Men Unawares

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4 KJV)

Lifeway Research (a branch of the Southern Baptist Convention) published its survey results: 17 percent of evangelical/fundamental Christians, 31 percent of protestants and 55 percent of Catholics state that homosexuality is not (and I repeat not) a sin. We know through media coverage of one Episcopal bishop who most certainly believes – and lives – as though it is not.

In addition to acceptance, such survey results must also indicate either a lack of understanding of Biblical admonitions, a lack of scripture reading or a simple rejection of what is read.

The Bible specifically refers to a number of things being sinful, and yet we accept many of them as part and parcel of daily life. Lying is one of my most easily broken sin – “Sure that color looks good on you,” all the while thinking that a deeper tone would be better, or a shade lighter would enhance the eyes. Or the simple, all covering “You can do anything you really set your mind to – just work hard at it,” when I know there are outside influences that will make that hill climbing extremely difficult, if not impossible. Those are lies, not kindness or encouragement. The Bible tells us where liars shall have their part in Revelations 21:8, and their companions are murderers.

Paul lists a number of attributes considered sinful, then says these men are: Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:7 KJV)

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. (2 Peter 2:18 KJV)

Romans 1:24-27 defines this clearly, then states: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Romans 1:28 KJV)

Verses 29-31 continues to list specific sins, then says of the sinners: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:32 KJV)

Let us instead look for James’ definition: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27 KJV)

The fatherless and widows? That's going to be easy – but that last part…