Quote:
Originally posted by ABondSlaveofChristJesus
What of 1 Corinthians 5:5 (i think...) about not associating with so called brothers...
What if the homosexual proclaims to be a Christian?
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There are multiple approaches to this problem, but here is one text:
John 15:1-11 - "
15:1 "œI am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
Jesus is not talking about periodic sin, since all Christians sin in that way, he's talking about purposefully and perpetually walking in outright constant sin and rebellion against His commandments. He's decieving himself and it's probable that this will have eternal consequences.
Again, I recommend caution in long term relationship with a homosexual if they will not repent, and especially if it's a professing believer. Just recently I had a good friend who met his wife at a prominant SBC seminary and they got married. She was attending too of course. His wife got into acting and we're here a couple years after that and she's declared she's a lesbian and divorcing him. She still professes to be a believer, but you can take your pick of any number of texts in the Bible that would call that profession into question. I expect she'll openly reject Christ in time unless the Lord is using this somehow to bring her closer to Him eventually. I truly pray that's the case. Moral of this true story is that if we hang around sin and temptation long enough we may well find ourselves ensnared.
[Edited on 9-21-2005 by rgrove]