5 Things the LGBT Community Should Know About the Bible
With the advent of the gay-rights movement and a milestone week for the LGBT community, I find it appropriate to address the Bible's role in all of this. Despite what has been unfortunately imprinted in the minds of many LGBT people by hateful people masquerading as Christians, God has a lot to say that can be of value to the gay community. Here are seven things that everyone (especially the LGBT community) needs to know from the Bible.
1. Christians Must Submit to Authority and the Law of the Land
Romans 13:2 says, “Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” This verse doesn’t outlaw lobbying or expressing political opinion, but speaks to the greater understanding that God is the author of authority. He’s the King of Kings! At one time, He physically presided over His people, the Israelites, until they said they wanted to be like the other nations with human kings. I’ll be blunt here. If Daniel suffered and survived in the lion’s den under a king who required him to participate in kingdom-wide idol worship, modern-day Christians will survive the LGBT movement, as it shouldn’t affect our relationship with God if we’re obedient to the ultimate authority.
2. Old Testament Vs. New Testament: Definitely Not the Same Thing
Christians, the LGBT community, and LGBT Christians have argued over several draconian, so-called “anti-gay” verses for years. The most famous of those is Leviticus 20:13: "If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense." And then the argument gets worse when most of the rebuttal is drawn from verses like Leviticus 11:7-8: “And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.” Sadly, the biblical argument has dwindled to “Gays will die” and the refutation has been, “Christians are going to hell for eating bacon!” But the problem with this example is that the verses, drawn from the Old Testament, have been superseded by the teachings of the New Testament. Mosaic Law, or the Law of Moses, was given by God to rule over the Israelites, His chosen people, until the days after the Messiah died on the cross for the sins of the world. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah and aren’t subjects to Mosaic Law, even if they believe the Old Testament is an important document to learn from. Finally, those who follow this law should realize they're taking ancient advice. Literally.
3. God Isn't Anti-Gay — He’s Righteous
All over the internet, it’s not too much of a challenge to find someone spewing hatred in the “name of Jesus” at others. Unfortunately, God has been painted as a “gay-slayer,” instead of a lover and protector of all people, even those who sin, which means everybody. Here’s scripture.
4. It's All About the Heart
David was an adulterer, a not-so-great father at times, and a murderer, which should’ve landed him a nice, hot spot in Hell forever according to Mosaic Law. Yet, God called him a man after His own heart. Why? David realized that he constantly needed to repent and ask God to perfect his heart. Proverbs 21:2 states, “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
5. God is Love – Don't Turn Your Back On Him
This is today’s message for all sinners, meaning the people of this world. Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” God sent Jesus to die for everyone, even the LGBT community. He will tell you that you belong to Him regardless of your sexual orientation. God will protect you even if you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or transsexual. Leave the haters and all the rest to the only being who can handle them accordingly.
