joeSOC
Nov 22, 2010
Does the bible differentiate between Homosexuality and Homosexual behaviour ?
Does the bible differentiate between Homosexuality and Homosexual behaviour ?
Care to clarify a bit?
All sin starts in the mind, right?
"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies IN YOUR MIND by wicked works..." (Colossians 1:21)
So anyone who engages voluntarily in homosexual behavior would have already been a homosexual in their mind. Just like with adultery and other sexual sins.
So in that sense...NO... for the behavior is simply the fruit of the corruption/rejection of God's way in the mind (think Romans 1). Just like with Matthew 5:28- the act of adultery is what already would have begun in the heart.
This said, there are greater implications (health risks, emotional damage, etc) from the physical act- which makes it more severe than the mental act. Nevertheless, the one who is a simply a homosexual/adulterer in the mind is in sin and needs to repent or face the judgment of God (Ephesians 5:5) just like those who commit the act in the body as well. There has to be that true acknowledgment before the Lord that says "I was wrong to ever even consider I had the right to think about/do that" for there to be true repentance.
All that said, you could make a difference between the temptation and the giving into the temptation IF you qualify that the giving into/resisting the temptation is in the mind, primarily. The mind is the battleground.
" 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
The power of Christ's salvation (Romans 1:16)is that he renews the inner man (see Ephesians 4:17-24) whereas religion can only deal with the body. Hence, religious people have to make sin only about the behavior or admit that their religion is powerless to actually save from sin. Unfortunately, many evangelicals who preach a watered-down gospel do this too.
I wanted to phrase the question in context of the West Wing Homosexuality Episode, where allegedly the President of the U.S. seems to put a conservative Christian in her place.. so to speak. The conversation begins with, " I like how you call Homosexuality an abomination"... to which the Christian responds by saying "I did not say this the bible does". But here is my point, this where the screenwriters hijacked the scenario in favour of the liberal president.
I was listening to William Lane Craig debate about how the media distorts what the bible says and based on that tries to undermine the power of the Gospel etc.
http://www.rfmedia.org/RF_audio_video/RF_podcast/West_Wing_Homosexuality_Episode.mp3
I don't think it does. It doesn't recognise 'homosexuality'. It recognises various forms of homosexual behaviour, the philosophical roots which permit it, how God's wrath is upon those who commit such sins; and also the gospel: of God's goodness in leading sinners to repentance, and how He washes and sanctifies those who have believe in Jesus Christ for salvation from ALL their sin, and enables them to live a life pleasing to Him.Does the bible differentiate between Homosexuality and Homosexual behaviour ?
The world created the category, 'homosexual', and continues to perpetuate various unsubstantiated myths about it.
The Word of God and the Spirit of God judge our hearts. Our actions start first in our hearts.
The answer is that if we sin in our heart, we sin.
The call of God is the call of inward purity.
So, NO, there is no differentiation.
Thanks for that
What happens when I meet someone who is struggling with homosexual thoughts but has not acted upon it.
What do I do then ?
Advise them to battle these thoughts with with Renewing of their mind with the Word of God. I believe as long as one continues to battle agaisnt their sin and flesh there is still grace for them.
What if this person has been battling this for 6 years and has never acted on it. Does this imply he is still a Christian.
The mark of a Christian is a continual walk away from sin. We all struggle and battle with sin all for different reasons and for periods of time. All in All for your friend they must rely and depend on the Strength of Christ and His atoning work on the Cross. Another element is the Truth, the Truth of the Gospel will set us Free. Many take this to the extremes of Christian Liberty that we are free to do what we like but this is false. The truth of the Gospel will set us Free from Sin.
The Gospel frees us from the Chains and grips of Sin, for one to stay in Sin and not battle it is willingly putting the chains of Sin going back into slavery to sin. There really is geninue freedom that leaves us joyous and happy, unfortunately many have fallen into the traps and empty promises of the devil and before they feel this joy fall back into the temporal joy of Satan leaving them still a capture of the enemy.
But we have one who is our Champion that helps in times of trial and even error and can bring us lovingly back into the arms of the Father through His Amazing Grace. Christ is the Key to Victory, salvation is a person Jesus Christ.
What if this person has been battling this for 6 years and has never acted on it. Does this imply he is still a Christian.
That claw of lust on this person's mind is a demonic stronghold. God wants you to have freedom from that. There is provision from the Lord for your deliverance from this demonic stronghold so that you are able to walk in freedom and peace. IM me.
What if this person has been battling this for 6 years and has never acted on it. Does this imply he is still a Christian.
Who the son sets free is free indeed. I personally see it not as a battle against sin. As christians we are set free from sin. But we still possess a flesh that lusts after the sinful nature. The battle is between the Spirit and our flesh.
But one thing that re-assures me is his promise to put his spirit within us that will cause us to obey his statutes. Therefore when we are trully born again we are trully free. But this does not negate the fact that our flesh is still part of a fallen and decaying creation. Thats why we must endure to the end.
I would like to say I believe it is harsh and unhelpful to label a person battling with this kind of spiritual attack 'a homosexual', especially if he is not in agreement with the spirits which are tormenting him.
Most people (men and women) who find themselves in this AS A BATTLE, have never consciously agreed with homosexual behaviour, but due to past experience, or circumstance, or a complex mixture of the two covering a period of time in their past, they find themselves open (opened) to it, usually way beyond their control; that is, they have been sacrificed on the altar of someone else's idolatry.
These people need proper deliverance through prayer. This will (if they are properly delivered from the spirits involved) lead to healing of their mind, (although it is good to pray for this as well, specifically), usually rendering the temptations at least unappealing, if not totally repugnant to them. Their inner life can indeed be healed.
It is majorly important the person LOOKS TO CHRIST in this, even if He seems to be out of sightline. He is the Deliverer, and He will lead the person out, supported by loving friendship and prayer.
Having said all this, I do believe some previously practising homosexuals who turn to Christ for the first time, recognising their sin in this area also, experience a dramatic and tremendous onetime deliverance according to God's great power and mercy.
Thank you I believe this has helped clarify the matter. The last thing I want to do is condemn someone who genuinely needs support !
joeSOC wrote:
What if this person has been battling this for 6 years and has never acted on it. Does this imply he is still a Christian.
This person is not a homosexual but it sounds like there is a stronghold in his mind (it’s called a spirit of perversion), that attacked him six years ago and he doesn’t know how to get rid of it.
Where was he six years ago and what was he doing? If I were a betting person, I bet he can almost pinpoint the place, day and activities.
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) ~ 2 Cor 10:4
God through His servants does pull down strongholds for us or else how could we live? It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. ~ Lamentations 3.22 Thank you Jesus!
God bless you,
Lisa
PS: I pm'd you most of this.
We are all in a battle until we see Him face to face.
Jesus does not condemn those who know they need a doctor.
If you do not think you need a doctor then you are condemning yourself.
Get away from people that condemn you. That is not helpful and no one needs that. The Lord does not require us to hang around condemning and judgmental people.
Your friend is fortunate to have you as a friend that wants to see him set free to enjoy the Lord and other relationships.
Because of Jesus, we are not destined to live with strongholds in our lives.
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