27 May 2005 -  Homosexuality is one of many sins

Dear Editor,

A letter defending a reader's homosexuality appeared in the Hickory
Daily Record (May 25, 2005).  It was in response to previous letters I
have written regarding the subject of homosexuality.  The writer, like
many others, has attempted to mock God's word and confuse the reader.
The same technique of taking verses out of context was used by the Satan
when he tried to tempt Christ in the wilderness.

I don't pretend to understand the perfect wisdom of God or why he handed
down certain laws to the Jews.  The Bible tells us that Christ was the
fulfillment of the law.  Instead of the continuation of animal
sacrifices, Christ himself became the sacrifice for the sins of mankind.
That's why Christians are no longer bound by the ceremonial laws of the
Old Testament.  Certain Old Testament laws applying to human behavior
continue to apply today and are clearly defined in the New Testament.

Among them is the Biblical references to homosexual sin, one which the
writer has chosen to ignore.  The Bible clearly states "... the wicked
will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Do not be deceived:  Neither the
sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor
homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor
slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10,
NIV).  Homosexuality is not singled out but is included in a list of
sins that are repugnant to God because, in His eyes, ALL sins are
indicative of our sinful, fallen human nature.

I was accused of attacking the writer for being a pervert.  If
paraphrasing the Bible is considered an attack, don't blame me, just
read the word of God:  "Because of this, (exchanging truth for a lie)
God gave them over to shameful lusts.  Even their women exchanged
natural relations for unnatural ones.  In the same way the men also
abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for
one another.  Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received
in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."  (Romans 1:26-27,
NIV)

Fortunately, we have a merciful God who provides eternal salvation
through his son, Jesus Christ.  The Bible further states that "For
whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans
10:13, KJV) This promise of eternal life is extended to all sinners,
regardless of what their sins might be.

Derick S. Hartshorn
Conover, NC