Pastor Tim Keller answers questions about homosexuality and homosexuals in a Veritas Forum at Colombia University. Does homosexuality send you to hell?
Talking Points:
- Homosexuality does not represent God’s intended design for human sexuality. Yet the Bible also tells us to love our neighbors. Some churches ignore passages of scripture that call homosexuality sin in favor of “loving their neighbors.” Other churches take scripture seriously on its condemnation of homosexual behavior, yet in a self-righteous and at times unloving way that singles out gay people.
- Individual sins do not send us to hell. Self-righteousness sends us to hell – rejecting God because we desire to do life on our own. What sends us to heaven is leaning into Jesus Christ as our intervener, savior, and Lord – regardless of what particular sins and temptations we struggle against. Matthew 22:37-40
- When people say “Homosexuality is sin,” the message that is often communicated is: “Gay people are going to hell for no other reason than being gay.” This is a misleading, shortsighted assessment of the human condition. Our greatest need is not to be heterosexual. Our greatest need is Jesus himself. Ephesians 2:4-5,8-10
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How would you have answered this question: Is homosexuality a sin? What would you point to as a defense for your answer?
- Read Romans 1:21-32. How would you define sin? Identify all of the sinful acts mentioned in this passage. How do all of these sins damage our lives?
- Read Matthew 22:37-40. What does it mean to “love your neighbor as yourself?” Explain.
- Why do you think many Christians/churches get hung up on the issue of homosexuality? Explain.
- Read Ephesians 2:4-5,8-10. What is the relationship between salvation and living a holy life? Explain.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
