Stop it or you’ll go to hell. This seems to be a pervasive stance that many Christians take in responding to the gay, lesbian and transgendered community. It is such a touchy topic that often is only addressed with big signs and loud shouts of “repent” at gay rallies or behind closed doors or as we whisper between ourselves. Sometimes we act as though it doesn’t exist and we don’t have to address it. In some Christian circles, gay bashing is still acceptable and homophobia is a way of life only challenged by “the moral decay” of our society instead of the redemptive love they claim to believe in. Yet, more and more, some churches are coming up with a better response to this community while others just wade their way through the murky waters.
Sadly, the gay community thinks that Christians hate them. It is understandable given that the most vocal Christian response to homosexuals has been as political opponents rather than spiritual outreach to this largely unchurched community. I think the idea that Christians hate the LGT community should break the heart of every believer especially because we are to be known by our love. A friend of mine befriended a gay guy at her job. She was seeking God about their friendship and the Holy Spirit responded, “I only want you to love him. He believes that Christians hate him. Since they hate him, he thinks I hate him.” Much worst than the thought of Christian hate, this community largely thinks the God, defined by his unyielding, unfailing, unending, unconditional love, hates them. That’s the heart breaker.
I was talking with a Christian young lady struggling with lesbianism. She confessed with her mouth the Lord Jesus and believes that God has raised him from the dead; yet, did not have an assurance of salvation. So I asked her if she believed that the blood of Jesus could cover even that. “I used to. But, so many people just tell me I’m gonna go to hell.” She used to really pray, but now her only whisper is “God save me.”
Stop it!
This young lady wasn’t sure of her salvation because she still struggles with her sexuality. She still sins. Unfortunately, someone along the way told her “stop it, or you’ll go to hell.” I wonder how that “stop it” theology is working for them. You know, I’ve struggled with my weight for most of my life. Sugar is a problem for me. I’ve eaten a whole pie on more than one occasion, and have devoured plates of desserts at a fellowship dinners. Last I heard, that was a sin called gluttony. Now, have I gotten better? Yeah. Are there some things I just don’t bring home? You betcha. But, do I ever slip up? Absolutely! The bible lists gluttony among the seven deadly sins. Philippians 3 talks about those whose god is their belly and their end is destruction. Paul reminds us that whatever we eat or drink; we should do it all to the glory of God. God doesn’t get much glory when I overeat. But, I’ve yet to hear a pastor preach all fat people are going to hell.
“Stop it” theology doesn’t work. If we could just stop it, why do we need Jesus? The law told us that we were wrong but it lacked power to deliver us from the sin. Jesus didn’t die for behavior modification. Let’s say that again because it is important: Jesus didn’t die for behavior modification. Jesus died to restore the relationship between God and man. God woos us, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” He draws us with bands of love. It is the goodness of God that draws us to repentance. I can come boldly before the throne not because I modified my behavior, but because Jesus loves me and has covered me with his righteousness. I’m not condemned because I’m in Christ Jesus. I’ve been justified, or declared righteous, in the midst of my sins. Now, I’m being sanctified, which is the process of becoming righteous, and that is going to take the rest of my life. I’ll stop sinning completely when I’m glorified, and that happens when I get to heaven. Stop it or you’ll go to hell is not the salvation message.
The church is the body of Christ and our actions must line up with his heart when we are dealing with anyone but more specifically gays and lesbians. God promises, “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.” God promised to heal and to love so we must follow after the Father’s heart. When people come into communion with Christ, they change just by looking upon him. Sometimes in our zeal for righteousness we lose our zeal for his heart and his love. I dare say that there are some gays and lesbians who are saved. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that when he appears we will be like him, because we will see him just as he is. It’s in seeing Jesus, that we start looking like him. So let’s make sure we aren’t preventing anyone from seeing him, regardless of what their struggle or sins may be.
So let’s apply the real salvation method to those struggling with homosexuality. They hear the word, repent (they turn towards God), and receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord. As a savior, Jesus saves them in the midst of their sin, covers them with his blood, and the Father declares that homosexual righteous because the blood of Jesus covers him. As Lord, Jesus and that person enter into communion and Jesus leads the way. Sometimes that newly saved person will fall, slip up and screw up. When that happens, it’s easy for him to believe the lie that he isn’t walking with God, or isn’t saved, or he’s going to hell. But, that is a lie. The Word says, “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” Now as Lord, Jesus calls the shots and tells us the right way to go, but if we slip up, he is our advocate and reminds the Father that he already paid the penalty for what happened last night. Then Jesus picks him back up, dusts him off, and they begin the journey again.
