Homosexuality in the Church

Before I begin this article, I know that I will probably spark a lot of controversy and I am not particularly looking forward to the comments that may arise… however, this must be posted. I received an email which contained an article entitled Homosexuals In The Rapture which is written by Jack Kelley who is a major player in the bible prophecy movement. In this article, Mr. Kelley attempts to share why he believes that homosexuals can be saved and still be homosexuals and that there is no reason why they would be prevented from taking part in the rapture of the church. (If this was not his intention, it was not clear)

Now, before you jump to any conclusions of where this post is headed… let me say that I do not necessarily disagree with the points that Mr. Kelley has made in his article, however, I think that he has left out some very important points in the Bible that could be used to argue against his stance. It does not do justice to the Word of God to leave out both sides of the argument so that individuals can have all of the facts when praying about what is truly to be thought of the matter. Anyone who makes their decision on 1/2 truths is not a wise steward. We are to search the scriptures thoroughly to show ourselves approved before God. This is why we are not to rely on man alone, but to align all things with the complete Word of God.

I highly encourage you to read through Mr. Kelley’s article and through what I will include here and then pray about it. Now, in no way am I advocating vengeful acts against homosexuals and I believe that anyone who does such things will be held accountable to God in the end because the Lord has said that vengence is His. God will be the judge of all in the end and He is a righteous judge.  Regarding the topic of salvation, we are to work out our salvation with God ourselves and leave the details of other’s salvation to the Lord to judge.

I am taking my time writing this article to make sure that I make all the points that I can and not allow any misunderstandings. So, by the time I post this article, the referenced article may be “old news”. I was very intrigued that those in the bible prophecy movement so far have not said a peep about this article that I have found. This may not be the case by the time I post this however. I am not trying to ‘bash’ anyone or any group… I am just wanting a little accountability from both sides. This is the reason for me writing this.

Now, one point that Mr. Kelley was trying to make is that the church is filled with sinners who continue to sin but are forgiven once and for all. I agree with that to a point. There is a difference between slipping up and outright consciously committing the sin, whatever that might be. We are to strive for the mark otherwise we are among those who draw back unto perdition (Heb 10:38-39).

The following verses for consideration are not in any particular order. Please consider these verses along with those Mr. Kelley has offered when you pray about what is proper for a child of God. I pray the Lord Jesus give you discernment in the Word of God so that you can stand firm in the Truth as He reveals it to you.

Hebrews 10:26-31For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Jude 1:7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Romans 1:26-32For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Ephesians 5:3,7,11-13But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;… Be not ye therefore partakers with them… And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them]. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

John 5:14Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Philippians 3:13-17Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.

Leviticus 20:13If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.

In summary, I have listed some Bible verses to consider in the debate of homosexuality. These verses argue against it and Mr. Kelley’s article argues for it, which is why I have not added those. Again, I highly encourage you to read his article in full to help you gain a full understanding of both sides and in all things… pray. Regardless of the side that you take personally, it comes down to your accountability to the Word of God and what you do with that to His glory.

I personally believe that homosexuality is a sin and as with all sins, can be a struggle for the individual who deals with it. I believe that we are to resist the sinful nature of our bodies which is encouraged against by the enemy (James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.). Now that being said… in the end, it is God who makes the final decision on salvation, but it is the Church who are called to use wisdom in all things and to continually draw closer to the Lord in Truth and encourage others to do the same (Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works). I will leave you with that thought and pray that (Philippians 4:7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.).

**I do not particularly endorse articles suggested at the end of this post, they are randomly added by wordpress**

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