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| The Christian view of homosexuality is not popular. |
The dictionary defines "Christian" as "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ". Being a Christian involves far more than simply attending a church service on Sunday. Christianity is a way of life for those who realize they are sinners and strive to live a life that is pleasing to their family, their country and their God. Christians understand that no sin is more serious than another and that God's grace can grant forgiveness of all sins.
Probably the best definition of a Christian to be found in the Bible appears in Chapter 3 of the Epistle to the Philippians. Paul defines a Christian in this manner in Philippians 3:3 (KJV):
"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh"In this verse of scripture Paul gives three characteristics of Christians:
• Worship in the Spirit of God
• Glory in Christ
• And put no confidence in the flesh
The relationship between Christianity and homosexuality can be found in many places in the Bible. The homosexual lifestyle is condemned many times in the Old and New Testaments.
Probably the best Christian view of homosexuality can be found in Romans 1:26-28 (KJV):
"For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"These verses need little interpretation. The acts of "men with men" and "women with women" are against God's will and certainly would fit in the category of "placing confidence in the flesh", which is contrary to Paul's definition of a Christian.
Another Christian view of homosexuality can be found in Leviticus 20:13 (KJV):
"If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."Jesus speaks on issues of homosexuality in Matthew 19:4-5 (KJV):
"He answered, 'Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?'"Here, Jesus wanted us to understand that He created man and woman for the clear purpose of marriage and that marriage must be between one man and one woman.
Jesus spoke to His disciples about His return after the Crucifixion in Luke 17:34-35 (KJV):
"I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."Jesus used the term "two men in one bed" for a reason. He wanted the disciples to understand that even though these men chose a homosexual lifestyle, they would each have a choice - the choice to repent of their sin and receive salvation or continue to live the homosexual lifestyle and perish.
The Bible is very specific in speaking against the homosexual lifestyle. Jesus ordained marriage between "one man and one woman" and His purpose was to populate the world, which would not be possible in relationships between people of the same gender.
Homosexuality is a chosen lifestyle and just because Christians are against it doesn't mean that Christians don't love and pray for those who have chosen this type of life. All mankind must understand that we are all sinners saved by grace. It is very important to also understand that once sins have been confessed, we must put those sins behind us and strive to live a life that is pleasing to God.
If a person who professes to be gay wants to become a Christian, all they have to do is ask God to forgive them and put that sin behind them. According to the teachings of Jesus, once homosexuals have become Christians, they cannot continue a homosexual lifestyle and still live a Christian life.
I appreciate and respect differing points of view on this subject and would like to hear what you have to say. Please leave your comments below. Also, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest.
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