can homosexuals be christian

Michael Patton posted what I thought at first was a great article, Can Homosexuals Be Christian? Clearly, homosexuality is sin (Lev. 18:22, 20:13; Rom. 1:27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11, 18; 1 Tim. 1:9-11). In Scripture, all positive references to marriage are in the context of a man and woman - never is homosexuality mentioned in a positive light.

In his post, Patton rightly places the emphasis in how we run the race rather than how often or hard we fall during it (Heb 12.1-2). In that sense, I find what and how he wrote helpful.

However - I think it's a wrong question. Can an adulterer be a Christian (1 Cor 6.9)? What if he just thinks about it but doesn't do it (Mt 5.28)? What if he is divorced, remarried and faithful to his new bride (Mt 19.9)?

The key point is if we go on sinning, we are not Christ's and actually spurn Him (Heb 10.26-29). To make a practice of sin is lawlessness and is of the devil (1 Jn 3.4-10). And WOE be to the ones who support and allow these evils in the fellowship of saints (1 Cor 5).

The problem is that we fail to confront in grace and stir one anther to love and good works (Heb 10.24). We heap on extra rules and regulations rather than remembering it is by grace we are saved (Gal 3.2; 5.1, 4; Col 2.20-23).

Sadly, on the other extreme we re-imagine God in our image. We dream that love is all inclusive. We deny the atonement, we do not believe we can love and still address sin. We soften God's holy rule and requirement to obey Him. We fail to see that if we love him we will do exactly that (1 Pet 1.14; Rom 6.17). And if we love each other, we will not rejoice in wrongdoing (1 Cor 13.6).

The point is that it is not important to answer this question. In fact, I'm concerned with those that would ask it. What's important is that homosexuality is sin and as such, we should strive to run from it rather than to understand how much it might be embraced. Like any sin, there are infinite practical considerations as we walk with those dealing with this. That's why we need the Holy Spirit (Gal 5.18) but that doesn't make it less of a sin and as such, there is only one remedy, Christ Jesus.

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