This statement was made by the apostle Paul to the Roman brethren warning them to abstain from sin, because the pay-off is death. He goes on to say that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

"What is sin?" one may ask. The Scriptures say that it is the transgression of the law (1 Jn. 3:4). So, when one transgresses the law of the, Lord, he or she commits sin, and sin separates man from God (Isa. 59:2). It caused Adam and Eve to be driven from the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3), and it caused the great flood in the days of Noah (Gen. 6,7). It will cost us our eternal crown if we practice sin. Let us not be taken by it.

The Works Of The Flesh

My friends, Galatians 5:19-21 lists a number of things that break the law of the Lord. Whether we like it or not, these things are sinful in the sight of our Lord. Paul tells us how to avoid fornication (1 Cor. 7:2), as well as other sins (1 Thess. 5:22). We do not have to be taken by Satan's craftiness. So often, the subject of homosexuality is brought up. On radio and television talk shows, they always refer to some human authority. Occasionally, a lady may cite a passage of Scripture. She is quickly ignored.

Let us look at this sin from a Bible standpoint. It seems to be that the Bible is more and more overlooked as the source of Divine authority on this subject. Let's face it: according to the Scriptures, God created the woman to be a help meet for man (Gen. 2:20-24; 1 Cor. 11:9-10). Now, if God had wanted two men in the beginning, He could have made it so. But, He did not decree it that way. He made man and woman. This is God's way for the world to be replenished. Whenever this is changed, sin is committed.

Look at Sodom-the men of Sodom-for example. They changed the plan, and God rained down fire upon them (Gen. 19:1-24). When we look at verse 1, we see the angels coming to Sodom. An old, righteous preacher sitting in the gate, whose name is Lot, invited them to spend the night with him. They said nay. However, he insisted that they stay. They went in, and he fixed food for them. They did eat (v. 3). Before they lay down, the men of the city compassed the house, both old and young. People came from every quarter, calling to Lot to bring them out that they may know them. This lets us know how low their morals were (v. 5). In verses 6 through 8, Lot goes out to plead with them and offer them his two virgin daughters. They would not accept them. They told Lot to stand back and made an attempt to break down the door (vv. 9-11). Now, we can see how wrong it was then, and it has not changed in the sight of God.

In both the Old and New Testament, God condemns gay living. Let's look at Romans 1:18-32. I hope that all who read this will study each verse well. You can see in verse 25 that sin had made man change the truth of God into a lie in their minds. Look at what it has done to the women in verse 26 and to the men in verse 27. In verse 28, even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, He gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient.

So now, my friends, do not think that because God allows these things to go on today that He is pleased with them. If you harden your heart against the Lord's laws long enough, He will send a strong delusion. This delusion will cause you to believe a lie and be damned for it (2 Thess. 2:11-12). Those who practice homosexuality cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

However, there is hope for those in this condition. If you are guilty, you can quit, obey the gospel of Christ, and be saved. And such were some of you (1 Cor. 6:11), meaning that they had repented of their sins and been baptized in accordance with Acts 2:38 and Acts 18:8. This shows us that if any will give up his wicked ways (Isa. 55:7) and obey His will, that person can be saved. God is not willing that any should perish (2 Pet. 3:9), but that all should come to repentance. If so done, God will translate you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of his dear Son, having over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not redeemed you by His blood (Col. 1: 13-14). convenient. continued from previous page of his sins cannot share God's spiritual blessings (Lk. 13:3). The man who will not confess Christ does not share in God's spiritual blessings (Matt. 10:32-33). The man who will not be baptized cannot receive remission of his sins (Acts 2:38) or be saved (Mk. 16:15-16; 1 Pet. 3:21).

My friend, all spiritual blessings are in Christ. Are you in Him?

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 21, pp. 647, 663
November 1, 1984