HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE BIBLE
--A. Ralph Johnson
I. In The Beginning—God’s Divine Design For Marriage Was A Man And A Woman
God created man and woman as the sexual match—Adam and Eve—not Adam and Steve.
Genesis 2:21-24 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Matthew 19:4-5 4 And he [Jesus] answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (also Mark 10:6-8)
Ephesians 5:31 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
1 Corinthians 7:2-4 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
Perversion of that design was condemned.
Romans 1:18-28 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore god also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of god into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the creator, who is blessed for ever. amen.
26 For this cause god gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain god in their knowledge, god gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not right; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but give consent with them that do them.
OBJECTION: Paul is speaking in the cultural context of his day. That context no longer exists. There is no similarity between what Paul describes and the loving homosexual relationships we have now.
ANSWER:
Paul was speaking by inspiration from God (Rom 1:1). He did not speak from his own prejudice and it accurately describes what is done by homosexuals today—women do change the natural use into that which is "against nature” -- “men, leaving the natural use of the women, burn in their lust one toward another, men with men working that which is unseemly”
OBJECTION:
“Against nature” means one should not go against one’s “sexual orientation”—as one is "genetically predisposed."
ANSWER:
The apostle Paul knew nothing about claims of “genetic predisposition.” He speaks against men “leaving the natural use of the women” and burned in lust towards each other—“men with men….” That was contrary to the design of God from creation.
There can be no doubt that, nature's standard for mankind is heterosexuality. The very survival of the species depends on it. Anything else is “against nature.” Homosexual behavior cannot produce genetically survivable offspring and is therefore contrary to nature.
OBJECTION:
The words translated “against nature” do not mean something intrinsically evil. The same words were used in Romans 1:26 to describe the Gentiles who were grafted into Christ.
ANSWER:
Not all things “Against nature” are evil but the apostle is quite specific that this particular thing is “vile” (1:26) and those who do it will face the “wrath of God” (1:18).
OBJECTION:
What about children born with defective sexual organs (hermaphrodites)? Some lower animals are bi-sexual or may change sex. Some animals have a high degree of homosexual behavior.
ANSWER:
Rare physical deformities in humans, and sexual deviations in lower animals, are not God’s design for our conduct. Jeremiah 2:23-24 speaks against Israel being like a wild camel or ass who “snuffs up the wind at her pleasure.” Female black widow spiders eating the males after mating is not a model for us. Nor, because bull elk fight each other to form and dominate harems of cows and mate with their own siblings, should we do the same. Nor should we rape women because in the animal world the males force females to copulate.
In the beginning God revealed his design for mankind. Jesus himself cited that as authority and said of anything else, “from the beginning it was not so.” (Mat 19:8)
The claims of genetic predisposition of homosexuality is junk science. It has never been proven. It is just propaganda aimed at furthering the “gay” agenda.
Homosexuals object to any reference to their behavior as “abnormal,” “sick” or “perverted.” What, then, does their claim of genetic predisposition suggest? The fact that this behavior cannot produce offspring indicates it is a deviation of nature—freak behavior.
“Predisposition” is not an excuse for ungodly behavior. Through the fall of Adam, we are born with a predisposition to sin.
Romans 5:12 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
It is deceitfully easy to become involved in addictive behavior resulting in terribly difficult withdrawal.
Romans 7:15-20 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me….
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Even if genetic predisposition could be established, the behavior would still be a matter of choice. Claiming “Predisposition” is not a justifiable basis for disregarding the laws of man—much less, God. Rapists, pedophiles drunkards, addicts and serial murderers claim they cannot help themselves. A person is not excused for drunken driving just because he is “predisposed” to alcoholism. Humans must not act on every urge they have. We are to control our behavior within God’s prescribed standards.
Alcoholics claim they have genetic predisposition to the "disease." Still, God warns that wine bites like a serpent and excess is prohibited (Prov. 23:29-32; 1Cor. 6:10).
Romans 6:12-13 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Sin is addictive. It robs people of freedom and enslaves them.
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin.
Romans 6:16-18 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness.
God did not make people to be homosexual.
James 1:13-15 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
God provides the solution to the problem.
John 8:32 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:36 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Romans 8:13 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
God provided the power of choice to be free.
Romans 6:1-7 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Romans 6:17-19 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of teaching which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Romans 6:22-23 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 8:10-13 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also give life to your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Romans 8:26-28 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:31 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:35-39 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
II. Scriptures Condemning Homosexual Behavior
1 Corinthians 6:9 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of god? be not deceived: neither fornicators [#4205 pornos], nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [#3120 malako], nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [#733 arsenokoites] 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
#4205 male prostitute;
#3120 male who submits to unnatural lewdness;
#733 homosexuals
Note that verse 11 indicates that those who do such things can change.
