When God Speaks Clearly … So Must We (Part 3) The Love, Compassion, and Forgiveness God Extends to All Sinners (incl you and me)

The Love, Compassion, and Forgiveness God Extends to All Sinners (incl you and me)

Review Parts 1 and 2

God’s Condemnation of Sins of the Practices of Homosexuality Throughout the Bible

As a Bible teacher, I do my best to write and teach in the manner in which all Christians are commanded—speaking the truth in love. (from Ephesian 4:15)  People define love in ways that suit their beliefs or agendas—seldom the way God does.

The Condemnation (by God, not us) of Sins Related to Homosexuality Throughout the Bible

It is imperative to note that the practice of these acts have been called out as sin throughout the Bible, not just in one or two places or eras.  They cover the entire period of Bible history. Also note that other world religions condemn these practices as well. The verses cited come from these parts of the Bible, Jesus, and men who wrote it:

  • The Creation of Mankind (Genesis 1, 2)
  • Thru the days of Abraham (Genesis 19)
  • The Books of the Law (Leviticus 18,20)
  • The Prophets (Ezekiel 16)
  • Jesus (Matthew 19)
  • The Apostle Paul (Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6, 1 Timothy 1)
  • Jude – the half-brother of Jesus (Jude 6,7)

Dealing with the Fallout and Consequences of Sexual Sins

As we read in the Scriptures above, these sins have dire punishments with eternal consequences. According to these verses, we were told the following:

  • Such sins are an abomination to God.
  • These sins carried a death penalty under the Law that does not apply today, but the consequences often bring significant health issues. AIDs is one example. Too many people living these lifestyles tragically take their own lives which God never intended.
  • In an eternally fatal sense, bring the death penalty because Jesus, Paul, and John all said that no one who chooses to live in these sins will enter Heaven. Sadly, only Hell awaits.
  • There are also consequences from such national sins when nations pass laws that support behaviors and lifestyles in direct conflict with the Word of God. Examples in the US include:
    • Health and life issues referred to previously; the spread of disease.
    • Breakdown of marriage and the family as God ordained them.
    • Conflict/dissension at state and national levels that serve to further divide people.
    • Conflict within the body of Christ that causes strife and division.
    • Confusion among our children and youth over who they are and how God created them. The foolishness of adults who give power and authority to children to make critical and life-altering decisions regarding gender issues.

A nation cannot stand that makes such laws and supports or encourages behaviors of any kind that defy and mock God our Creator.  I close this part of the message with these strong words of warning from the Apostle Paul,

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7

But there is always hope in Jesus.

Part Three

In Part One of this series, I explained one of the key points that everyone needs to understand:

Temptation is not sin!

Today I want to briefly explain and give the biblical support for this truth. Consider these verses:

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4: 15

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

So temptation is not the issue. Giving in to it and “practicing” things against which God has spoken is sin.  You choose to disobey, defy, or ignore.

“Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”  Mark 7:8

“And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.” Romans 2:2

KEY PASSAGE: “Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices  righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning… No one who has been born of God practices sin, because His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin continually because he has been born of God. By  this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God.”  1 John 3:7-10

The Apostle Paul, speaking from his personal experience and failures of his sinful lifestyle (when he thought he was doing what pleased God) had many sobering and encouraging words for all of us who were once lost and dead in our sins and those who choose to remain there.

Sobering Truth:

“For the wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23a

 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

 HUMILITY: “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost.”  1 Timothy 1: 12-15

Here are three results that benefit now and eternally ALL who repent and trust Jesus as their Savior and make Him Lord in and over their lives.

You will receive and experience complete forgiveness of all your sins. Jesus’ perfect life, death, and resurrection make us perfect again to our loving, holy Creator Father.

 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

God promised not only to forgive but to forget our sins.  There is freedom in that promise!

And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying…“AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.”  Hebrews 10: 15-17

God will remove the filthy garments of guilt and shame that clothe you in your present life. He replaces them forever with “garments of salvation – a robe of righteousness”.

“I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,” Isaiah 61:10

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

From the point of your salvation forward, you never walk alone for Jesus has said to us as He did to His disciples before His crucifixion,

“…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23b

 “for He Himself has said, “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” Hebrews 13:5b

And as He promised He sent the Holy Spirit to be in and with us all the days we walk this earth until Jesus returns or calls us Home.

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever … But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.”  John 14:16, 26

No matter who you are, where you are, or what you have done, you can find the help, healing, and hope you need in Jesus.  Please surrender to His sweet call to you today.

For Christ’s sake,