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Homosexuality and the Bible
201
THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH
It is the duty of the church to relate to homosexual practice in a
responsible way, in harmony with the principles of Scripture, as dis-1
cussed in our chapter on “Homosexuality in the Old Testament.” The
Seventh-day Adventist official statement on homosexuality expresses
this concern well:
Seventh-day Adventists endeavor to follow the instruction and ex
ample of Jesus. He affirmed the dignity of all human beings and
reached out compassionately to persons and families suffering the
consequences of sin. He offered caring ministry and words of sol
ace to struggling people, while differentiating His love for sinners
from His clear teaching about sinful practices.25
We have a long way to go toward providing the needed psycho
logical and spiritual care of those struggling with homosexuality.
How much we need to learn to follow the example of the Messianic
Servant: “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoking flax He
will not quench” (Isa. 42:3). How far we still need to go to provide
an accepting and loving church family for those homosexuals who
have chosen by God’s grace to follow a celibate lifestyle. The church
must become a hospital for sinners, a place where they can be real,
open, struggle, and still be loved. We must show unconditional love
for homosexuals, while at the same time assisting those active in the
lifestyle to move from brokenness into healing and chastity by the
power of God. At stake is nothing less than the doctrine of the church
and her mission.
THE GOSPEL IN THE SETTING OF THE THREE
ANGELS’ MESSAGES OF REVELATION 14
For Seventh-day Adventists, who see their specific mission to pro
claim the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14, the issue at stake
in homosexuality takes on an eschatological/apocalyptic perspective.
The first angel
Hies
in
the
midst of heaven having “the everlasting gos
pel
to
preach to those who dwell
on the earth.” Adventists have right
ly emphasized the reference to the
investigative judgment: “Fear God