by Nikolaus Federmann

Created on: February 01, 2009

A practicing homosexual should not be ordained as minister of a Christian congregation.

First, as it relates to relationships, it is important to understand the work of God in creation. Adam and Eve were joined together sexually in a "covenant bond" which was a binding force of the "creation ordinance of marriage". God presided over and established the union of one man with one woman, which completely shut out homosexuality from divine order - even before that detestable practice entered the mind of man.(Genesis 2:24) It should also be noted that, although Adam had many ribs, a single helper was formed from a single rib; polygamy was introduced later by Lamech.(Genesis 4:19) So, God established marriage between a man and a woman, then after the flood, in the wilderness He commanded: "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination."(Leviticus 18:22)

An appointed minister must be the "husband of one wife". Bound by covenant, the married couple would represent the relationship the Lord has with his church. She would be one who helps; a supportive companion like Eve.(Genesis 2:18) There never was, and never will be, a true place for homosexuality in a ministerial office of the "church of the living God" because "homosexuals", arsenokoits in the Greek, "will not inherit the kingdom of God".(1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 3:15)

Additionally, an appointed minister must be "blameless", but the reputation of the leader of a congregation who was actively homosexual would certainly be stained darkly by scandal at the start.(1 Timothy 3:2) The enemy would quickly take advantage of the iniquitous lifestyle of a minister in order to trap members of such a congregation.(2 Timothy 2:26)

God is not tempted, "nor does he tempt anyone".(James 1:13)But, at times, He will pull back the abundant grace - that also aids self-control - to let sinful men fall back into the "shameful lusts" of their own hearts, until they are "inflamed with lust for one another". Left on their own, sinful minds sink into the depths of depravity, while the enemy is allowed to have its way with them.(Romans 1:26-28) God is not at fault - such degraded men have "given themselves over to sensuality".(Ephesians 4:19) The Bible illustrates for us how homosexuals are "slaves of depravity" who serve their own unnatural lusts.(2 Peter 2:19) When a man sleeps with another man - as one would with a woman - it is an abomination before God. Any minister who was involved in such a lifestyle would "fall into disgrace".(1 Timothy 3:7)

Douglas J. Wilson, Reforming Marriage, Copyright 1995, Canon Press

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