Part 4: The Homosexual and the N.T.

New Testament Teaching

We’ve already established (in the previous article in this series) that the Law of Moses condemned homosexuality (Lev. 18:22; 20:13), but what about the New Testament?  Is there any leniency under the Law of Christ?

What does the New Testament say about the homosexual?

What does the New Testament say about the homosexual?

Those in favor of homosexual relations (who know the difference between the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ) might argue that we are no longer under the Law of Moses, therefore, any command against homosexuality from that Law is not applicable today.  It is true that we are no longer under the Law of Moses (Matt. 5:17-18; Lk. 24:44; Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14-17; 2 Cor. 3:1-18; etc.), rather, we are under Christ’s law (1 Cor. 9:21), however, such an argument overlooks two important facts: (1) that those things written in the Old Testament are examples for the New Testament age, and (2) the New Testament also denounces homosexuality.

Regarding the Old Testament Paul said, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning,…” (Rom. 15:4). “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition,…” (1 Cor. 10:11).  (Also read 1 Cor.10:5-8).  With specific reference to our topic, Jude says, “as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7). Additionally, Peter said, “and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly” (2 Pet. 2:6).

In addition to these warnings, consider what Paul said in Romans 1:26-27: “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions.  For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.  Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived.  Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Let the Scriptural evidence show that in both the Old Testament and in the New Testament (the entire Bible) homosexuality is regarded as sin.  Paul said, “Test all things; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:21-22).  In this series of articles we have put homosexuality to the test (running it through the filter of God’s word).  What we find is that nowhere in Scripture does the Bible speak approvingly of homosexuality (rather, it has been denounced with every consideration of it); thus it does not fall into the “hold fast what is good” category.  Friends, the only category left for it to fall into is the one referencing “evil” – which we are to “abstain from.”

Considering these biblical facts, is there no hope for the homosexual?  Of course there is hope!  As with all sin, those guilty of it must repent of their sins and obey the Lord (Acts 3:19).  All who are willing to do so shall be saved.  Paul indicated that some of the Corinthian Christians were previously homosexual (among other things – 1 Cor. 6:9-11), saying, “And such were some of you.  But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” Friends, let us thank God for His abundant mercy and unwavering love (Lam. 3:22-24; Ezek. 18:
21-23, 30-32; 2 Pet. 3:9).

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Part 3 – Homosexuality and the Law

The Law of Moses

Did the Law of Moses (in the Old Testament) actually condemn homosexuality as some say?  Let us consider a couple of passages that might help us to find that answer.  Leviticus 18:22 says, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman.  It is an abomination.”  20:13 says, “If a man lies with a male 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.”  It sure sounds like it was condemned under that law, doesn’t it?

What Does the Law of Moses say about Homosexuality?

What Does the Law of Moses say about Homosexuality?

To “lie with” (in the sense of these two passages) means to have sexual relations with (compare to Genesis 39:7-14).  Theorizers who attempt to justify homosexuality from the Scriptures tell us that these two passages (Lev. 18:22; 20:13) are merely in reference to abusive sexual encounters between those of the same-sex (specifically homosexual rape, or, abusive cultic practices).  They insist that the law was only given to prohibit the kind of activity that the heathen nations around them practiced, but that it “says nothing pertaining to the issue we are faced with today—that of loving and committed homosexual relationships.”

It is true that the Law of Moses laid down prohibitions that specifically countered the practices of the nations around them (Lev 18:24-30; cf. 1 Tim 1:8-10), yet neither passage (Lev. 18:22; 20:13) mention anything about cultic practices or homosexual rape. They specifically, clearly, and simply state that a man is not to have sexual relations with another man such as he would with a woman.  Both passages state that “It is an abomination.”  (Please notice that Leviticus 18:22 implies that “lying with a woman” is the natural act, designed by God Himself – Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:4-5).

Under the Israelite Law of Moses, homosexuality, adultery, incest, bestiality (etc.) were all punishable by death (according to Lev. 20:10-16).  If Leviticus 20:13 refers to “homosexual rape,” then the adultery, incest, and bestiality also had to be rape (for they share the same context).  The truth is, however, that rape is not considered in this passage; but sexual immorality is.  Notice too that if Leviticus 20:13 refers to “homosexual rape,” why is the victim being put to death?  (Such a view is inconsistent with Deuteronomy 22:25-27 which states that the innocent victim of rape shall not be put to death). Clearly then, both Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 are not talking about homosexual rape, but about mutual homosexual relations.

Friends, it is clear that the Law of Moses did in fact condemn homosexuality.  But is there any other divine law in the Bible that approves of it?  Let us continue to study this issue to find out.  Please look for future articles in this series as we will examine some other points of interest, including what the New Testament says regarding homosexuality.

