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Steve King - Parent
4/18/2005, 9:01:25 p.m.
I want to say that I am sorry for the pain and suffering that Daniel Hensley and others like Daniel have suffered. It is sad that in the midst of this struggle, Daniel and others are either not being counseled from Scripture or are simply not able to accept what Scripture has to say about homosexuality. Since many are being told that homosexuality is Biblically acceptable, I would like to present a Biblical interpretation in hopes that truth, something that it seems Daniel Hensley is seeking, might shine through.
The argument that Dr. Marc Mullinax makes for interpreting Romans 1 as supportive of homosexuality as acceptable has at least three problems with it. I must give credit to John Piper, author and pastor, for much of what I wish to share. It is good Biblical counsel. Romans 1:27 says "they were consumed with passion for one another". This is strong language, much more fitting to homosexuals than to heterosexuals going against their natural desires. The next problem with Mullinax’s interpretation of Romans 1:26 is that thee phrase "that which is unnatural" or "contrary to nature" was common terminology in Greek literature of the time for homosexual behavior. It was not common terminology for homosexual behavior among heterosexuals. It seems apparent that Paul understood homosexual behavior in any form to be unnatural. The third problem with Mullinax’s interpretation is that Paul's whole stream of thinking is that we have exchanged God for what God made. For this reason God has handed us over to what we prefer. Therefore, in sexual relations those who have exchanged God for the created are dramatizing externally the very spiritual condition of their souls. This passage has as its main point that the root cause of all sexual disorder is our exchanging God’s glory for images and lies and refusing to acknowledge him.
John Piper has explained that manhood and womanhood represent God’s relationship to his people and Christ’s relationship to the church. Man represents Christ’s love for the church. Woman represents God’s people. In covenant marriage between a man and a woman we have the image of Christ and the church. It is to be pure and undefiled. John Piper says, and I think we should learn from him, that God means for the beauty of worship to be dramatized in the right ordering of our sexual lives.” This would mean that heterosexual relationships outside of marriage between a man and a woman, just like homosexual relationships, which are by nature outside covenant marriage between a man and a woman, are examples of disordered sexual relationships. As such, homosexual relationships are the most “vivid” illustration of the breakdown of right relationship between humans and their Creator.
There are those who will argue that Romans 1 leaves room for interpreting that homosexuality is “natural” for some. In other words, that God made some humans this way (that homosexuality derives from biological, familial, genetic, or sociological causes) and therefore it is logical that homosexuality be appreciated as normal and even God-honoring. But is this truly logical? Would a particular physical or emotional tendency which leads me to certain behavior make by behavior necessarily correct or God-honoring? Not necessarily. It is possible that I might have a particular tendency to alcoholism or stealing. Is it therefore logical to conclude that in my drunkenness or my habit of shoplifting I’m simply being God-honoring in my own way? We are all subject to a fallen world. We all struggle with genetic and environmental influences towards sin. That fact does not excuse us from the sin we commit. In fact, it validates what Paul is saying, we need salvation from our sin nature.
My desire for Daniel and others who are struggling with a tendency towards the sin of homosexuality is that you give even greater attention to an evident tendency towards seeking God. You would not be involved in this debate if you did not sense that God was dealing with you about this very issue. I ask you to consider that centuries of Christian belief are not in error. Instead, you may well be being led astray by false and new teachings regarding God’s design for your life. The decision will ultimately be your decision. I hope that you make it after considering that your tendency towards a particular behavior does not predetermine what you do. I also encourage you to seek godly Biblical counsel and help from numerous Christian organizations, easily located on line, which offer assistance as you escape the trap that seems to be closing in on you.
Finally, some will reject what I’ve written simply because it does not agree with what they wish to believe. I am sorry if you genuinely fail to become engaged in the issue of what God has said to humans about His true design for our lives. I pray that you will reconsider. God loves you and has provided a way for you to obey and love Him.
Steve King
Parent & Missionary
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