Let me first do some background. What is a homosexual? Can we use this definition as a starting point: Homosexuality refers to sexual interaction and/or romantic attraction between individuals of the same sex?
I want to beg some leeway on this -- I am going to approach this from the more conservative side of the issue. I am going to begin this from the position that homosexual behavior is not approved of in the bible. I am going to cite these verses:
Romans 1:26-27
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
1 Timothy 1:9-10
So, let us assume that the interpretation of the conservative church is not in grave error and homosexuality is a sin.
By correspondence, this would make the sentence read: Can a sinner become a Christian? If we also go by the conservative most popularly held beliefs, we would say that all are sinners and except for the Grace of God could not become Christians (let us define Christians as those who would confess an experience of salvation and would acknowledge the work of grace in their lives).
I think the answer to the primary question is "Yes". A homosexual can become a Christian. Now, we have made the assumption based on some biblical passages that homosexuality is a sin -- that is the practice of sexual relations with a member of the same sex is a sin. So, it would seem the next logical extension of the question would be could a practicing homosexual be Christian? If we refer back, we are acknowledging that homosexuality is a sin, yet all have sinned, some through homosexuality, some through other sins. In 1 Corinthians 6, we find that those who commit other sins will not inherit the kingdom of God -- namely drunkards, nor idolaters.
So, based on 1 Corinthians 6, the question posed could also be modified "Can a drunk become a Christian?" Correct? Both are called out, both are scripturally exempted from the inheritance. My point is, both are sins. We say that God does not tolerate sin, but, we then begin to classify sins into convenient little piles. I think in Roman Catholic doctrine there is even convenient little titles given such as venial sin, which is lesser sin. But, we say that God hates all sin. And don't even bring up the "hate the sin, love the sinner" -- that makes absolutely no sense outside of the church. You use that with an unbeliever; you might as well be saying "Hate purple, love purple unicorns."
So, can a drunkard become a Christian? I think most would say, “Surely!” God would welcome a drunkard into the kingdom and Grace is available freely to him. So, can a homosexual become a Christian? I think God would extend grace freely to him, but, would we recognize it? Or, have we defined some sins as worse than others. Are we hypocrites to decide that the sin in our life is forgivable, but, not in another’s? How about a child abuser? How about a thief? Who do we recognize as receiving grace and who do we want to exclude from our little social clubs? Sorry, we do not have that right. As grace has been extended to us, we must accept that all sin is forgivable (only blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is called out as unforgivable).
Now, for the heart of the matter – what if a homosexual becomes a Christian, but remains a homosexual? What if the drunkard or thief after professing the salvation experience does not change? Now, we get into the issue of repentant or non-repentant. Let’s look at it from another side. What if the sin was living in a lifestyle of wicked fornication? Our scriptures say fornicators are not going to inherit the kingdom. So, while a heterosexual lifestyle may not in itself be bad, improperly practiced, it is no different than homosexuality to God. So, what if a person who identifies themselves as homosexual, refrains from sexual intimacy with the same sex?
What bothers me most – maybe my way of avoiding the questions – is that we want to characterize sins. We all come to Christ as sinners. Only He was without sin. Why don’t we expend our energies in focusing on the example, instead of deciding who can or should be Christians. Ultimately, I think there are going to be some people in heaven that will surprise me, and who may be surprised by me.
