Last week some anonymous former and present homosexual students at Harding University released a “manifesto” on a website, and passed out hard copies at certain locations on campus. The University responded by blocking the website from the University network, and releasing a statement from school President David B. Burks, who said:
“Harding University holds to the biblical principle that sexual relationships are unacceptable to God outside the context of marriage. Sexual immorality in any form will result in suspension from the university.”
The statement accurately reflects what the Bible teaches on the subject of sexuality. The Hebrew writer wrote, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).
I have written a lengthy review of the manifesto, which they refer to as a zine. The review can be viewed at Watchman Magazine.
This short article is not intended to be a review, but rather to share a few thoughts that come to mind with the reality that there are Christians who struggle with the temptation to commit homosexual sin.
First, we must acknowledge that such Christians exist. Paul acknowledged this, listing homosexuality among the sins committed in Corinth, and telling the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 6:11, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”
This passage leads to several important considerations. For example, the one tempted in this manner, despite societal claims, can escape the sin and be sanctified (holy) before God. In this way, the sin of homosexuality is no different than any other. God only considers you a drunkard (alcoholic) if you get drunk. He only considers you a murderer if you kill someone. God only considers you a homosexual if you have sexual relations with someone of the same gender. Desires and weakness can be overcome. Temptation is not the same thing as sin. Some of the Corinthians repented of and ceased the sin, and anyone today can do the same.
Also, no matter how the sin of homosexuality disgusts you, there remains the obligation of love. One of the unfortunate things mentioned by these anonymous students is how they have suffered unkind words and name calling, from their brethren, as they struggled with their sin. Of course at this point they no longer consider it sin. It is possible that one thing which led them to such a full blown state of apostasy was the inappropriate response of some Christians. Slurs, ridicule and name calling are beneath the Christian profession. As Christians we are to be gentle and loving, even as we convict the sinner of his sin. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).
Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was to save the lost. All the lost, including the souls tempted to any type of sexual immorality. The rebellious are to be admonished in unsparing terms, as did Paul in Romans 1:28-32. The weak, however, are in need of gentleness and compassion as we seek to bring them to repentance.
