SBC Messengers Approve Resolution on Biblical Sexuality

My denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, has often been accused of being a “fighting people,” one that is perennially involved in an intramural war over theology, ministerial methodology, eschatology and a thousand other things that good Christian men have disagreed on throughout church history.  But, as R. Albert MohlerJr., denominational statesman and president of our flagship seminary, has often said, it is a good thing, a healthy thing, when Christians are talking about theology.

            While earthly denominations must never be confused with the Kingdom of Christ, I am thankful that Southern Baptists love the Bible and see theology as a matter worthy of deep reflection and lengthy discussion.  May God keep us humble and focused on proclaiming His Gospel.  Last week, our city, Louisville, played host to the SBC’s annual meeting and I was reminded of another reality for which I am thankful: issues of sexuality and gender are not matters for debate within the SBC.  Southern Baptists invariably get this issue right and this was evidenced once again Wednesday morning, June 24, as more than 8,500 messengers voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution upholding biblical sexuality and opposing federal policy proposals extending special rights to homosexuals.  Specifically, there solution:

·       Called on Congress to reject all attempts to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and urged passage of a constitutional amendment upholding “the time-honored definition of marriage as exclusivelybetween one man and one woman.”

·       Urged Congress not to pass so-called “hate crimes” legislation that would criminalize religious beliefs and speech about homosexuality and other sexual practices forbidden by Scripture.

·       Expressed support for the current military code barring homosexuality in the service.

·       Communicated the good news of the Gospel’s power to change the lives of those imprisoned in sexual sin.  Hear the gracious language of the resolution’s concluding paragraphs: “…we affirm the Southern Baptist Convention Task Force on Ministry to Homosexuals in its effort to call our churches to engage in loving, redemptive ministry to homosexuals…(also) we proclaim that those who practice any unbiblical sexual behavior can be forgiven and changed, as the Apostle Paul write, “…some of you were like this, but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Thank you Southern Baptists for your boldness in graciously upholding biblical truth in the face of a culture that views conservative evangelicals as ignorant, intolerant Neanderthals.  May it please God to rescue many from the deadly clutches sexual sin of all kinds through the proclamation of His redeeming love in Christ through faithful churches of all denominations.