DISGRACED AUSTRALIAN rugby player Israel Folau has stood by homophobic remarks he made on his Instagram despite his professional career being at risk.
Folau posted a message warning hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators.
Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him. _______________ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these , adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 KJV _______________ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:38 KJV _______________ And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 17:30 KJV _______________
A post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau) on
Folau remained quiet after the initial furore but broke his silence when he spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald confirming he would give up rugby if that's what God wanted.
Religious conviction
The 30-year-old said: "It's obviously a decision that's in the process right now but I believe in a God that's in control of all things.
"Whatever his will is, whether that's to continue playing or not, I'm more than happy to do what he wants me to do.
"First and foremost, I live for God now.
"His plans for me are better than whatever I can think.
"If that's not to continue playing then so be it.
"In saying that, obviously I love playing footy and if it goes down that path I'll definitely miss it but my faith in Jesus Christ is what comes first."
I cannot change what the word of God says
Despite the risk of his professional career coming to an end after Rugby Australia threatened to sack him, Folau reinforced his interpretation of the Bible.
He said: "In Ezekiel, chapter 33, verse 11, it says that ‘God has no pleasure in the person that’s living in sin’.
“He’s a loving God and he wants people to turn away from what they’re living in and he’ll give them life.
"That’s the message I’m trying to share, even though it comes across as harsh.
"I can’t change what the word of God says.
"As we heard today, those that live for Christ will be persecuted for his name.
"I have love towards everyone that might be saying negative things.
"I choose to love them because God loves me."
England star Billy Vunipola has come under fire for liking the post and seeming to support the Australian and his comments.
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