In their quest to gain approval in the church, supporters minimize their affirmation of homosexual sexual relations and focus on a claim to practice celibacy. At the same time, they openly identify with practicing homosexuals by continuing to support the LGBTQ+ ideology. This stratagem is an intent to be found acceptable and approved.  However, the claim to practicing celibacy does not resolve the biblical and theological issues.  God’s Word denounces practice and desires. Desires and passions of the heart are equally condemned as the actual practice of any sin. 

Side B same-sex-attracted Christian pastors and pastoral candidates are pushing for ordination and reception in Evangelical and Reformed churches.

The latest attempts manipulate linguistics, the meaning of words, to distance themselves from using the term “homosexual,” as well as from using biblically descriptive words such as “unnatural, “abomination,” or “abhorrent” to define some serious sins.  This linguistic manipulation began with utilizing the word “gay,” as a way to mask the sinfulness of both inordinate sexual relations and passions.  Another subtle and softening term is “same-sex attracted” (SSA) that is utilized to benignly render the issue to appear benevolent, compassionate, and non-threatening.

In their quest to gain approval in the church, supporters minimize their affirmation of homosexual sexual relations and focus on a claim to practice celibacy. At the same time, they openly identify with practicing homosexuals by continuing to support the LGBTQ+ ideology. This stratagem is an intent to be found acceptable and approved.  However, the claim to practicing celibacy does not resolve the biblical and theological issues.  God’s Word denounces practice and desires. Desires and passions of the heart are equally condemned as the actual practice of any sin.

Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). This passage is clear that thoughts, desires, and passions are equal to deeds.  The same principle applies to same-sex attraction.  In fact, the Apostle Paul addressed this in his letter to the Roman Christians when he refers to “vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts,” “degrading passions,” and “burned in their desire toward one another” (Romans 1:21-32). These all relate to unnatural desires, feelings, and passions.  This passage obviously applies to Side B homosexuals with their open, intentional identification as “gay” or “same-sex attracted.”

Using soft, benign words such as “same-sex attracted” ignores Old Testament references to this sin.  This subterfuge demands a reminder of biblical hermeneutical interpretation.  Old Testament sexual moral laws are binding as to chastity and holiness.  They were not annulled in the New Testament.  If we think clearly and rationally, we recognize that God never changes; “I am the Lord and I do not change” (Malachi 3:6), and the principles he gave us by which we guide our lives have not changed over time.

God commands, “So you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, which, if a person follows them, then he will live by them; I am the Lord.”  Following that statement, Leviticus 18:6-23 gives us a long list of sins beginning with lesser serious sins to the most serious sins. The two most serious sins at the end of that list are sexual relations of men with men followed by the sin of bestiality.  The former sin is called “an abomination” and the latter “a perversion.”  Think of it. The only sin more serious than same-sex relations is sexual relations with beasts. Both sins relate to unnatural sexual desires and relations. These sins have the same status today and continue to be serious and against God’s intent for his people.

Both Leviticus 18 and Romans 1 clearly define Side B homosexuality does not fulfill the standard of holiness and chastity God demands of believers, especially of church leaders. Christians who struggle with same-sex attraction deserve compassion and counsel, but the requirements for church leaders require mature, proven sanctification in the area of biblical sexual practices.

The consistent warnings of both Testaments highlight the heinousness of homosexual practices, unnatural affections, and lustful desires, and emphasizes that church leaders are to maintain a testimony of not being ensnared in these offenses.  Churches may not recognize all who fit this description, but they should not affirm those who openly identify as “gay” or “same-sex attracted,” even if the claim to be celibate. No church or denomination has the liberty to disobey God by ordaining and/or receiving anyone for the pastorate or eldership who claims to be same-sex attracted but celibate.

Evangelical and Reformed churches must take heed whom they elect to church leadership and offices. God has made very clear as to what he requires on this issue. May the Church stand with him as a faithful Bride of Christ.

Helen Louise Herndon is a member of Central Presbyterian Church (EPC) in St. Louis, Missouri. She is freelance writer and served as a missionary to the Arab/Muslim world in France and North Africa.