Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The writer of Hebrews says that it is "easy" to get entangled in this web. The passage warns of the ten euperistaton hamartian -- literally, "the easy ensnaring sin." I believe the primary referent for "the easily ensnaring sin" is the sin of unbelief (the subject of the book), but this sin of unbelief expresses itself in particular sins. In other words, the sin of unbelief leads forth to our practicing of our particular bent. Most importantly, it is "easy" to fall into this.
Again, while I agree that homosexuals can and should be overcoming this sin, it could be the case that they have become entangled in it. They may be entangled in the acts of homosexuality, or in the struggle with their desires until redemption. It is no different for those of us who are not bent toward a homosexual lifestyle. Some of our most serious bents may plague us, literally, until Kingdom come.
Many refer to Paul admonishing the Corinthians to look back to their victory over sin, implying that they did not practice such things any longer or were completely delivered from them. One of these sins is homosexuality:
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
While this seems straightforward on a cursory reading, there are two reasons why it does not support the case that homosexuals cannot be Christians. First, the people to whom Paul was writing were sinners and were in the process of being rebuked by Paul. Notice here just three chapters back:
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
They were fleshly. The sins described in 6:9-10 are fleshly sins. This means that the Corinthians were not necessarily doing well. Yet Paul says they were washed and sanctified. Either Paul has a mild case of amnesia, or we have to understand 6:9-11 differently.
This brings me to the second reason that this passage cannot be used in support of the view that homosexuals cannot be Christians. Paul identifies Christians with Christ, not with their sinful dispositions. In Pauline thought, people who are clothed in Christ's righteousness are no longer named according to their sinful natures, even if their desires continue to entangle them. The Corinthians were entangled in their desires to be sure, but Paul sees them within the righteousness of Christ. This is why Paul could say, "such were some of you." This does not make their sinfulness any less severe, but it does say that Christ's redemption, in Pauline theology, has redeemed the sinner, while still in a sinning state. Those without the covering of Christ's righteousness are still identified with their sin in the eyes of God. Therefore, in this context, it is true: fornicators, thieves, covetous, homosexuals, and all unrighteous people will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Yet thankfully, we have been covered by His righteousness and set apart, even though we are still sinners.
Homosexuality is a sin, and a terribly destructive one. But we need to be careful and gracious with those who struggle with this sin, understanding that the struggle against sin is the plight of us all. The solution is to be uncompromising to the politically correct agenda of our culture, which seeks to turn all sin into a perfectly acceptable lifestyle choice, at the same time as we are utterly gracious, knowing that the only hope that anyone has is to be covered in Christ's righteousness.
Can a homosexual be Christian? Yes. All sinners can be Christians. Indeed, all Christians are sinners. Let us all view this important issue in light of a deep understanding of the plight of sinfulness, and may God help us all as we strive to overcome the sinful desires within us.
"Sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it" (Genesis 4:7).
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