Denominations and churches are wrestling with the intersectionality of Christianity and homosexuality, and this has given rise to the term “gay Christian.” I think it is important to gain a biblical perspective of just what this term means or doesn’t mean. The term itself is problematic because it can mean different things.
It can refer to a person who willingly practices a same-sex lifestyle and does not see this as being inconsistent with the practice of Christianity, and it can also refer to someone who is plagued with same-sex attraction but because they hold to a biblical perspective of human sexuality they remain celibate.
These are clearly two different perspectives and should be addressed differently, but in both cases the term “gay Christian” is an oxymoron.
Ben Shapiro has a truism that applies here, “The facts do not care about your feelings.” This is an emotionally charged subject and many tend to let their feelings get in the way of the facts, but for the Christian the Bible is a fact and faith is an act. If we truly believe what the Scriptures say our actions should be consistent with and conform to them.
There are mysteries in the Scriptures that are difficult to understand, but when it comes to sexual sin God has not left that to our imagination but has clearly spoken on the subject and same-sex practices are sin.
The most fundamental teaching of Scripture is that all men have sinned (Romans 3:23), God in His mercy has provided the means of salvation in the substitutionary death of His Son (Romans 5:8). God’s free gift of salvation is appropriated by confessing our sin and trusting Christ for forgiveness (Romans 10:9-10).
The call of Christ to repent (Mark 1:15) means to turn from our sin, not to continue in it. One cannot biblically claim to have experienced conversion in Christ while continuing in sin (1 John 2:4). Ergo, “gay Christian” is a contradiction in terms.
The temptation to sin is not sin. If one is tempted to cheat on their spouse but does not act on the temptation it does not make that person an adulterer or an adulterous Christian. In the same way one is not a “gay Christian” simply because they are tempted with same-sex attraction. The person who resists same-sex attraction is responding as a Christian should.
“Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, not the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you,” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
Sexually dysfunctional people are ten times more susceptible to suicide. I think part of the reason is that what they experience in reality does not meet their expectations and it ravages their minds and bodies to the point they think death is their only hope. I also believe this is why God so strongly warns us against such practices. There is always help and hope for those who will repent.
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