Homosexuality in Marriage
Q. My daughter informed all of us two years ago that she is gay. She left her husband and decided to live with her partner. She cries and says she doesn’t like Christians referring to her lifestyle as an “abomination.” As her mother I still love her. But, I don’t know how to respond to her. Any advice?
Answer:
The Primary Issue
Many churches, Christian schools and Christian believers get drawn into these discussions with the gay community. Yet, before asking for advice or giving suggestions, however, there is one fundamental issue that must be resolved first.
The Authority of Scripture
Does she hold to the authority of Scripture?
If we do not hold to the authority of Scripture there really is no discussion, is there? If Scripture is not the Word of God, then your opinion, your daughter’s opinion, and my thoughts are equal to each other. None holds the final authority.
R.C. Sproul’s Reformation Study Bible has a clear definition of the authority of Scripture that we might do well to read:
“The Christian principle of biblical authority means that God is the author of the Bible, and has given it to direct the belief and behavior of His people. Our ideas about God and our conduct should be measured, tested, and where necessary corrected and enlarged, by reference to the Bible. Authority is also the right to command. God’s written Word in its truth and wisdom is the way God has chosen to exercise His rule over us, and Scripture is the instrument of Christ’s lordship over the church.
Word breathed-out & Sufficient
…Historic Protestantism accepts the Scripture as the only written revelation of God. It is inspired, or ‘breathed out by God’ (2 Tim. 3:16), distinguishing it from all other words. As a result, the Scriptures are infallible and true in all that they affirm. They are sufficient, containing everything that is necessary to know for salvation and eternal life. They are clear, so that a person without special preparation can understand what God requires without the intervention of an official interpreter.
Sola Scriptura – Authority to Command
The canonical Scripture is the voice of God in the world. It has an authority, or right to command, corresponding to its divine Author. For this reason, we submit our thoughts and moral standards to the Bible. It was through the recognition that the Bible cannot be subject to any person or group, however exalted, that the Reformers freed their consciences from human traditions and authorities.”
(Reformation Study Bible – comments on 2 Timothy 3:16).
Read on Or go back to Square One
If we can agree that Scripture is our authority then read on. If we cannot agree then go back to square one and study evidences proving the bible is God’s Word – evidences such as fulfilled prophecy, unity of Scripture, the integrity of the manuscripts and so forth. We have listed some resources for you.
Helpful to Memorize Ephesians 5:11-12
First, none of us need to get drawn into a discussion defending or arguing the gay lifestyle. Ephesians 5:11-12 clearly states:
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.”
God condemned homosexuality in the patriarchs (Genesis 19:1-28).
God opposed homosexuality in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13).
God condemned it in the Prophets (Ezekiel 16:46-50).
God condemned it in the New Testament (Romans 1:18-27, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Jude 7-8).
Christians must never Compromise
John MacArthur notes,
…”as Christians we must not compromise what the bible says about homosexuality – ever. No matter how much you desire to be compassionate to the homosexual, your first sympathies belong to the Lord …Homosexuals stand in defiant rebellion against the will of their Creator who from the beginning ‘made them male and female’ (Matthew 19:4).”
Committed to Overturning Christ’s Lordship
MacArthur goes on to say,
“Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by homosexual advocates and their futile reasoning – their arguments are without substance. Homosexuals…are fundamentally committed to overturning the lordship of Christ in this world. But their rebellion is useless, for the Holy Spirit says, ‘Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God’ (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21).”
God’s Response?
Finally, MacArthur concludes,
“So, what is God’s response to the homosexual agenda? Certain and final judgment. To claim anything else is to compromise the truth of God and deceive those who are perishing.”
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References:
Alcorn, Randy. Can you give me some resources for understanding homosexuality and how the Church should respond? Available from: http://www.epm.org/articles/gaywitness3.html.
— A lesbian responds to grace & truth. Available from: http://www.epm.org/articles/lesbian)_responds.html.
MacArthur, John. God’s plan for the gay agenda. Available from: http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/GTYW04.htm
McDowell, Josh. New evidence that demands a verdict. (CD). Coeur d’Alene, ID: Compass International.
Muncaster, Ralph. 2000. Can you trust the bible? and Is the bible really a message from God? Eugene, OR: Harvest House.
— Examine the evidence. Eugene, OR: Harvest House.
Sproul, R.C. 2005. The Reformation Study Bible, ESV. Orlando, FL: Ligonier Ministries.