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Homosexuals & Salvation ; a commentary (JPUSA #31
Homosexuals and Salvation
Ask anyone the following question and you will have a good idea
of their view of the gospel: What would you tell a practicing
homosexual that he had to do to be saved?
Many today suggest that ongoing homosexuality is a sin for which
there is no forgiveness. Many people today believe that a practicing
homosexual cannot be saved. They would answer the question stated
above by telling a practicing homosexual that he must first stop his
homosexual behavior and then, and only then, would he be able to place
his trust in Christ and be saved.
Such a view grieves me. I actually hurt inside when I hear
people say such things. Why? Because I too am a practicing sinner
and but for the grace of God I would be bound for eternal suffering in
hell.
If a gay or lesbian can't come to Christ in simple faith just as
they are, then neither can any practicing sinner. The Scriptures are
clear on this point. It takes only one sin of any magnitude to
condemn to hell (Galatians 3:10-14). All are sinners (Romans 3:23).
And, even the holiest of Christians remains a practicing sinner until
he goes to be with the Lord (I John 1:8, 10; 3:2).
If practicing sinners can be saved, then so can practicing
homosexuals. Likewise, if practicing homosexuals cannot be saved,
then neither can practicing sinners of any stripe. If practicing
homosexuals are doomed to hell, then so are we all.
One seeming problem for those who hold my view is that is sounds
like we are condoning sin by saying that practicing homosexuals can be
saved. However, the accusation does not stick because we do not
condone sin in the life of the believer. We preach against it. We
call believers to lives of wholehearted service of Christ. We call
Christians to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow
Christ daily. We preach discipleship to believers as much as anyone
else does. The difference is, we do not call unbelievers to clean up
their lives so that they can be saved. We call them to accept the
free gift of salvation by placing their faith in Jesus Christ alone to
save them.
Another seeming difficulty with this view is that the Scriptures
tell us that we are not to fellowship with other believers who
willfully and unrepentantly indulge in those sins scripturally subject
to church discipline. Homosexuality is one such sin (see the word
pornos in I Corinthians 5:11). Practically speaking then, what are we
to do with a new Christian who is a practicing homosexual? I would
suggest that we treat them like any new believer. We should give them
instruction, encouragement, love, attention, fellowship, and time to
grow. I Corinthians 5:11-12 is not talking about new Christians who
are in the process of breaking the habits of their old life. It is
rather talking about believers who are stubbornly, defiantly, and
unrepentantly walking in the ways of their old life.
It is important to note as well that Paul in I Corinthians 5
indicates that some who were a part of (i.e., were "inside") the body
of Christ at Corinth were practicing fornicators and alcoholics and
the like (I Corinthians 5:12; see also 5:1-5; 6:15-20; 11:21,30). He
does not question their salvation. He questions, rather, their right
to fellowship with other believers while they remain in a position of
defiant disobedience.
Let anyone, homosexuals included, who wishes to drink of the
living water which will forever quench their thirsty souls come and
drink freely (John 4:10; Revelation 22:17). Whoever believes in Him,
homosexuals included, will not perish but has everlasting life (John
3:16).
Dr. Bob Wilkin
Grace Evangelical Society
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