Albert Mohler: The Inescapable Issue of Biblical Authority
Christian Post Guest Columnist
Sat, Aug. 04 2007

Given the upcoming Sept. 30 deadline handed to The Episcopal Church to make an unequivocal pledge not to consecrate another openly gay bishop or bless same-sex unions, this commentary is being republished by request. It was originally published Tuesday, August 12, 2003.

Every important issue in the church essentially comes down to the authority of the Bible. The debate over the election of the Episcopal Church's first openly homosexual bishop is a prime example of this inescapable fact – and a closer look at the arguments reveals the lengths to which homosexual activists must go in order the neutralize the Bible in the debate.

The Bible condemns homosexuality in every form. This message is not hidden, complicated, or nuanced. The Old Testament texts detail the sin of Sodom and the prohibitions against homosexual activity. The New Testament is equally clear, and offers a more expansive explanation. In Romans 1:18-28, the Apostle Paul explains that both male and female homosexuality are evidence of the extreme evil of human sin. Homosexual acts – and homosexual passions – are "degrading" and "unnatural," and those who perform such "indecent" acts are "receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error." Of course, Paul instructs us that all are sinners, but homosexuality leads his catalogue of human sinfulness. No ambiguity here.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul warns that persons who give themselves to such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God, making specific mention of both passive and active partners in a homosexual act. The Apostle's candor is bracing, and we should be thankful for his clarity. the rest