Homosexuality is the result of God giving a person over to a "reprobate mind".
"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.... " (KJV, Romans 1:28).
"Reprobate" is a word not commonly used. The Bible word (Koine Greek language) "adokimon" is translated in the Revised Standard Version, King James Version and other Bible versions as "reprobate". Other translations of the Bible render that word as, "depraved" (NIV), "foolish" (NLT), "debased" (ESV), "worthless" (Holman), "utterly worthless" (Weymouth), "degraded" (ISV) and "perverse" (Jubilee).
All Bible translators of all time agree the Bible states that homosexuality is the result of a corrupted (morally and logically defective) mind. The person who engages in and/or defends homosexuality (as normal or acceptable) is mentally-ill. Until 1975 the American Psychological Association (APA) classified homosexuality as a mental disorder. With the increasing number of homosexuals announcing their pride in being homosexual, the APA reclassified homosexuality as "normal". They are wrong. Mental health is not the result of pride or growing participation. If it were, then pedophilia, bestiality, incest, polygamy, murder, rape, and the ISIS enslavement of women and children would be moral rights based on the declaration that they are "normal".
The King James Version states that the act of homosexuality is "not convenient". Once again, this is uncommon language. So, once again, we will turn to the best Bible linguists past and present to gain insight from them: "ought not to be done: (NIV), "should never be done" (NLT), "not proper" (NASB), "morally wrong" (Holman), "inappropriate" ( Aramaic PE ), "indecent" (GWT), "unseemly" (Darby), "not fitting" (ERV) and "should not be done" (Weymouth).
All Bible scholars of all time agree that the Bible clearly states, in strong words, that homosexual acts are unacceptable to God and should never be done.
According to Romans 1:28, who causes the homosexuals to become homosexual? God causes homosexuality, or at least, allows it as a punishment in response to what the person did. God..."gave them over" (KJV), "abandoned them" (NLT), "gave them up" (ESV), "delivered them over" (Holman), "handed them over" ( Aramaic PE ), "allowed their own immoral minds to control them" (GWT).
According to Romans 1:28 why does God cause homosexuals to become homosexual? Answer: "....they did not like to retain God in their knowledge...." (KJV). Allow me to clarify, "they...did not...like...God....". "They did not like...God('s) knowledge....". "They did not like to retain God('s) knowledge (Word)." It is a foolish thing to reject God and God's Word because God can reject too. If you reserve the right to reject God in your life, you have to honor God's right to throw you away. "It is a fearful (dangerous) thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:31. Reference: http://www.desiringgod.org/sermons/woe-to-those-who-trample-the-son-of-god . (Parenthesis mine.) The Bible speaks of God's love. However, 179 times (if I counted right) the Bible speaks of God's anger. Source: http://www.o-bible.com/BiblicalInformation/index.html#!GOD-S-ANGER .
One of the most powerful and well-known sermons ever preached (Sinners in the hands of an angry God) was presented by Rev. Johnathan Edwards in 1791. The last sentence of that great sermon is "Let every one fly out of Sodom: Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed." Source: http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/edwards_jonathan/Sermons/Sinners.cfm .
According to Romans 1:28 the rejection of God's rightful place and authority in one's life is the cause of homosexuality. Therefore, the acceptance of the rightful place and authority of God in Christ in one's life is the cure for homosexuality. For the heterosexual that justifies homosexuality in the lives of others and for the homosexual the starting place is the same.
Step One: Admit to God that He is right and you are wrong. Homosexuality is a sin, you have a corrupted mind, you are under the overriding influence of the devil and you need the help of the Lord Jesus Christ to deliver you.
Step Two: "...if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9).
Step Three: As a child of God, put your face to the ground or floor and petition the God of the Bible for deliverance from vile passions in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ until deliverance comes. It will. You can be free.
You may or may not be set free from the temptation to sin. No one is set free from the full temptation to sin. However, you can be given the power of God to rid yourself of the weakness of character and weakness of will necessary to follow through on the sinful thoughts of homosexuality. Acknowledging the place and power of God in your life (getting saved -- step two, above) and being empowered by God not to engage in homosexual acts is a good start on your journey. It is a lot better than where you are now.
Step Four: Stay in God's Word. Read it. Study it. Fill your mind and your life with it. There is power for your life, therein.
Step Five: Find a Bible-believing church and get involved. A Bible-believing church preaches (1) Jesus as God and the Son of God, (2) the Bible as the Word of God, (3) salvation from Hell found only in the person of Jesus Christ and (4) salvation from Hell as a free gift from God. However, never forget that any church you go to will have people like you; people who are struggling, imperfect and make mistakes. Every church has people who are a lot like you were; rebellious to God and His Word. If you stay in a right relationship with God, the more you get to know church people the more you will love them and the less you will like some of them. Determine in advance you will love the church anyway.
If you need spiritual assistance, we at PPSimmons are here to serve you.
Companion Article at http://www.ppsimmons.blogspot.com/2015/07/homosexuality-is-normal.html .
Rev. Joda Collins
Disclaimer: I do not claim that my opinions are shared by anyone else.
No comments:
Post a Comment