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Hiding Behind Names

November 26th, 2008 by Jeremy Sprouse

Abraham Lincoln is credited with asking a very famous question: “How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg?” While many would say five, his response was: “Four, calling a tail a leg doesn’t make it a leg.” Society has changed the face of homosexuality by changing how it refers to this lifestyle. Changing the terms by which it known, however, does not change its nature.
Calling homosexuality an alternative lifestyle doesn’t make it so. By “alternative” they mean normal and acceptable. Homosexuality, however, isn’t normal. Only a small percentage of the population lives a homosexual lifestyle (approx. 2.3%). In the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003), homosexuals and pro-homosexual groups estimated the number to be around 6 million (probably a high estimate). This number is far below the 14 million American who are addicted to alcohol (should we consider their behavior normal and acceptable?). The Bible refers to homosexual practices as contrary to nature and error (Romans 1:26-27).
Calling homosexuality genetic doesn’t make it so. They say you are born gay; it isn’t a choice. Despite attempt after attempt, no link has ever been found between genetics and homosexuality. In fact, several studies have proven the opposite. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we are told no one who practices homosexuality can inherit the kingdom of God. If God made homosexuals and condemned them for it, He would not be just (a defining characteristic of God). In addition, Paul is addressing Christians in this passage. He notes that some of them had previously been homosexual, but were not anymore (1 Corinthians 6:11). If it was genetic, how did they stop this practice?
Calling homosexual unions a marriage doesn’t make it so. The institution of marriage was created by God in the Garden of Eden and as its Creator, He gets to set the rules (Genesis 2:24). He created marriage to be between a man and a woman who leave their individual families and join together for life. Since God is the definer of marriage and this is the only definition given, nothing else can rightly be called a marriage. Man cannot change what God has declared; we can only accept it or reject it. Those who try to change God’s plan are rejecting it.
It does not matter what we call a practice, if God’s Word declares it to be wrong it is wrong. The Bible clearly teaches homosexuality is contrary to nature, error, and those who practice it will not enter into God’s Kingdom. Those who advocate homosexuality as acceptable are just hiding behind names. In reality, they are approving an evil and immoral lifestyle. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20).

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 at 10:33 am and is filed under Bulletin Articles.

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