Redeemer Lutheran Church

Homosexuality

 

According to His Word, God clearly condemns homophile behavior, as seen above (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

 

Our culture has evolved over a very short period of time, in comparison to time itself, in the acceptance of alternative life-styles. It is like a snowball rolling down a very steep hill. It is gaining more and more speed, while at the same time destroying everything and everyone in its path. Civilization has gone from being an intolerant people (a biblical position), to becoming a totally tolerant people (a position contrary to the Word of God).

 

We should avoid arguments that relate to the cause of homosexual behavior, whether one is born that way or that it is a learned behavior. Whatever the causes of such a condition may be, homosexual orientation is profoundly ‘unnatural’ without implying that such a person’s sexual orientation is a matter of conscious, deliberate choice. However, this fact cannot be used by the homosexual as an excuse to justify homosexual behavior. As a sinful human being, the homosexual is accountable to God for homosexual thoughts, words and deeds.

 

The redeeming love of Christ, which rescues humanity from sin, death, and the power of Satan, is offered to all through repentance and faith in Christ, regardless of the natures of their sinfulness. The need exists to make available a carefully developed Law/Gospel ministry plan to congregations and other institutions in order to minister to those who are troubled by their homosexuality. It is necessary for the church to expose and resist the sexual idolatry of our society. The church (as well as her people), needs to stay ahead of the fast moving, powerful, and consuming snowball.

 

As a church and as individual Christians redeemed by the blood of Christ, our goals in ministering to those burdened by the sin of homosexuality should be to offer biblically alternative models of sexual celibacy outside of a committed or permanent same-sex relationship or marriage; to confront the individual with his/her sinfulness, and call him/her to repentance; to help the individual recognize that God can rescue individuals from homosexual orientation and practice; to assure him/her of forgiveness in Christ, contingent upon sincere repentance and faith in Christ, and to assure him/her of the love and acceptance of the church; to assist the individual to rely on Christ’s love and strength to abstain from homophile behavior; to help the individual to bear his/her burden without fear of recrimination and rejections by his/her sisters and brothers in Christ; to find ways of ministering to families which include persons of homophile orientation; to do all this patiently, persistently, and compassionately in the love and Spirit of Christ, who says, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

 

I might also recommend a wonderfully written book by a Lutheran Pastor, Rev. Tom Eckstein, Bearing Their Burden. Based upon Galatians 6:1-2 this book was written. The Apostle Paul writes, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Love which is fulfilled through Christ’s sacrificial death, we are then called through that love to serve one another. Therefore, when dealing with those who are burdened by homosexuality, we should speak the truth in love.

 

Rev. Jonathan Fisk (http://www.worldvieweverlasting.com/) speaks passionately about this as well. In fact, there a number of faithful pastors and laypersons who desire to spread the saving message of the Gospel in its truth and purity. When we think of ourselves as a bashful Moses, we need to support those who speak to truth in love with our neighbor.