Scripture and Homosexual Clergy?

Following the Episcopalians, Evangelical Lutherans, and the United Church of Christ, the 2.3 million member Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) recently voted “to allow the ordination of openly gay and lesbian ministers.”  Instead of voting about it, sincere Christians should look at what God’s word says on the matter.

The Presbyterian vote removes their longstanding constitutional requirement that all clergy live in "fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness" (CNN.com, "Presbyterian Church U.S.A. to allow gay and lesbian clergy" May 11, 2011).  However, no amount of voting can overturn God’s clear instructions on this subject. 

The Apostle Paul warns those who reject God’s authority that although they may claim to be wise, they have actually become "fools" (Romans 1:22).  Continuing, Paul warns that these people would embrace idolatry and sexual licentiousness, including homosexuality and lesbianism, which he describes as “vile” and as “shameful”.  The Apostle concludes by warning that these people “receive in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting” (cf. vv. 23–27).  Some of the "penalties" Paul wrote about are the emotional damage, as well as increased risks of physical diseases such as cancers, STDs and HIV/AIDS in those who practice homosexuality (BBCNews.com, May 9, 2011, "Gay men ’report higher cancer rate than straight men’").

Scripture denounces any type of sexual licentiousness, whether homosexuality, adultery (extramarital affairs), or fornication (premarital affairs).  Hebrews 13:4 states that the relationship between a husband and wife is “undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”  Scripture calls homosexuality an “abomination” (Leviticus 18:22) and warns that as we approach the end of the age, sexual immorality will become more pervasive.  2 Timothy 3:1–5 describes that in the last days, people will grow increasingly self-willed and debased, often seeking their own "pleasure" rather than loving and seeking God.  However, Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:33 and many other scriptures advocate the beauty and sanctity of a loving, monogamous marriage between a man and a woman. 

Sincere Christians uphold the word of God and live by “every word of God” (Luke 4:4).  However, sincere Christians also never hate or abuse anyone, because Scripture is clear that Christians are to love all (Matthew 5:43–44), “do good to all” (Galatians 6:10), and be peaceable toward all (Romans 12:18).  Furthermore, all have sinned and all have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  While sincere Christians love their neighbors, and want them to be called to repentance regardless of their past sins, true Christians also understand that to fear and love the Lord is to not approve of evil (Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 8:13; Amos 5:15).  It is the evil, wrong ways that the Bible tells us to “repent” of (Mark 6:12; Acts 2:38; 3:19).  Faithful Christians will bury their old self and these past ways to walk in newness of life with Christ (Romans 6:4), putting on His mind, and His thoughts (Philippians 2:5). 

Let us remember that those who repent of past sins, who love and who obey God’s perfect Law will inherit eternal life in the Kingdom of God.  However, those who are unrepentant of any type of sin will not receive eternal life.  Speaking of our hope for eternal life, Revelation 22:14–15 states, “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.  But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”

For more, please read Dr. Roderick C. Meredith’s Tomorrow’s World article, “The Plain Truth About Homosexuality!” and Mr. John Ogwyn’s “From Closet to Mainstream: The Homosexual Agenda.”