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Part 2 – Same Sex Marriage

Sexual Relations and Marriage

When God created the institution of marriage (Gen. 2:18-25), the sexual relation was a built-in feature.While the expression, “the two shall become oneflesh” (Mk 10:7-8) may be understood in reference to the marital union itself, it is clearly an expression that references the most physically intimate relationship that a husband and wife can have. However, man is often dissatisfied with what God has provided for him, and, as a result, he abuses and perverts what was once wholesome and pure.  The question is: where does homosexuality place in all of this?

Is same sex marriage authorized by God?

Is same sex marriage authorized by God?

The term “homosexual” is defined as “feeling or involving sexual attraction only to persons of the same sex” (Reader’s Digest Oxford Complete Wordfinder). A homosexual person is often referred to as “a lesbian” (if it is a woman) or “a gay” (if it is a man). Being that homosexuality is documented in the Bible as early as the book of Genesis (the first book of the Bible) we come to the realization that homosexuality is not something that is new to the world.

Throughout human history mankind has engaged in various forms of sexual relations (whether good or evil): such as the heterosexual relations (male with female), the homosexual relations (male with male; female with female), bestial relations (man or woman with an animal), etc.  But which does God approve of?  One of them?  All of them?

In the beginning God created a man and He created a woman to be the man’s wife (Gen. 2:7,18-25; Matt. 19: 4-5).  Let the evidence show as “Exhibit A” that by God’s design a marriage was to be between a man and a woman from the beginning of creation (otherwise, why did He not make a man for the man or a woman for the woman?)  In the New Testament the inspired apostle Paul said of marriage: “…It is good for a man not to touch a woman.  Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband” (1 Cor. 7:1-2).  If God had intended this to include same-sex marriages, why did the Scripture not allow for a man to have his own man or a woman to have her own woman?  These questions need to be answered.

Throughout Scripture one can find ample evidence that God approves of a heterosexual marriage, but nowhere in Scripture does God speak approvingly of a homosexual marriage.  In light of this evidence, let us consider Hebrews 13:4, which says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”

According to the Bible marriage is to be between a husband (man) and a wife (woman). According to Hebrews 13:4 any sexual relationship outside of that union is “adultery” or “fornication” (which is sin – Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10), regardless of whether it is heterosexual, homosexual, bestial (etc.).  Honestly, friends, this biblical evidence is sufficient to settle the entire issue.  However, in the spirit of a fair and just examination, we shall evaluate some other arguments and thoughts in future articles as we continue to answer the important question: “Is homosexuality really a sin?”

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Homosexuality Sin? 1

Homosexuality Part 1 – Introduction

For many years now the debate has raged between those in favor of homosexual relationships and those opposed to them.  Those in favor of same-sex relationships accuse their opposition of being bigoted, prejudiced, “homophobic” (etc.), but is that really true? Oh, I’m certain that there are those opposed to a “gay” lifestyle just because it bothers them personally, however, not everyone who is opposed to homosexuality is opposed to it merely for personal reasons; rather, they are opposed to it because of what they believe the Bible says about such relationships.

What does the Bible Teach about Homosexuality?

What does the Bible Teach about Homosexuality?

So what is the answer regarding homosexuality?  Is it simply misunderstood?  Is “homosexuality” the victim of unfair bias, or is it an abominable sin?  What has God said on the subject?  This article is the first in a series of articles that I plan to write addressing the question: “Is homosexuality really a sin?”  That is a fair question – and it needs to be answered from God’s inspired Word (for it makes no difference what man personally thinks about it).  We will not stand before the judgment seat of man in the judgment, but we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).  Therefore, we better be sure we understand what He says about homosexuality, not what man says about it.

As it would be impossible to address every important point on this subject in one small writing, I felt it best to address this in specific parts (I ask for your patience with this effort).  I realize that this topic is a very sensitive one with many people, and I will do my very best to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), for inasmuch as God loves you, friends, so do I. Therefore, I encourage you to look for the upcoming articles in this series, and may we together come to understand what the will of God is on this very important subject (Eph. 5:17).

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God, Our Father

God, Our Father

The first thing that Jesus gave to His disciples as a model for their prayers is a portrait of God. John records, “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18). The ability to understand completely the concept of God is impossible, because we are finite beings who cannot fathom the infinite. Theologians and philosophers have tried to define God with huge definitions that really do nothing but leave us empty. Nevertheless, Jesus did not come to this earth with a definition, but He chose to represent God by using a figure drawn from the family relationship—God, our Father.

There is no Father like our Heavenly Father.