1 Corinthians 6:11 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Help is available through such ministries as
Metanoia: www.metanoiaonline.org (253)-627-1580],
Transformation Ministries: [(206)-364-2306],
Exodus International: www.exodus-international.org
1Timothy 1:10 10 For whoremongers [#4205 pornos], for them that defile themselves with mankind [#733 arsenokoites], for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;...
#4205 male prostitute; #733 homosexuals
Jude 1:7 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication [#1608 ekporneuō], and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Genesis 19:4-9 4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: 5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, 7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. 8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. 9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
OBJECTION:
In Genesis 19:5, it said that the men of Sodom wanted to “know” the men. “Know” only means they wanted to get acquainted. This word is rarely used in a sexual sense in the Bible. Only here and in Judges 19:22 is it interpreted as homosexual behavior. Neither of these actually say it was a homosexual act. Many scholars consider Sodom’s sin was violating the ancient Hebrew laws of hospitality.
ANSWER:
In Genesis 19:5 and Judges 19:22, “know” was a euphemism for sexual acts just as “lay with” is in Lev. 18:22-23; 20:13; Deut 22:22, and “humbled” is in Judges 19:24; Deut 21:14; 22:24, 29 etc..
The word “know” is used several times for sexual acts. (Gen 4:1; 19:8; 24:16; Num 31:17-18; 35; Judges 11:39; 19:22, 25; 21:12; Luke 1:34)
Note that the same word is also used in speaking of Lot’s daughters not having “known” a man. We see the same in Judges.
Judges 19:22-24 22 Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him. 23 And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly. 24 Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seems good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing. 25 But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine, and brought her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go.
In Jude 1:7, above, the wickedness of Sodom was defined “fornication” and “going after strange flesh.” That clearly refers to homosexual behavior, not lack of hospitality.
OBJECTION:
Ezekiel tells us that the sin of Sodom was their pride and failing to show mercy, not homosexuality.
Ezekiel 16:48-49 48 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
ANSWER:
Ezekiel does speak of their "pride" (a case of "gay pride" if you will –but more correctly gay shame --cf. Philip. 3:19). They had abundance from the fertile plain about which they were proud. This gave them lots of idleness, which they spent obsessing with perverted sex to the point that they even raped travelers. Rape compounded their problem but was not the source.
Actually, homosexual behavior is referred to in the text. See verse 50.
Ezekiel 16:50 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 says that men having sex with men is an "abomination" and so wicked they should be put to death.
III. Did Jesus Speak Against Homosexual Behavior?
OBJECTION:
“Jesus said nothing against homosexuality.”
ANSWER:
Lack of specific mention does not indicate approval any more than the fact that he did not specifically disapprove of wife beating, sex with children, and slavery. He instructed his disciples to go preach and told them that whatever they bound on earth would be bound in heaven (Mat 16:19; 18:18).
Jesus also said, Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 I, Jesus… (Revelation 22:15, 16)
Furthermore, Jesus excluded homosexual behavior when he defined marriage as joining of a man and a woman (Mat 19:4-5). He also covered it when he cited “fornication” as being a serious breach of God’s plan for marriage. (Matthew 19:9; 5:32) As we see from Jude 1:7, “fornication” includes going after “strange flesh.”
The inspired writers who condemned it, were appointed by Jesus who gave them the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth and to remember the things he had commanded. (John 14:26; 16:13-14; 2Peter 1:20-21)
Paul, to whom Jesus appeared and appointed him (Acts 9:3-6; 26:14-18), said:
Gal 1:11 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Jesus also upheld the Old Testament teachings as divine authority. (John 10:35; Mat 5:17-18; Luke 16:16-17, 29-31).
Leviticus 18:22 22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Leviticus 20:13 13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
OBJECTION:
“Abomination” only meant it was ceremonially unclean--as certain meats. (Lev. 11:10-13, 20, 23, 41-42)
ANSWER:
Note that to “lie with mankind” was so abominable that the person was to be put to death. Sodom was also said to have committed “abominations” (Ezek 16:49-51). Romans 1:26-27 calls it “vile.” Genesis 19:7 and Judges 19:23 speak of it as “wickedness.”
OBJECTION:
How can you consistently cite this Old Testament statement and not obey the rest—such as teaching that people should be put to death?
ANSWER:
We are under the New Testament (Heb 9:15-17). The Old Testament laws have been done away (Col 2:14-17; 2Cor 3; Heb 8). The New Testament includes many laws that were in the Old. The law against men having sex with men is in both Old and New Testaments. However, the New Testament does not include the command to put them to death, though it does say that it, along with a long list of other sins, “is worthy of death” (Rom 1:32). That power is reserved for Governmental powers (Rom. 13:1-4). Christians have no individual right to take vengeance (Rom 12:19). We are just told to have no fellowship with those who do such things (Eph 5:11-12; 1Cor 5:11-13). God will be their judge.
