There are many things that we, as human beings, are capable of doing. Many of those are good things and we should do them. After all, the physical brother of our Lord instructs us: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17).
Conversely, there are many other things of which human beings are capable that definitely should not be done. That list is also very extensive but may be categorized and encapsulated under the heading of “sin.”
In a recent article published by the Warren Christian Apologetics Center (https://warrenapologetics.org/) and written by Carl R. Truman, Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College, PA, and a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Faith and Freedom, Mr. Truman discussed the idea of what and who we are as human beings and the impact that the development of technology has had on those ideas. For example, throughout history a person born with female genitalia was considered to be and was defined by society to be female. The same principle applied to the male. However, with the continued development of technology, particularly medical technology, it is now possible for surgical operations to be performed that can replace one gender’s identifying organs with those of a different gender. Not that long ago such would have been impossible. Although, down through history there have been females who disguised themselves as males and males who have disguised themselves as females. However, the ability to do such a thing does not mean that it should be done. Such “transgenderism” and the ever widening acceptance of homosexual relationships is simply part of the fruit of atheism, hedonistic philosophy, Darwinistic evolution, and a rejection of Biblical principles and ethics.
Simple observation will show that when God created all the various “kinds” He created them male and female. This statement is made of human beings in particular. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27). Later that day, after God had created the male of the human species, He stated that the male should have a female companion. As a result, God created Eve, the first woman and the “mother of all living.” (Genesis 2:22; 3:20). This was, among other things, the basis for the human family. God decreed that “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Notice that He did not say that “a man should be joined to his husband,” nor that “a woman should be joined to her wife.” Such a thing is considered by God to be an abomination (something regarded with disgust or hatred; extreme disgust and hatred; Leviticus 18:22). While that reference is found in the Law of Moses, God still considers such conduct and abomination (cf. Romans 1:24-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10).
According to a report by the Associated Press, in an interview with representatives of the news organization, “Pope Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.” In fairness, he did go on to identify homosexuality as a sin. While it is true that God does love us “just as we are” (cf. Romans 5:8), it is also true that He expects us to repent of our sins and change our behavior (cf. Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Colossians 3:5-15; etc.). But some will say, “God made me this way.” Yes, it is true that God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us feelings, emotions, urges, and etc. Those things, among others, are what make us human. But God has also given us proper, helpful outlets for such things. The God-ordained outlet for many of those “urges” is the relationship between a husband and his wife (cf. Hebrews 13:4). It is further acknowledged that illicit relationships between two people of the opposite sex who are not married to one another is just as sinful as that between two people of the same gender.
The Bible uses two words to define, describe, and identify sinful sexual relations. Adultery (Gk. – moichao), which is defined as a sexual relationship between a man and a woman, at least one of whom is married to someone else (Thayer). The other word, “fornication,” (also translated “sexual immorality;” Gk. – porneia), is defined in broader terms to include any sexual relationship outside of that between a man and woman who are married to each other, including homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc., sexual intercourse with close relatives, and sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman (Strong’s).
God requires that we control, not be controlled by, our human emotions and urges (Ephesians 4:25-32). To give in to those things is to sin, to follow/walk after the flesh (Galatians 5:17-21). But some say, “I can’t help it. I’m just made this way.” Is it acceptable to God for the robber, murderer, liar, etc. to say that he/she cannot control their urge to steal, kill, or lie (1 Corinthians 10:13)?
Yes, we each posses a “human nature,” the ability to be tempted. But repenting of those sins and overcoming those temptations is the thing which demonstrates our love for and our commitment to God and the good life we are promised now and the glorious life we are promised after this (Mark 10:29, 30; John 14:15).
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