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Stephen Mace - College Network Manager
3/4/2005, 12:54:29 p.m.
I have been following this discussion closely and I want to state up front that I agree with Dirk on this issue. My mind is telling me to stay out of this whole mess but my heart is saying otherwise, therefore I feel convicted to express my opinions on this issue.
As a Christian I must love everyone but that does not mean that I should love and accept sin. The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin not only in the Old Testament but also in the New Testament. Romans 1:26-32 plainly states this fact. But homosexuality is not the only sin nor is it singled out in the Bible as being worse than other sins. Fornication, adultery, incest, murder, stealing and lying are also sins and many are listed in this chapter of Romans.
We are all sinners, the Bible tells me that we all sin and come short of the gory of God and I'm certainly not an exception. I sin each and every day and I hate the sin that constantly creeps into my life. The great thing is that when I sin God is always there to forgive me. God already knows that I sinned but, like a good Father, He wants me to tell him. Whenever I sin God will forgive me, just as he will forgive a homosexual, but only if I confess it to Him and repent. I cannot knowingly live in a sinful lifestyle and expect forgiveness and fellowship with God.
We all have shortcomings and certain temptations that we constantly battle with, I know that I do. Being tempted is not sinful, God promises to always provide a way of escape for every temptation. Choosing to give into sin and act on these temptations is. It is not my place to condemn; God is the only judge just as others have stated. At the same time I cannot tell someone that is involved in a homosexual relationship that what they are doing is Biblically OK. If they do not know Christ as their savior then I must share the truth of the Gospel with them, the whole truth, not just the parts that doesn't offend them. If they accept Christ He will change their heart and make them a new person no matter what they have done.
I can't do that, only He can. If they never accept Christ then there is no hope, being homosexual or heterosexual will not make any difference. As a Christian, God will hold me accountable on how I present His Word and I cannot modify the Bible to fit anyone's lifestyle, including mine. I have to personally answer to God for my actions and I certainly do not want to stand before Him with someone's blood on my hands because I neglected to tell them the truth.
I know that this is not a popular statement today but any sexual relationship, homosexual or heterosexual, that is outside of marriage between a man and woman is sinful - no exceptions. In the scriptures when God refers to family it is always man and woman, husband and wife, father and mother. Even if I ignore the scriptures that plainly state homosexuality is sin, which I cannot do, I find no where in the Bible where a homosexual relationship is put forth as acceptable and pleasing to God. I'm aware that some try to say there are examples of homosexual relationships in the Bible that are blessed by God but I find no such references. There are many examples in scripture of two men or two women have close, loving, self-sacrificing friendships but that does not make them homosexual.
I believe that we should, as an institution of higher education, present alternative views of scripture for study and discussion just as we should study and discuss other religions. We can, and should, be sensitive to differing views; we should always be open to, and even welcome, honest, frank, loving discussion with those who may not believe as we do, even if we may personally find these views to be completely foreign and, in some instances, out-and-out offensive. This interaction will make us to dig into scripture, backup what we believe and become stronger in the Word.
We can do this without compromising our Christian beliefs and by holding these discussions and interacting with people of different faiths and beliefs with love and compassion we will 'let out light shine' as Jesus instructed us to do. Remember the children's song - "this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine.' That applies to adults too. What a great chance we have to be an example of Christ. Each year we have the opportunity to come in contact with hundreds of new people from all walks of life. Every single one of these people is priceless in the eyes of God, no matter who they are, what they believe or what they have done. Given this awesome challenge and chance to witness we should not hide our light under a basket.
But, as a Christian institution, we cannot present anything that contradicts scripture as truth just as we cannot teach that any religion other than Christianity is another way to heaven. We cannot do this and remain 'rooted in the Christian faith'. That is what troubles me in this issue. We simply cannot change God's word or ignore parts that may be offensive and present it as truth or officially recognize and support any organization that does. That would be compromise.
The Bible is either completely true and Jesus is the only way to salvation or the Bible is fallible and there are many ways to God. I believe the Bible is the perfect Word of God and, being perfect, it is all true and without error. I also believe there is NO other way to God except by Jesus Christ. Yes, that is exclusive but it is central and essential to the Christian faith. Jesus plainly states in John 14:6 that He is the only way to the Father. By standing against sin in a sinful world we are being salt, which is what Jesus also instructed us to be, salt that stops corruption. We must be both light and salt; one without the other is not enough.
Today there are many things that are accepted by society that directly contradict scripture. This discussion is about homosexuality so I won't go into detail on these other issues, but anyone who watches current events is aware of all the sinful things society is trying to force Christians to accept. Society's morals change and laws may be enacted to accept and embrace sinful acts but God does not change. If God says something is sin then it is still sin and I cannot accept it as OK. That will not sit well with a lot of people but I'm not promised that being a follower of Christ will be easy, if fact, Jesus tells me plainly that it will not.
In 2nd Timothy 4 the Bible speaks of a time that will come when people will not endure the sound doctrine of the Bible but will seek out teachers that accept and condone their lustful ways. I believe that is what is taking place today. This scripture also tells me to watch for these things, to endure the afflictions that will come for being faithful and always be ready to make known the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ.
If this makes me get labeled as intolerant, dogmatic, prejudiced, conservative or, heaven forbid, fundamental then that is the way it will have to be. Jesus gave everything for me. He was spit on and beaten for my transgressions. He died on a cross to atone for my sinful ways. He saved me out of my sinful lifestyle and made my life complete and meaningful. I think I can endure some name calling.
Thank you for allowing me to add my (lengthy) comments on this issue. I hope I have given my views with a Christ-like manner. I don't have all the answers but I know the one who does.
Stephen Mace
OPINIONS
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