A Matter of Interpretation

It is rather commonplace for those who come in conflict with the scriptures to go on the offensive. They usually charge that the Bible is outdated or irrelevant in their case. Further, they argue that those who oppose their view have a warped interpretation of the word of God. Then they proceed to show that commonly held beliefs are based on a misinterpretation of the Bible. Their interpretation is more in line with the teachings of Jesus, and therefore, we must not be judgmental. This is precisely what the homosexual community does.

The Bible is very clear on this matter. The Old Testament is explicit. “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable” (Leviticus 18:22). The New Testament is equally clear. “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10).

Someone will usually respond, “But Jesus didn’t say anything about homosexuality!” Some have even sought to portray Him as a homosexual.

But Jesus never sanctioned sexual immorality of any kind.

• Not adultery!
• Not fornication!
• Not homosexuality!

What should our message be?

When the adulterous woman was brought to Jesus he had compassion on her. He did not, however, sanction her sin. He sent her away with these words, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). Jesus loved and forgave her, but He still demanded change. She was told to cease her sinful ways. The message is the same for homosexuals. There is forgiveness in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11).

No, Jesus would not, and we do not sanction hate crimes against homosexuals, or anyone else. Christians must treat others with love and kindness, but we cannot and will not approve of that which God has clearly condemned. Homosexuality is sin. Homosexuals, like adulterers and fornicators, must repent and live chaste lives.

It is the sin and not the sinner which is detestable.

— Roger