Hi to my Forum Friends,
In a previous post I wrote, "Even if they, on occasion, slip back into the sinful lifestyle -- as we all do -- with repentance and forgiveness; the homosexual can be a child of God."
Jetboy responded with, "Sounds pretty weird, Bill. Just how far does this 'slipping back' go? The way I see it...either you are, or you aint...no 'slipping back' allowed. I think you are too worried about being PC, and less worried about Gods words."
First, let me ask, Jetboy -- are you speaking from a true concern of what God's Word says -- or are you looking to justify hatred toward anyone who has ever been in the homosexual lifestyle?
The Bible teaches that we ALL are sinners (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23). And, it teaches that death, both physical and spiritual (Romans 6:23), comes upon everyone because of Adam's sin, his disobedience to God, even though our sin might be different than Adam's. Yet, because of Adam's sin of disobedience, we all are born with a sin nature. That sin nature will stay with us until we die or we are raptured.
How does God judge my sins and your sins? Is one sin greater than another? No. Sin is disobedience to God; regardless of whether it is stealing a pencil, committing adultery or fornication, homosexuality, or committing murder. All are sin; all will be discussed, face to face, when we stand before Jesus Christ in judgment.
We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."
And, in Romans 14:12, "So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God." This is a fact that NO ONE, believer or non-believer, will escape. It does not matters whether you will acknowledge God today. One day you will have no choice but to stand in front of Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as the Son of God. You will stand before God in judgment.
So, both believers and non-believers will stand before Jesus Christ in judgment. The Judgment of Believers (often called the Bema Seat Judgment, 2 Corinthians 5:10), and the Great White Throne Judgment of Non-Believers, Revelation 20:11-15.
But, back to your question, "Sounds pretty weird Bill. Just how far does this 'slipping back' go?"
In 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 Paul teaches us, "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work."
Works cannot save us; for we are saved ONLY by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, our works, our fruit, done after we become a believer will be tested -- when we stand before Jesus Christ.
We are told, in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15, "If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."
Jetboy, your question "Just how far does this 'slipping back' go?" -- is really asking how many times will God forgive us?
How many times will God forgive us if we truly repent? We read in Matthew 18:21-22, "Then Peter came and said to Him, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'"
The phrase "seventy times seven" in Greek is the words "hebdomekontakis hepta" and Strong's Concordance tells us this means: countless times.
And, the next question which many folks will ask is, "So, this means that we can live as we want, commit all the sins we desire -- and just say, 'I'm sorry' -- and all is forgiven? Isn't this a license to sin? Isn't this an invitation to enjoy the worldly life and just keep asking God to forgive you?"
You missed two key words: How many times will God forgive us if we truly repent?
A person, be he homosexual or heterosexual, has an imputed sin nature and the tendency to sin is built in. Life will always be the struggle to not sin. It will not be easy; we will fail many times. But, the distinguishing factor is: when we fail, are we truly sorry, do we truly seek repentance -- or are we just trying to slide by another time?
Both homosexuasl and heterosexuals will fail; some in large ways (committing a sexual act) -- some in small ways (lusting after a sexual act). But, when we repent, when we turn from that sin -- and turn back to following Jesus; He will forgive us "seventy times seven times" -- countless times -- IF we truly repent. Does this mean that we will not sin again? Unfortunately, no. But, it means that we do everything within our power, everything humanly possible -- to resist the temptations and to refuse Satan's invitations.
And, it means that when we do fail; we will feel the conviction put upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. It means that when we do feel that conviction; we will fall upon our knees begging forgiveness of the Lord. If we do not feel this conviction -- then, we must ask ourselves if we are truly followers of Christ -- for it seems that the Holy Spirit is not within. If the Holy Spirit is not dwelling within; then we are not a Christian believer -- regardless of any confession we have made, regardless of what Christian hat we wear.
On the other hand, if we purposely choose to live in a sinful lifestyle -- whether it be living an active homosexual lifestyle; living an active lifestyle of adultery and fornication; living a lifestyle of stealing, lying, hurting other people with words or actions, whatever is disobedient to God; this is not a Christian believer's lifestyle, this will not be forgiven at all -- unless we repent, turn from that lifestyle, and turn to follow Jesus Christ.
Jetboy, I pray that this answers your question and that it is helpful to all our Forum Friends in understanding the Christian walk.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
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