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Homosexuality
Modern Controversies #3
Who would have thought 50 years ago (one might not have to go that far back),
that homosexuality would be touted as an alternate, acceptable lifestyle. Fifty
years ago there would have been a drastically different understanding of the
"Gay Rights Movement" than what there is today.
Nevertheless, what would have been 50 years ago helps very little in dealing
with the present situation. In fact, such lamenting hinders an objective
approach to any
subject. It is not the holding on to the "status quo" that we should be
concerned with but how does the Bible address the issues of today. Constants in
society and
culture are not to be found. However, the Bible will always be relevant in
whatever society or culture it is used.
With that said, what does the bible say about the current push for legitimizing
homosexuality? Should the Bible even be consulted in matters such as this? These
and
other questions we will address in this short article.
PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARD THE BIBLE
Unless we come to an understanding of the Bible's right to contribute to this
discussion, it will matter little what it has to say. If the Bible is looked
upon as a 2,000
year old book steeped in first century culture and superstition; written by men
shackled with a first century understanding of nature and sexuality than we can
easily dismiss what is written therein since it lacks the enlightenment and
understanding currently possessed by this generation. However, if we hold the
Bible to be a
book of divine authorship, recorded by 1st century men but inspired by God, then
what is said will hold a greater weight since it is the very revelation of the
creator's
mind. Let me suggest a few scriptures which will prove the Bible's right to not
only comment on the current homosexuality issue but give the final word.
While it is true that the Bible was written by first century men, it is not true
that they wrote from their own level of understanding. In their writing they had
divine help from the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples the Holy Spirit would
guide them "into all the truth" (John 16:13). Peter stated "no prophecy was ever
made by an act
of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter
1:20-21). The Apostle Paul exclaimed "the things which I write to you are the
Lord's commandment" (1 Corinthians 14:37). Combine these references with two
more regarding the Bible being "inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16-17) to reveal
unto us the "thoughts of God" which "no one knows except the Spirit of God" (1
Corinthians 2:11) and you have the Bible being a product, not of first century
ignorance and superstition, but the actual revealing to mankind through the
guidance of the Holy Spirit and the pens of first century men the mind of the
creator. If anyone has a right to comment on the current situation, it would
surely be the creator!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Our first contact with homosexuality in the Bible is found in Genesis 19. This
is the story of the destruction of, among other cities, the city of Sodom. Why
was Sodom destroyed? The answer to that question, at least in the minds of some,
is not axiomatic. Some believe Sodom's sin was anything but homosexuality. They
will refer to passages such as Jeremiah 23:14 and Ezekiel 16:49-50 wherein
homosexuality is not mentioned as one of the sins committed by Sodom. In defense
of these passages it should be noted both prophets were comparing the sin of
their day to some of the same sins found in Sodom and reminding the people what
happened to Sodom in an attempt to get them to repent.
With this in mind, it is not surprising to see the sin of homosexuality not
mentioned. The prophets were only concerned with those sins committed in Sodom
which were also being practiced among God's people.
However from two New Testament references and noticing a few details in the
story itself it becomes quite evident that among their sins was that of
homosexuality. Notice Jude 7 wherein Jude states the Sodomites "indulged in
gross immorality and went after strange flesh." Furthermore, the apostle Peter
described Lot being
"oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men" (2 Peter 2:7).
Finally combine these references with a few details from the story. The men of
Sodom wanted to "know" these strangers Lot was housing. Some have suggested the
"know" here has reference to checking up on. Since both Lot and his guests were
strangers they were suspicious of subversion. If so, why did Lot say they were
acting "wickedly"? This type of suspicion would hardly warrant the stamp of
wickedness. When one factors in Lot's offer of his daughters as a way to appease
the men of Sodom, it becomes quite obvious the knowledge they desired was hardly
citizenship papers but to know "carnally" (NKJ) or a desire to "have relations
with them." (NASB) By combining all the information available, it is obvious
that among the sins of Sodom was that of homosexuality.
As we continue in the Old Testament, two other scriptures speak in very specific
terms regarding homosexuality. They are Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. Those
contending for homosexual lifestyles cannot deny the fact that what is described
here is homosexual behavior. But, and the dodging begins, they say these
passages are talking about ceremonial purity under the Law of Moses. Others
believe it is not the homosexual act per se being condemned but the manner in
which it is done. They look at the phrase "as one lies with a female" and
believe the prohibition is against same-sex relations wherein one party is made
to be inferior to the other, as (according to them) it happens when men have sex
with women.
The first objection might sound plausible if one were to ignore the context, but
when one sees that in this same context other types of moral offenses are
discussed the objection loses its force. Offenses such as incest (18:6-18, 20;
20:11-14, 17, 19-21), adultery (20:10) and bestiality (18:23; 20:15-16) are also
herein addressed.
In order to answer the second objection it would do us well to progress into the
New Testament. A most telling passage is found in Romans 1:26-27. In this
scripture we learn same-sex relations are not natural. Therefore it is not the
method nor the manner used which is a sin, but the very act itself.
When one combines this passage with Gen. 2:18-25, the point is undeniable. The
creator made Eve not Ed for man's companion and sexual partner. Furthermore,
that which is natural has the ability to reproduce. Everything God made could
reproduce "after its kind." Such cannot be said of the homosexual lifestyle.
There is no method of same-sex acts which God will approve of, for such is
against God's establishment and it is for that very reason that many who insist
on this type of lifestyle are "receiving in their own persons the due penalty of
their error."
One final scripture must be considered in light of those so-called Christians
who are homosexuals. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we learn homosexuality is
considered as
"unrighteousness" and will cause one "not to inherit the kingdom of God." Those
who claim God is pleased with them just the way they are and that Jesus, if
here, would accept them need to remember that God has spoken through His
apostles in very clear terms. While homosexuality may be an alternate lifestyle,
it is not one which can be practiced with God's approval.
THE ATTITUDE OF CHRISTIANS TOWARD HOMOSEXUALS
I cannot close this article without a word to Christians about their attitudes
toward homosexuals. Homosexuality is a sin just as surely as anything else we
could list.
Therefore our attitude should be no different toward a practicing homosexual as
it would toward a fornicator or thief. Both are in need of God's grace and
salvation.
Christians must realize homosexuals can repent. (Remember 1 Corinthians 6:9-11,
"such were some of you") The answer to the homosexual problem is not, as one
preacher put it, "Line them up behind the barn and rat-a-tat-tat." But to
recognize they too have a soul and they too can receive forgiveness. In this as
in all areas of life, let us show love for the sinner while maintaining a hatred
for the sin.
By Adonis Bailey
From Expository Files 3.3; March 1996
