Regeneracy and Homosexual Lifestyle in Christian Professions
Regeneracy and Homosexual Lifestyle in Christian Professions
The concept of regeneracy is central to Christian theology, referring to the spiritual rebirth that occurs when an individual becomes a follower of Christ. This new birth is characterized by a transformation in one's life, marked by a turning away from sin and a turning towards God [2]. In the context of Christian professions, regeneracy is often seen as a prerequisite for genuine faith.
The biblical basis for regeneracy is rooted in passages such as Ephesians 2:5, where the apostle Paul writes that believers have been "quickened... together with Christ" [2]. This spiritual rebirth is not merely a human decision, but rather a work of God, as seen in James 1:18, where it is said that God "begat he us with the word of truth" [5]. The result of regeneracy is a new life, characterized by holiness and a desire to live for Christ [3].
In 2 Corinthians 5:16, Paul notes that regeneracy involves being "known... no man after the flesh," indicating a shift in priorities away from worldly concerns [6]. This transformation is not limited to individual aspects of a person's life but rather encompasses their entire being, as they become "parts of Christ" [1].
The relationship between regeneracy and lifestyle is critical. According to John Gill, regeneracy is accompanied by love for Christ, and those who are born again will demonstrate this love [7]. Conversely, a lifestyle that is inconsistent with Christian teachings may raise questions about the authenticity of one's profession of faith.
In the context of homosexual lifestyle, Christian traditions have historically understood regeneracy to involve a turning away from sinful patterns of behavior, including those that are deemed incompatible with biblical teachings. The expectation is that those who are regenerate will exhibit "fruit unto holiness" [3], and that their lives will be characterized by a growing conformity to the image of Christ [4].
The understanding of regeneracy as involving a transformation in lifestyle is not unique to any one Christian tradition. While different traditions may articulate this concept in varying ways, the underlying assumption is that genuine Christian faith is accompanied by a changed life. As such, the issue of regeneracy and homosexual lifestyle in Christian professions is complex, involving a nuanced interplay between biblical teachings, theological understandings, and individual experiences.
Sources
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:15: 6:15-17 To be a Christian is to be spiritually joined to Christ in both life and death (cp. Rom 6:3-11). As a result, believers’ bodies have become parts of Christ (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-28; Rom 12:4-5). This spiritual union (cp. John 14:20; 17:21-23) means that they are not free to violate their bodies by physical union with a prostitute.”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 2:5: Even when we were dead in sins,.... See Gill on Eph 2:1. Hath quickened us together with Christ: which may be understood either of regeneration, when a soul that is dead in a moral or spiritual sense, is quickened and made alive; a principle of life is infused, and acts of life are put forth; such have their spiritual senses, and these in exercise; they can feel the load and weight of sin; see their lost state and condition, the odiousness of sin, and the beauty of a Saviour, the insufficiency of their own righteousness, and the fulness and suitableness of Christ'”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 6:22: But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God,.... In what sense regenerate persons are free from sin, and are become the servants of God, has been observed already; the consequence of which is, that such have their fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life: holiness is a fruit of freedom from the bondage of sin, and of serving God; holiness begun in regeneration, calling, and conversion, is a fruit of the Spirit; a course of living righteously is a fruit of holiness, as a principle implanted; a gradual increase in holiness is carried on by th”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:13: 4:13 The goal of ministry is for the whole Christian community to understand and experience the Christian faith more deeply and gain a deeper knowledge of God’s Son. In this way, believers will be mature in the Lord (see 1 Cor 2:6; 14:20; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; 4:12; cp. Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4; 3:2). The standard of maturity is Christ himself; the Spirit’s transforming work is to make people fully like Christ (Rom 8:29).”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 1:18: (Joh 1:13). The believer's regeneration is the highest example of nothing but good proceeding from God. Of his own will--Of his own good pleasure (which shows that it is God's essential nature to do good, not evil), not induced by any external cause. begat he us--spiritually: a once-for-all accomplished act (Pe1 1:3, Pe1 1:23). In contrast to "lust when it hath conceived, bringeth forth sin, and sin . . . death" (Jam 1:15). Life follows naturally in connection with light (Jam 1:17). word of truth--the Gospel. The objective mean, as faith is the ap”
- 2 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Corinthians 5:16: In these verses the apostle mentions two things that are necessary in order to our living to Christ, both of which are the consequences of Christ's dying for us; namely, regeneration and reconciliation. I. Regeneration, which consists of two things; namely, 1. Weanedness from the world: "Henceforth we know no man after the flesh, Co2 5:16. We do not own nor affect any person or thing in this world for carnal ends and outward advantage: we are enabled, by divine grace, not to mind nor regard this world, nor the things of this world, but to live above it. The”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 8:39: Jesus said unto them, if God were your Father,.... By adoption; and this was discovered by the grace of regeneration; or in other words, if they had been born of God, ye would love me; for in regeneration love to Christ is always implanted: it is a fruit of the Spirit, which always comes along with the superabounding grace of God in conversion; whoever are begotten again, according to abundant mercy, love an unseen Jesus; and where there is no love to Christ, there can be no regeneration: such persons are not born again; nor is God their Father, at least manifestative”