All Sin is a Choice

Dear Friends As you know this past week our former youth leader has confessed that he has chosen to walk in a lifestyle contrary to the word and will of God, as a result there are of course many questions. In order to assist you in knowing how to help your children and possibly even yourself to understand and answer questions I have done my best to do so from my understanding. My prayer is that this will be of some help to you, and ultimately you will need to stand on the word of God and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding and wisdom. 1) Is homosexuality a choice or are you born gay? First of all let me say that homosexuality is a sin a missing of the mark just like any other sin. To say that we are born gay can have many implications but let me address two in particular. The first is this thought that says since I was born gay then God says that it is ok. This would be a statement made by one attempting to justify their actions while professing to be walking with the Lord. The reality is that since the fall of man in Genesis chapter 3 all men have been born in to sin. Romans 3:23 says: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” we know all of us are born with a sin nature. For some that nature is manifest in lying, for others in gossip, for others in addiction, for others sexual sin, and so on, we are all born with a desire to feed our flesh with sin. Therefore our only hope is that we be born again, Jesus recorded speaking in John 3:3 says this: “Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” He goes on to say in John 3:5-6 “Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born of the water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” What Jesus is saying is that in order to overcome our sinful nature and be saved, we must receive Christ as our savior and be transformed from the man of sin and flesh to a man of redemption and spirit. So the answer truly is that yes all men are born in to sin because of the fall and all men must be transformed by the Spirit to be saved. 2) What does the Bible specifically say about homosexuality? First of all let me say that there is no place in the Bible that homosexuality is encouraged, or spoken of as being normal or acceptable in any form. 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 is the passage I choose when discussing sinful nature such as homosexuality and here is why. a) It directly speaks of homosexuality and other sins as such (verses 6-10) b) It speaks to redemption and salvation by Christ from this sin once we have repented. (verse 12) c) We are told that yes all things are lawful, or that I can do anything I want because of my free choice will, however they are not good for me. Why you ask are they not good for me? Because as we read in verses 9-10 they separate us from God and as we read in John 3 we must be born again. In addition we are reminded that our bodies are not our own they are His and He commands us not to defile them, therefore what we do we do against Him who purchased us with the highest price. Another area we see homosexuality spoken of is in the old testament places like 1Kings 14:24, 15:12, 22:46, in these cases the writer is addressing “male cult prostitutes” those who were part of a cult with the only purpose being to add to their following by corrupting men for their god. In Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 we are told that homosexuality is an abomination and they are to be put to death. Why such harsh judgment you ask? If for no other reason God says not to do it, and we must remember the motive of most people who are caught up in sin; to get more people caught up in that sin. This may be a hidden motivation or even unknown on their part, however it is not unknown by the one who feeds our sinful nature. By capitalizing on our fleshly nature the enemy knows that when we are in sin if we can get others to join us we are then able to subconsciously justify our actions, after all if everyone is doing it, then it must be ok. Again homosexuality is no different than any other sin; it is another way the enemy uses to separate us from God. 3) Does God still love this person? God loves His creation, He loves those who are searching and He loves those who have found redemption through Christ, He even loves those who have turned their back on Him, however love and salvation are two different things. God loves all mankind, His creation, and He has given all His creation a choice which is in fact the greatest example of His love, John 3:16-17. 4) Is this person going to heaven? The bottom line is that God will judge man according to the decisions man has made, we know that salvation is a choice; we know that salvation is a gift, and we know that God alone will judge. We also read in places such as Romans chapter 8 that “There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” I suggest you read this entire chapter to your family or for yourself. Romans 8 ends with an interesting promise, that nothing can separate us from Gods love a passage that many apply to themselves even when walking in sin. I believe that a proper understanding based upon previous verses and Paul’s other writings would say that those who have conquered their flesh will not be separated from God, and the opposite would be more realistic for those who chose to adopt a missing the mark lifestyle. 5) Can I still be friends with this person? I believe that this is a question best answered by those who are involved in your guidance and counsel. We would all do well to remember that sin and those in it are seeking knowingly or unknowingly to draw others in, hence a great need for accountability on our part. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 is very clear that we should not keep company with someone who is choosing to fall away but do not count them as an enemy. If we cut off relations with those choosing to practice immorality they will soon find themselves facing their failing, they will wonder why their friends have gone from fellowship, possibly beginning or assisting in the process of restoration. Do we blackball them from Church, no not as long as they are coming for a healing and are repentant, for if they are not repentant they will by their very nature corrupt? People living in sin are approaching every truth with a disregard for it, hence their counsel is tainted and not pure, nor can it be. Those choosing a lifestyle contrary to the word of God have made their only viable statement by doing so, and that statement is that they know better than God. 2 Timothy 3: 1-5: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, un-thankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despiser's of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6) Will God forgive them? 2 Timothy 2: 19-26: Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. Again God will judge mankind all we know is what the word tells us, and that we must obey! In closing: To purpose to walk away from a lifestyle glorifying to God means that one who has known God does not truly desire to fellowship with Him, on His terms but rather on their own. God calls us to a lifestyle that neglects our fleshly desires and draws us into a battle that we can win with His help, we must simply choose to fight. I love my fallen brother, I desire to see him restored just as I do all that have fallen away or have yet to choose, I will not judge Him, however the word of God has and I will not oppose the word. If we have no truth to stand on then we have no foundation and we will then crumble and fall, our foundation is not sifting sand subject to opinion and rhetoric, our foundation is the truth, The Written Word of God! Pastor Gene Burroughs Shasta Lake Church 12/13 10