of the people mentioned here are Christians, for they have no part in the kingdom of God. In addition, the beloved apostle wrote, "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." (1 John 5:4 ESV) After which he declares, "We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him." (1 John 5:18 ESV) We do grave disservice to anyone by assuring them of their salvation in full contradiction of the Scriptures. That is the kind of judgment that is forbidden in the Word: i.e., assuming the position of God and exonerating or condemning beyond what He has said. What hubris! This is presenting a false Gospel and a false hope. Instead, we need to assure the lost that they under the judgment of God, hopeless, and without recourse outside of the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, Doc PS This is a Study Bible Forum. Wherever possible we support our positions with a sound exegesis of the Word of God. |