so then it's a choice? Even if i wanted to rebel against God as I said in the op I can choose to be sexually attracted to another man but would be grossed out it's just not in me. I don't think ppl are attracted to the same sex simply because they choose to because what of those who have those desires and come to us to pray that those desires go away? if it's a choice then they can choose to suddenly turn it off but many I have spoken to have told me how they were bawling at night begging God to take away their desires for the same sex but it didn't.
If it's to simply defy God then what about atheists? They have knowledge of God but refuse to accept his existence but many atheists have natural urges
I think that yes it is a choice, but it's an addictive choice and also a mind set which
can be broken in Christ.
Mind sets are very hard to break for all of us. It's partly to do with up bringing,
partly to do with habits (I heard it said that if you do something for 6 weeks it
becomes ingrained in the mind? Likewise bad habbits can be broken by doing
something different). I'm not talking about drugs etc which have a real physical
effect on the body. It's more like biting your nails, acting in a certain way in a
certain set of circumstances, porn.
In fact porn is a very good example as it feeds the appetites of both the mind
and body and so does homosexuality. But no one was born with a porn gene.
No one was born with a BDSM gene, etc
Then there is the demonic influence which should not be played down.
In fact Satan is a massive influence more so than people can ever comprehend.
I know as I have been shown it. Satan would rather we ignore his influence
and pretend he isn't there.
Incidentally these verses were directed at Christians, we are in a raging spiritual
battle and we know Christ! So imagine the battle raging around non Christians
who are already defeated and are captives of the enemy.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NKJV
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
[4] For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling
down strongholds, [5] casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts
itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the
obedience of Christ, [6] and being ready to punish all disobedience when your
obedience is fulfilled.
Romans 12:1-2 NKJV
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable
service. [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God.
One thing I don't agree with is the assumption gays are lost forever or that
they cannot be saved. It is possible for someone to be saved but still
tempted and even fall into sin, as it is with us all. Just because someone gives
into temptation doesn't mean they are not saved otherwise we would all be doomed.
It's a matter of the heart which only Christ can see and understands. The salvation
of any person who claims to be a Christian, is between them and God.
Yes we can correct, encourage, exhort etc but ultimately He is God and we
are not.