There is no Father like our Heavenly Father.

There is a sense in which God is the universal Father of all humanity, since He is the creator of all humanity (cf. Acts 17:28). Yet, Jesus emphasizes in His model prayer and in other New Testament passages a spiritual relationship with His people, beginning with the nation of Israel and continuing today through the church, the spiritual family of God (1 Tim. 3:15). Thus, as Christians, we are more than just His family by creation—we are His family by grace through faith (Gal. 3:26-27; 2 Cor. 6:17-18). What attributes of a father demonstrate that of the character of our heavenly Father?

First, a father shows relationship. Just as a father is related to his child, I am related to God, and He is related to me. Through the grace of God and His gospel, I can be “born again” (John 3:3-5) by faith into the family of God, which is a spiritual new birth. Therefore, I am related to God. With Him as my Father, I am able to come into close personal relations with Him just as my human father. When we look at a newborn baby, we cannot really tell whether he looks like anyone in particular. If we lined up all the babies in a nursery of a hospital, they would look alike to me—red-faced, some with more hair, some with less. Possibly mothers and grandmothers can see little things, but as the child grows a little older, then we really can see the resemblances—father’s eyes, mother’s chin, father’s toes, grandmother’s hands, and such like. If I am a child of God, our Father, then I should look like God. When I begin my spiritual life, I will naturally not resemble Him very much, but the more I grow spiritually, the more I will become like him. Because I am a child of God, I am to think as God thinks. I am to love my enemies (Matt. 5:44) because God loves His enemies (Rom. 5:10). I am to do good things and pray for those who despise me so that I may be as my Father in heaven (Matt. 5:45). We will grow into this likeness just as a baby grows to become more and more mature and resemble his parents. Therefore, I am related to the infinite God of heaven as His spiritual child.

Second, a father is one who infinitely cares about his children. It is natural for a father to be concerned about the welfare of his children (cf. 1 Pet. 5:6-7). Our heavenly Father is a Father who cares. To show His care for us, He sent His Son into this world to die on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:21). God, our Father, loves us with a love we cannot fathom. If we are lost, the reason will not be a reflection on the love of God, but it will be because of our own rebellion and hardness of heart. Yet, when we leave him, keep in mind that we do not leave him without breaking His heart. Because He made us as free moral agents, we can either reject what God wants us to do or accept in glad surrender and know the joy that comes from serving him.

Third, a father is one who assumes responsibility to provide for the physical care, health, education and development of the child. Therefore, Paul addresses this fact to fathers in Ephesians 6:4. In like manner, when God adds me to His family (Acts 2:47), then He does not leave me to starve and shiver through neglect. He demonstrates responsibility by providing for all of my spiritual needs so that I may be ready to live with Him in eternity (Eph. 1:3; 1 John 2:25). When I confront problems in my personal life, I can talk to my heavenly Father about them, because He has provided us with the avenue of prayer so that our fellowship together can provide strength (Heb. 4:16). Through the provision of the Bible, He can feed and nourish my spiritual life. In this great wide world, He presents me with countless opportunities to exercise godliness. He has provided me with an example of Jesus Christ, my Savior, so that I can grow more and more like Him every day. Upon the shoulders of His children, He has given us the responsibility of communicating His great love to all men and bringing others to Him.

Fourth, a father disciplines. I cannot think about a “father” without thinking about discipline, because this word implies authority. As our Father, God has authority because He created us, because He sustains us every day and because we surrendered our will to Him. Therefore, because He is our spiritual Father, the Bible emphasizes that discipline comes from God (Heb. 12:6-11). If our earthly fathers disciplined us, and we gave them respect, then should we not do the same for our spiritual Father? Our earthly fathers might have made mistakes in discipline, but our heavenly Father does not make mistakes. The problem today, though, is that many fathers leave their children to make their own choices without discipline. Our children need guidance, and they expect such from those of us who are experienced. Therefore, God our Father guides us in the way we should go and disciplines us so we can be stronger. Rookies are not fit to go to the battlefield to fight. The military knows this, and provides a period of basic and advanced training to discipline soldiers to the conditions of the battlefield. In like manner, God is preparing us for eternity. His purpose is high and His desire is to make us the best men and women that He can with the material with which He has to work.

The big difference between an earthly father and our heavenly Father is in the six words, “Our Father, which art in heaven.” One day, our ties with our earthly parents will dissolve, but our heavenly Father is one who is eternal, for He “inhabiteth eternity” (Isa. 57:15). If we do not make Him our Father now as we live in this life, he will never be our Father in eternity. This is what it means to become a Christian—it is to make God our Father. This is what He wants.

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