It’s become popular to describe sin as “not God’s best for you.” I understand why some people prefer this language. It is not as confrontational or judgmental as saying “X is a sin,” and may make it easier for the sinner to acknowledge his moral wrongdoing. This language, however, may be interpreted as minimizing the severity of sin as well as diminishing the need for repentance. After all, nobody always does what is best for them. We often settle for less-than-best and are fine with it.

So, for example, when we tell people that homosexuality is “not God’s best for you,” many people will hear us as saying “heterosex is better than homosex,” not “homosex is morally wrong and needs to be repented of.” Many homosexuals would be willing to admit that heterosex is better than homosex, but still not see the need for repentance. They are more than willing to engage in less-than-ideal behavior. That’s why we need to make it clear that we’re not just saying that heterosex is better than homosex, but that homosex is morally wrong and needs to be repented of. True, homosex is not God’s best for you. But it’s more than that. Homosex is sinful. It is a rejection of God’s created order and purpose for human sexuality, and thus a rejection of God Himself.