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Homosexuality, Marriage, and the Church
never be eliminated from our lives, but divine grace can keep us
from falling into sin (see Jude 24).
• “Paul’s condemnation of homosexual activity does not rest
upon an assumption that it is freely chosen; indeed, it is
precisely characteristic of Paul to regard ‘sin’ as a condition of
human existence, a condition which robs us of free volition and
drives us to disobedient actions which, though involuntary, are
nonetheless culpable.”19 For that reason, Christians cannot
assume that homosexuals, or any other sinners, are in the state
of unpardonable sin.
• In Romans 1, Paul presents the catalog of other sins which are
also the result of the same idolatry as homosexual behavior (see
vv. 28-32).
• If we fail to point to God’s healing hand, the church may give
the impression that Jesus cannot save “to the uttermost those
that come unto God by him” (Heb. 7:25,
k jv ) .
My sincerest desire is that I had known years ago what I know
now about the distinction between homosexuality, homosexuals,
and homosexual acts. It is clear that more education and informa
tion should reach every pew of our churches. As long as any degree
of homophobia remains in the church’s ranks, homosexuals will
most likely not come to us for help. Instead, they will seek help
wherever they can find a genuine welcome.
CONCLUSION
The church and society can cooperate in an attempt to help those
among us who struggle with same-sex attraction. While the dialogue
and criticism must remain open, church and state should not inter
fere in each other’s domain. While the gospel clearly identifies sin in
its stark reality, this same gospel is also power unto salvation. It is
not by chance that Paul precedes his open, strong statements about
homosexual acts and other serious sins with the words: “For I am