While we are not under the Old Testament, nevertheless it is the basis for understanding the New. We are referred to it by the New for examples of behavior that God condemns or approves. (1Cor 10:6-11; Rom 15:4; 2Peter 2:6; Jude 1:7)
1 Corinthians 10:6-11 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Sodom and Gomorrah are examples of wickedness. (Jude 1:7; 2Peter 2:6-8)
2Peter 2:6-8 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
OBJECTION:
“It is just your interpretation that homosexuality is a sin.”
ANSWER:
Interpretation is essential. The Bible could not be translated or understood without interpretation. However, it must be interpreted correctly—not just any way you please. There is a true and a false interpretation.
2 Timothy 2:15 15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
OBJECTION:
“You have no right to judge others.” (Mathew 7:1)
ANSWER:
Matthew 7:1-5 prohibits unequal or unjust judgment. The context does not rule out all judgment. Verse 6 tells us not to give our riches unto the “dogs” or our pearls to “swine.” Deciding who falls into those classes is a process of judgment. Verses 13 and 14 tell us to judge which way leads to life and which leads to death. Verses 15-23 tell us to judge who are false prophets and how to identify them.
John 7:24, Jesus said, 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Paul told the Corinthians to judge an immoral man.
1 Corinthians 5:3-7 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
Paul got after the Corinthians for not judging.
1 Corinthians 6:2-5 2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. 5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
IV. Neither Jesus Nor Any Place In Either The Old Or New Testaments Was Any Homosexual Relationship Approved.
Some have falsely claimed that David and Jonathan had a homosexual relationship because after Jonathan’s death David, in his grief, said that Jonathan loved him surpassing the love of a woman (2Sam 1:26; 1Sam 18:1, 3; 20:41). However, he was speaking of him as a “brother”—not a lover. They were both quite heterosexual—which got David into serious trouble when he failed to control it with Bathsheba (2Samuel 12). Jonathan was also married and had children (2Sam. 4:4; 9:6).
It has been claimed that Ruth and Naomi had a lesbian relationship, though Ruth was the wife of her son who had died. The Bible only says that Ruth insisted on following Naomi when she left Moab (Ruth 1:16-17) and when Ruth had a baby by Boaz it says she loved Naomi (Ruth 4:15).
Some have claimed that Jesus and John had a homosexual relationship because John said he was the one who Jesus “loved” (John 13:23. 25; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20) and leaned on Jesus’ breast at the Passover feast (John 13:23; 21:20). There is no basis whatever to pervert this into a sexual thing any more than to make heaven a homosexual paradise because Lazarus was in the bosom of Abraham (Luke 16:22-23). John 1:18 says that Jesus is “in the bosom of the Father.” Was this an incestuous relationship? Such perversion illustrates just how perverted are those who justify their conduct and how desperate their case is. The Greek word used for Jesus’ love for John is “agape” which is the common word for love, not necessarily indicating anything sexual. Jesus loved others besides John—both men and women (John 11:3, 5, 36; Mark 10:21). Jesus said we are all to love each other (John 13:34). He certainly was not telling us to all have sex with each other.
Some even contend that Paul was a latent homosexual. He was not married (1Cor. 9:1). He is charged with being a woman hater because he told women to be in subjection to their husbands (Eph 5:24) and he “discouraged marriage” (1Cor 7:1, 8, 26). He said he had a “thorn in the flesh” (2Cor 12:7).
There is no credible evidence to substantiate any such connection but even if it contained some grain of truth, the fact that Paul called it a “thorn” and “a messenger of Satan” would indicate that it was bad. Paul was the strongest opponent of homosexuality. He said it was “vile” (Rom. 1:26-27).
Perverting scripture is of the devil. Those who pervert the word of God like this have perverted hearts and perverted behavior--and are outrageously dishonest.
John 8:44 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Paul, who was personally commissioned by Jesus, warned against perverting the truth (cf. Acts 13:10; 2Peter 3:16).
We must not be like the many who corrupt God’s word to justify wicked behavior and please men (2Cor 2:17; cf. 2Cor 4:2).
Galatians 1:6-12 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Isaiah 5:20 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
OBJECTION:
Is it not unloving to call homosexual behavior an “abomination” and say it is of the devil?
ANSWER:
God called homosexual behavior an “abomination” (Lev 18:22; 20:13). God’s word is truth (John 17:17). As Christians we must speak the truth, in love (Eph 4:14-15). Speaking the truth that brings conversion and avoids eternal damnation is actually loving.
Jude 1:23 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Galatians 4:16 16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
Homosexuals complain that they have been abused by Christians. Some who professed Christianity have done so. That behavior cannot be justified.
