Expert: Phillip Senn - 4/20/2005

Question
I have recently been saved and am growing spiratually.  While growing I have started talking more about the Lord to others and sometimes they have questions I don't know 100% sure what the bible or the Lord says the answer is.  I don't want to miss lead people so I was wondering if you knew the answer.... My friend asked me "will gay people go to hell?"....see i know that having homosexual behavior is a sin, though god will forgive you for all your sins.  It also says in the bible not to judge people so I didn't want to say to my friend....well just because they are gay they are going to hell.  My thinking of it all is...If you are gay and don't think its a sin and don't confess to the Lord that it is a sin and ask for forgiveness then you will go to hell because homosexuality is a sin.  Am I correct or even close...please let me know I can't wait to hear from you..thanks for your time.   ms.andrews

Answer
I appreciate your question. It is one that many people struggle with, not just new believers.

A person doesn't go to Heaven because they are good, nor to Hell because they are bad. That is what we all have been taught over the years, but Jesus had a totally different message. He said in John 3:16-18, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Can a person that is living a homosexual lifestyle be a believer in Christ? Absolutely! Should they "sin that grace may abound? God forbid." Our responsibility is to share the Gospel with all people, reguardless of how they live their lives. There are believers in Churches and also unbelievers. Many of them live wonderful lives, but have never trusted in Christ Jesus. They are still lost. But those of us who have trusted in Christ, can know that we have eternal life. We don't know this because we are doing everything right, or because we are not doing anything wrong, but because Christ Jesus fully paid for all of our sins.

Once a person trusts in Christ Jesus our Lord, we have a responsibility to help them grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We are called upon to "disciple" them. This simply means that we are suppose to teach them whatsoever (Jesus) hath commanded (us). Our privilege to share of Christ's work in our lives to help us honor Him in what we think, say, or do. We should also treat those believers, who have yet to understand that homosexual behaviour is not in God's plan for them, with respect and love that we might have influence in their lives as we share God's love with them. The Lord will use our faithfulness to draw them to honor Him.

I hope this hasn't been too lengthy, but has helped you to better understand the Biblical position on who is "lost" and who is "saved".

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn