Conversion Therapy?

There were lots of words this morning on #RadioUlster stemming from a Bill introduced at Stormont seeking to ban 'Conversion Therapy.' Fundamentally, most of those words were about whether people have the ability to change who they are (or can 'be forced' to) which directly or indirectly contested Biblical doctrine. 

The #Bible is clear: 

WE CANNOT CHANGE OURSELVES. 

But, hold on, there is more! The above statement MUST be understood in its proper context and as such, it's only right and consistent that the Bible be able to defend itself.

So, let's see what the Bible says... 

1. God created man & woman and in every aspect (including their sexual relationship) and said they we 'very good.' (Genesis 1:31)

2. Having rules to follow (let's call it 'law') was part of earthly life from the very beginning.

"And the Lord God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.'” (Genesis 2:16-17)

3. Our first parents broke that law, what the Bible calls 'The Fall'. (Genesis 3)

4. As a result of The Fall, EVERY aspect of humanity (including sex and sexuality) was broken and corrupted and our relationship with our creator and with our fellow humans fundamentally changed (Genesis 3:23) 

5. The law, as it has always done exists to highlight sin; It always has! (See point 2)

For example: When you drive at 40mph in a 30mph zone, nothing bad may happen - no child may run out into the road, no police office may be standing down the road with a speed gun - but you know you are doing something you shouldn't and maybe next time will be the time the consequence happens.  

6. God's law has been broken and He is a righteous judge. (Psalm 7:11)

7. We are ALL sinners. (Romans 3:23)

8. Christ died for sinners and was judged guilty of the sin of all those who repent. (Romans 5:8)

9. To be able to have a relationship with a Holy God, we ALL must change, accept that Jesus died for us and acknowledge that there is NO OTHER WAY to be accepted. (John 14:6)  

10. WE CANNOT CHANGE OURSELVES. 

It is the Holy Spirit, dwelling in us, who changes us to become ever more like Christ. (Philippians 2:13)

He, the Holy Spirit, is the "Parakletos” Meaning “Helper”, “Advocate”, and “legal counsel" - there's that 'law' thing again! He is the Spirit of Truth. (John 16:13-15)

11. The only unforgivable sin is denying the prompting of the Holy Spirit to change us. (Mark 3:29)

12. When we are changed by the Holy Spirit and covered by the blood of Jesus from the wrath of the Father we are charged, amongst other things, to 'go and sin no more' (John 5:1-18 & 8:1-11) and yet, in this life, we are still subject to the effect of the fall and prone to sin. Like the apostle Paul we often do things we know we shouldn't and don't want to do. (Romans 7:15)

13. Despite our constant struggle against our sinful, fallen, human nature, we have at our core, soul level, become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) with new hearts, passions, ideals, and characteristics - such as The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) - which God will nurture in us in this life, and on into eternity. 

14. Prayer is, at it's heart, a conversation with God. With all the best conversations both parties have a voice and both have something to say. Both should also listen to each other. 

"...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16

The most effective prayer is always "Thy will be done." (Matthew 6:10)