However, unkindness is not exclusively a heterosexual problem. The men of Sodom were not very sweet spirited when they tried to break down Lot’s door to rape his guests. Modern homosexuals have also become abusive. They shut off free speech. They attempt to deny freedom of association—as in their lawsuits against the Boy Scouts. They have attempted to deny freedom of assembly to Christians. They are not just seeking peaceful pursuit of their “lifestyle.”
They hatefully attack Christians as “bigots” and “homophobes.” These are just as much abuse as when someone calls them “faggots” and “queers.”
The accusation that Christians are full of hatred and unloving is a favorite attack aimed at softening up their convictions. Abuse of Christians for their convictions is not new. Jesus was crucified for denouncing the wickedness of the Jews. The devil is the “accuser of the brethren” (Rev 12:1).
John 3:19-20 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
God, who is love and taught us to love one another (1John 4:8-11), condemned this immorality.
Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." -NIV
Revelation 22:15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. -NIV
James 1:21 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
When religious leaders do not love the souls of people enough to tell them the truth, they are the ones who will be accountable on the day of judgment.
Ezekiel 3:18 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
For the sake of those in sin, we must sometimes sharply reprove their conduct (Titus 1:13; cf. 2Peter 2; Jude 1; and Matthew 23)
2 Timothy 4:1-4 1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
For the sake of the offender and the church (1Cor 5:4-7), we are told not to have fellowship with professed brothers in Christ who do such things (1Cor 6:9).
Homosexual behavior is not loving. To further selfish desires they pervert God’s word which is designed to free men from the bondage of sin (John 8:32-36). They corrupt God’s beneficial design for raising children in a home with a father and a mother and they create confusion for children as to their own sexual identity. They foster a godless lifestyle that corrupts and damages society.
They contend that they are “consenting adults,” hurting no one and therefore it should be no one else’s business.
It is God’s business and according to His word, He will hold them accountable. He says they will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (1Cor 6:9-10; Rev 21:8; 22:15)
Furthermore, their lifestyle does hurt others. Their Irresponsible behavior spreads disease, which burdens us with the high cost of its consequences. Then they accuse Christians of lack of love while demanding millions of dollars to save them from their own folly. God has the solution to AIDS and other such diseases but they reject it. Of course, they are not to blame for everything, nor are they the only ones to blame, but their conduct is part of the problems in society. When my family and friends are damaged and we are taxed to pay for their behavior, that is my business.
I personally have observed the damage they have caused in our churches. Their predatory behavior, casual sexual relationships, flaunting of the will of God and irresponsible sexual conduct have been a plague destroying marriages, preying upon the young and undermining spiritual values. Their failed record of maintaining permanent monogamous relationships is abysmal yet they demand that they should be given “equal (special) rights” and benefits.
These things are not love and telling people of God’s warning against it is not “hate.”
Concerning love, Jesus said:
John 14:15 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:21 21 He that hath my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me:
John 14:23 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:
John 14:24 24 He that loves me not keeps not my sayings:
1 John 5:3 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
OBJECTION:
Why do Christians make such an issue of homosexual behavior and ignore many other things the Bible says?
ANSWER:
“Christians” are people and, just like homosexuals, some twist things to justify what they want to do. However, two wrongs do not make a right. One violation of God’s will does not justify another.
Also, whether some things are wrong may not be as clear as other things. Thus there may be reasonable differences. However, the sin of Sodomy is crystal clear.
OBJECTION:
Many Christian leaders do not consider homosexuality to be sinful.
ANSWER:
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Some churches have fallen so far as to even accept homosexuals as leaders. However, the Bible restricts church leadership to men who are “husbands of one wife.” (1Tim 3:2, 12). Churches that tolerate such things are warned that Christ may remove their candlestick (Rev. 2:5-7).
The Judas-preachers who condone such behavior trample under foot the Son of God and will face the judgment of an angry God (cf. Heb. 10:29-30; Luke 6:16; Rom 1:18, 32).
Ephesians 5:5-7 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Jude 1:4 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
2 Peter 2:1 - 3:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
CONCLUSION:
Throughout history, in all cultures and religions, homosexuality has been viewed as an aberration—contrary to nature. Our forefathers established a nation “of the people, by the people and for the people” but today the will of the majority is blatantly trampled on and disregarded by arrogant judges who usurp the legislative process and distort our Constitution and laws in ways never intended by the founders. Perverted public officials have joined in rebellion to defy the laws of man and God. However, the time will come when the case will be appealed to the Supreme Court of the Universe and they will be found “without excuse.” (Rom 1:20)
The word of God will judge them in the last day (John 12:48).
Romans 3:4 4 Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…
2 Timothy 2:19 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Matthew 13:37-43 37 He answered and said unto them, He that sows the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matt. 11:15; 13:9, 43; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9)