|
HOMOSEXUAL
ORDINATION
MISSES
THE POINT
I find an amazing phenomenon occurring among
American churches. This is reflected in Jim Jones' article, "Presbyterians
Hold the Line on Ordination" (Star-Telegram, March
14). Jones reports that a slight majority of Presbyterian
delegates rejected a statement that would seemingly permit
churches to ordain homosexuals. It is also reflected in
the recent report of the Austin congregation's exclusion
from the Southern Baptist Convention because of its acceptance
of a homosexual deacon.
The controversy in these cases and others
appears to be whether homosexuals are permitted to be "ordained" to
a denominational office.
This issue is preposterous and it is one
that entirely misses the point of what the Bible says.
Yes, it is true that God does not permit preachers, elders,
and deacons to engage in homosexuality. But what is the
more important truth that is being entirely overlooked
in the current debate on morals?
It is this: No Christian at all (whether
in a position of public service or not) is permitted to
be a homosexual. The Bible is clear that practicing homosexuals "shall
not inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)—thus
how can they really be Christians, followers of the Christ
who does not permit one to live in known, deliberate, unrepentant
sin? Actually, the believers in Corinth had practiced
homosexuality (as well as fornication, adultery, and other
sins) but had been "washed" from sin, "sanctified" or
set apart to God, and "justified" or declared
righteous before God--when they repented of their moral
sins.
While these sexual sins are widely practiced
in society at large, the Christian body must be free of
them. If any professing Christian (whether preacher,
deacon, elder, or any so-called "layman" or "laywoman")
engages in these sexual sins, he or she is to be removed
from Christian fellowship. (The entire fifth chapter of
1 Corinthians explains this.)
This is why I say that the current homosexual "ordination" issue
is entirely missing the mark of true Christianity.
Richard Hollerman
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) |
