Evangelicalism’s Compromise? The Celibate Same-Sex Attracted Christian
Recently I have posted a number of articles on the topic of homosexuality.
With the increased pressure to soften our views of sexual sin as well as the constant indictment lobbed against the church—both from outside and within—namely that the church unfairly targets just this one particular sin, I knew these aspects on this particular topic would be timely. You can find them in the recent #ToTheWoodshed history.
The conversation has changed, though.
The argument used to be a simple matter of deciding which side of the “is homosexuality a sin?” question you fall on. Many people, including whole denominations, have sided with the ruler of the kingdom of the air and the spiritual forces of evil, rather than their Creator, the Almighty Lord of Heaven and Earth, on that very question. As clear cut as it is, many have rejected God’s Word for their own.
As it turns out, however, this was not the final peak to shed the water.
The topic has taken a more subtle approach now. Satan is not done with this conversation. He is seeking out new ways to sow seeds of doubt for the church that has thus far stood faithful to God's Word and maintained an orthodox position on marriage as being between a man and a woman. It was not a terribly shocking surprise when the liberal denominations affirmed homosexuality anyway—they were low hanging fruit that had, frankly, apostatized long ago.
Now, however, the next line of attack that Satan would use to fracture and soften the integrity of the church is happening within the framework of Christian orthodoxy, yet it is laced with subtle errors stemming from re-defined terms and clever spins on theological arguments. Once everyone had it drilled into their heads that the battle only raged for the definition and context of marriage alone, along with the increasing cultural pressure for Christians to accept people as they are, the enemy has given us a new lie, namely the idea of a biologically predisposed same-sex attracted Christian who glorifies God with singleness and celibacy.
Over the next few weeks and months—and interspersed with our current Jude series—I want to break down this particular issue and show the error in its assumptions and the massive implications that it produces. This will be an incredibly important issue that you will want to think through, biblically, in order to arrive at a comprehensive and robust view of biblical sexuality and purity.
What is at stake?
For starters, the doctrine of man, sin, regeneration, and sanctification, all of which lay the groundwork for a right understanding of the gospel—both its necessity and its effect.
What will be addressed?
Is sexual orientation variant? Is same-sex attraction biological in any degree, or neutral, or unchangeable? Is temptation chosen? Is temptation a sin in itself?
Unfortunately, there is a growing movement in evangelicalism that is applauding those who insist they are innately same-sex attracted, but then claim they don’t identify with their sexual orientation, rather they identify with Christ. The noble front that this offers seems to be enough to have earned a massive platform across multiple denominations. Influential leaders of large conservative denominations have quickly backed these ideas and have set up speaking engagement after speaking engagement in their seminaries, colleges and conferences, no doubt with the thought that they have finally found the perfect middle ground to claim that they understand the struggle while at the same time holding to an orthodox and biblical view of marriage.
We must, however, let the infinite wisdom of God, through His sufficient Word, determine the nature of and solution to sin, rather than relying on our finite minds to draw lines where they ought not to be drawn, nor to blur, or erase them.
I have not seen much written regarding the nuances surrounding the topic of same-sex attraction, at least which adequately identifies the inherent sinfulness of it as well as the mystifying, eager embracement by evangelical leaders of biology and celibacy as an explanation and answer to it.
As Paul charged both Timothy and Titus, we must pursue sound doctrine that accords with godliness (1 Tim 6:3; Tit 1:1). It is with this in mind that I endeavor to relay the proper understanding of the doctrine of sin and sanctification, among other things, both of which I hope will be helpful and edifying.
I would also hope and pray that for those who have truly repented of their sin and have placed their faith in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, having been reconciled to the Father, would find comfort in this study as well. Sanctification is a process that happens on a learning curve as we literally retrain our minds and bodies, by the power of the Holy Spirit inside of us, to no longer desire the things of the flesh.
Coming out of a sinful lifestyle such as homosexuality will undoubtedly create moments of temptations stemming from old memories that Satan would use to pull us back, much like someone who has repented of their pornography habit, or any other scandal they were once giving themselves to, but we praise God that “you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 Jn 4:4) and that you have been given the gift and ability to “take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Eph 6:16).
Not only that, but the true Christian now has the living God abiding in them to empower and energize this obedience, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil 2:13) (emphasis mine). What glorious truth!
One of the incredible hopes of the gospel is the freedom from the bondage of sin—even the increasing freedom from the desire to sin. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Tit 2:11–12).
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” | 2 Corinthians 5:17
I hope you will stick around for this incredibly timely topic. You can enter your email address on the website for automatic updates on new posts as we work our way through. I guarantee you that at some point you will be faced with discerning through the topic of same-sex attraction as it quietly replaces its real meaning—homosexual lust.
Let us heed wisdom’s call: “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you” (Prov 1:23).
In Christ Alone,
Ben
