Being AWARE of Satan's schemes

In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. - 2 Cor 2:11 (NIV)

Why Christians must take a stand

To many Christians (including myself, up to a very short time ago), homosexuality is not an important issue. Why should we quibble about it, when it's more important to get on with preaching the gospel? After all, aren't we all totally depraved sinners (homosexuals and heterosexuals alike) who need the grace and mercy of God? Why should we focus on homosexuality, out of the great litany of other sins that all of us are guilty of?

It was only recently that I was convicted of the fact that it was time to draw a line in the sand and take a stand.

Both 2 Peter 2:2-22 and Jude 1:4-16 paint a compelling picture of false teachers - the liberals and emergent church leaders of today. The descriptions could well apply to secular humanists as well, because liberalism is nothing more than humanism by another name. No matter what they call themselves, these are the people who would usually endorse the gay agenda. Notice who Peter singles out as facing greater judgement:

And especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones. (2 Pet 2:10).

An inclination to sexual immorality (all forms of it, not just homosexuality but fornication, adultery and other types of sexual perversion) is often associated with an inclination to despise authority. They go together like bees and honey.

Albert Barnes comments on this verse:

They regard all government in the state, the church, and the family, as an evil. Advocates for unbridled freedom of all sorts; declaimers on liberty and on the evils of oppression; defenders of what they regard as the rights of injured man, and yet secretly themselves lusting for the exercise of the very power which they would deny to others - they make no just distinctions about what constitutes true freedom, and in their zeal array themselves against government in all forms. No topic of declamation would be more popular than this, and from none would they hope to secure more followers; for if they could succeed in removing all respect for the just restraints of law, the way would be open for the accomplishment of their own purposes, in setting up a dominion over the minds of others. It is a common result of such views, that men of this description become impatient of the government of God himself, and seek to throw off all authority, and to live in the unrestrained indulgence of their vicious propensities.

When men are self-willed, and when they purpose to give indulgence to corrupt propensities, it is natural for them to dislike all government. Accordingly, it is by no means an unfrequent effect of certain forms of error to lead men to speak disrespectfully of those in authority, and to attempt to throw off all the restraints of law. It is a very certain indication that men hold wrong opinions when they show disrespect to those in authority, and despise the restraints of law.

This is in fact what the debate on repealing Section 377A was all about, isn't it?

Notice also that Sodom and Gomorrah are featured prominently as examples in both these passages. What were Sodom and Gomorrah known for? They were known for being utterly destroyed (Gen 19:24-25) as a result of their great wickedness (Gen 13:13), which was their (unanimous!) tolerance and practice of homosexuality (Gen 19:4-5).

Notice, finally, that Lot, whom God rescued (along with his two daughters), was greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (2 Pet 2:7). He was tormented over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard (2 Pet 2:8). We should well examine ourselves if we find that our souls are not tormented by the unrighteous acts of the ungodly.

Why it's actually about spiritual warfare

No, I'm not talking about taking authority and casting out demons and binding them.

Spiritual warfare is all about ideology. It is about “destroying strongholds and arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought captive to obey Christ." (2 Cor 10:4-5).

Whether or not there was initially a planned takeover of AWARE to counter the homosexual agenda is a moot point. Josie Lau denies it, and if she is telling the truth, then God must have arranged it. Whatever the case, the fact is that it is now perceived as the main issue. The lines have been clearly drawn.

Jenica Chua, when asked during the meeting whether she accepted homosexuality, flatly replied: “No.”

Claire Nazar (to her credit) had written an excellent defence of the Christian view of homosexuality during the S377A debates in 2007. Sadly, she has backpedalled on this. As reported in the Straits Times: "Sighing, she said: 'For the record, I am not anti-gay.'"

Dana Lam, former AWARE president, has said: “AWARE is not about whether we are for or against Christianity; AWARE is not about whether we are for or against homosexuality.”

But in fact that is precisely the issue, as everyone knows. But it goes deeper than that.

The real issue – can you trust the Bible?

The issue of homosexuality - for the Christian - is really about the authority of the Bible - whether it can be believed when it says that homosexuality is an abomination. If the Bible is to be believed, then the message of Christianity is true. If the Bible is irrelevant, then so is Christianity.

One concern would be the fact that AWARE conducts sex education courses in our schools. You can see why that would be a concern if you don't believe homosexuality is a valid lifestyle choice, but the person teaching your child does. You can see where this is going.

In case you're not aware, there is a battle royal being waged in America over the gay marriage issue. There is no question of criminality - gays have been “accepted” for a long time, and now they are pushing for same-sex marriages to be legally recognised. Next will be the re-introduction of “hate crimes” legislation, where it will be criminally punishable to “discriminate” against gay people (whichever way you want to define discrimination). This will obviously take away your ability to state your beliefs if you happen to think that homosexuality is a sin. This, in the land of liberty. As you can see, we in Singapore have much to be thankful for (and consequently much to lose, if we are not careful).

Regaining perspective

Homosexuality is not a new sin. It is also not a sin which has only recently become tolerated and widely accepted. Sodom and Gomorrah are testimony to that fact. But just because it's been around a long time does not make it right or natural (I just saw an advertisement for a book that documents the practice of homosexuality in China for the last 2000 years). Human depravity has been around since Adam.

Homosexuality is also not the only sin there is. There are many other sins, and every man and woman stands guilty of transgressing God's law. But homosexuality is a sin nonetheless, and is not to be continued in if a person truly believes and repents, because we know that those who practise homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9).

I am not a homophobe (the word means someone who fears homosexuals and homosexuality, and I don't fear them). Hate crimes against homosexuals are not to be condoned.

But Christians have a right (and a responsibility!) to declare the plain truth of what God says about homosexuality. In short, to be able to simply say: “In case you were not aware – God says, in the Bible, that homosexuality is a sin and an abomination” and to call sinners to repentance, sharing with them the good news about how Jesus came to save us and set us free from our sins.

Satan's schemes

Satan is a master of deception. But before I go further, let me say this: I am a Calvinist, not a pessimist. I believe that God will ultimately triumph, that His justice (and mercy, and all is other attributes) will be displayed for all to see, and that He will ultimately be justified in all He does. That He is sovereign over all, and that there is not a single maverick molecule (to borrow an expression from Paul Washer) in the entire universe.

Nevertheless, while we are here on earth, we will have to deal with Satan and his schemes. We are to be wise as sepents and innocent as doves (Matt 10:16). There are layers of intrigue, deception, subterfuge and shadows in his tactics. We are not to imitate him! Rather, we are to renounce underhanded ways and declare God's truth plainly (2 Cor 4:2)!

The weapons of our warfare!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. - Eph 6:10-20

I am working on a series of responses I would give to anyone who asks me about my views on homosexuality, and the reason why I hold such views. This will also include responses to the common objections to such views. I will be posting it up shortly, and may it bless and help my Christian brothers and sisters out there.