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[Aquila]

EB,

We all know that due to sin’s influence from the fall our bodies are prone to aging, sickness, and death. We know that there are biological factors that are part of our very nature, especially in the area of attraction. For example pheromones, our flesh responds to these as they stimulate the brain’s pleasure centers. I had read about a blind test in which heterosexuals and homosexuals were given a blind test with pheromones. Interestingly the hetero individuals responded far more to opposite gender pheromone while the homo individuals responded far more to same gender pheromone. The results indicated that “attraction” or “interest” could be hardwired biologically via genetics. In other words…these people were born with this “predisposition” due to biological response.

I think we get all hung up on terms as we’ve been told to define them without looking more deeply at an issue. For example, we recoil at the idea that one was “born a homosexual”. However, we’re forgetting that the Bible does teach that all men are “born sinners”. We’re forgetting that we are at war with our “flesh”, i.e. our “biology”. It’s very possible that “sin” has effected us so deeply it was warped our very physical nature down to the genetic level. There have been studies on people with violent tendencies. There are lobes of the brain that appear to be less developed in these individuals. The lobes in question govern the brain’s sense of restraint. This difference isn’t due to injury, but rather was developmental, i.e. genetic. Yes, these individuals were “born violent” in their nature… or shall we say, “sin nature”.

When a gay person states that they were “born this way” way, I normally respond by telling them, “I know, the Bible explains that we’re all born sinners.” Then I begin explaining the war between our flesh and our spirits. I try to emphasize this is why when they know to go good…they do it not. And the evil that they would not do… that they do. They are slaves to this “sin nature” and that their only hope if they want to be free is … Jesus.

When one receives the Holy Ghost they undergo a spiritual “regeneration”. I believe that some aspects of our sin nature are so powerful we need healing or regeneration on several levels. We all need to be regenerated spiritually to be saved. Also we need to be healed or undergo the renewing of our minds…this is our mental self. The third aspect of our being is our physical self. Perhaps those bound by this aspect of their sin nature need a total touch form God that heals them body, mind, and spirit. God can fix DNA in a nanosecond. He can also renew a spirit and through the study of the Word renew the mind. Instead of demanding that they “grow up”, “repent”, “just choose to change”, etc; maybe we should seek their total healing, maybe this kind requires a miraculous healing from this infirmity.

When they say that they're “born” that way, in a sense they validate the Bible’s claim that all men are born sinners, this is just the sin they are predisposed to. They validate that sin is part of our sin nature, which is rooted in the flesh. They highlight the fact that their flesh and their will were at odds until they realized that it was a battle they couldn’t win all by themselves. When they say they couldn’t choose to change, they are underscoring the reality that they need a Savior.

What do you think?

Are you ready to minister to the spiritual lepers?