Homosexuality: What Does The Bible Say?

It seems the topic of homosexuality is rapidly becoming a more talked about subject. It use to be that the very mention of the word, "homosexuality" was equivalent to saying, "sin." Sadly, such is no longer the case.

As a matter of fact, many in society have embraced this sin, condone its practice in others, and now speak of it as an "alternative lifestyle." Currently there are pushes being made and accepted by some to honor "same-sex marriages." As we see and hear so much regarding this issue, I think it wise for us to stop and ask, "what does the Bible say?"

First of all, the Bible nowhere approves of same-sex marriages. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus went back to the beginning of mankind and marriage to show that the will of God has always been (and will always be) one man, for one woman, for life. In the beginning it was Adam and Eve, not Adam and "Steve." God did not go to Adam with a man and a woman and say, "here's Eve and Royce, take your choice" (see Genesis 2:18-22). Same-sex unions are an abomination. They are to be condemned. They are clearly something other than the blessed marriage relationship designed by our Creator.

The fact is, homosexuality is a very grievous sin. Nearly everyone has heard of the wickedness in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The men there desired to "know" Lot's guests. They wanted to lie with them, commit homosexual acts with them (Genesis 19:1-7). Due to their immoral behavior, the Lord said of them, "their sin is very grave" (Genesis 18:20). Even earlier in chapter thirteen and verse thirteen we read, "But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD." Why such strong language in describing their behavior? Because such is an abomination in the sight of God (Leviticus 18:22). Under the Old Law, those guilty of homosexuality were to be put to death (Leviticus 20:13). Ultimately, Sodom and Gomorrah's "gay pride" brought the raining of brimstone and fire from the Lord (Genesis 19:24-25).

Yes it was wrong in the beginning, it was wrong under the Law of Moses, and it is still wrong today! Make no mistake about it, homosexuality is condemned in the New Testament. In Romans the first chapter, Paul writes of the corruption of man which had reached its depths in Rome, particularly the sexual practices. He spoke of how "...the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful..." (Romans 1:27). In First Corinthians, Paul specifies some who "will not inherit the kingdom of God." Included are "homosexuals" and "sodomites" (v. 9). From verse eleven, we learn that homosexuals do not have to continue as homosexuals. Like thieves, drunkards, idolaters, etc. - homosexuals can repent, be washed, sanctified and justified.

Homosexuality is a disgusting, learned behavior of choice that is strongly forbidden in the word of God. It is not an "alternative lifestyle," but an alternative "deathstyle." It is sin and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). It is sexual immorality and the "...sexually immoral...shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8).

What needs to be done? Well, as Asa did long ago (1 Kings 15:12), a stand must be taken. While we must not physically harm or cast them out of our lands, we must warn them of their sin and abstain from behavior that implies acceptance or endorsement of their filthy ungodliness. We cannot remain neutral on this issue. Though homosexual sex may have some defenders, it has absolutely no defense!

By David McPherson

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