What does the Bible say about Homosexuality?

Post date: Apr 30, 2016 9:52:07 PM

What does the Bible say about Homosexuality? (Oct 2011)

I. Introduction

II. Problem and Causes

III. Biblical Perspective

IV. Conclusion

Introduction

I. In Biblical Counseling or Discipleship one must investigate and determine where the person being counseled or discipled is at philosophically and spiritually.

A. biblical counseling cannot be done with an unbeliever.

B. The unbeliever first needs the Gospel and if necessary, Apologetics

II. there are two basic types of people, believers in Christ and nonbelievers

III. know what they believe their problem is and what the solution to that problem is.

A. Unbelievers, not believing in absolute truth or in God, believe that their problem is not sin but ascribe a psychological answer to it.

B. establish the authority of the Bible

1) ask what they think the Bible is?

2) Is it inspired?

3) is it from God?

4) is it truth?

5) you may need to use apologetics

6) ask them if they are willing to do what God says through His Word once they find out what His will is? if not, then it is a waste of time because their response is conditional on what God’s word says.

IV. Biblical counselors use the Bible to counsel believers who understand the authority of the Bible

A. the Holy Spirit is the real counselor

B. Problems:

1. with God: the root problem is their relationship with God

2. with themselves (Gal 5:16-26)

3. with others (Matt 22:37-40)

Problem and Causes7

Josh McDowell citing Newsweek said that there is an increase in teens who say they are bisexual. He says that there have been many theories as to the causes of homosexuality: Genetic factors, disordered family relations, early sexual abuse or homosexual experiences and youth rebellion. He quotes a psychologist that says that there is some evidence that genetic factors give a push in the direction of a homosexual lifestyle but that the factors do not make a person homosexual. He talks about a pseudo-homosexual, someone who may superficially resemble a homosexual but is not one. This person is more vulnerable to homosexual temptation than others might be. A family with a dominate mother and passive father is one possible cause for this type of person. He says that a dysfunctional [non-biblical] family relationship and the lack of healthy male and female role models are a major factor in homosexual behavior. Another factor listed is rejection and rebellion. Homosexuality is the exact opposite to the way God made us. Josh notes that these factors are not the only ones nor are they always present in every case.

Biblical Perspective

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as well as Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry also offer good advice on this subject. (My comments are in “[ ]” )

Does the Bible approve of some homosexual relationships?1

The Bible, in Genesis, in chapters one and two, provides God's blueprint for marriage and for His good gift of sex. The gift is only to be enjoyed within a marriage between a man and a woman. There are no exceptions suggested, such as homosexual partnerships. From Genesis on, the Bible praises the marriage of a man and a woman, but it speaks only negatively of homosexual behavior whenever it is mentioned.

The Old Testament states, "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable" (Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13). The New Testament agrees, listing "homosexual offenders" among a list of people who "will not inherit the kingdom of God" unless they are cleansed through Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Other passages are Genesis, chapter 19; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude, verse 7. However, it is important to note that the Bible speaks only of homosexual behavior (which would include lust -- choosing to fantasize about behavior), NOT unchosen feelings. God will not judge a Christian guilty for his or her involuntary feelings.

Sometimes it is said that the Bible does not record any words of Jesus about homosexuality, and therefore it must be acceptable to God. However, the Bible does not record sayings of Jesus about a number of other specific sins either. When people asked Jesus about marriage, He told them to remember what Genesis said about God's plan for marriage (Matthew 19:1-12). So, in this sense, Jesus did have something to say about homosexual partnerships. If people had asked Him, He would have told them to remember what God said about marriage in Genesis. God only blessed sex within the committed marriage relationship of a man and a woman.

Some have tried to reinterpret what the Bible says, in an effort to approve homosexual relationships.

Are homosexuals born that way?2

Many homosexuals hold to the belief that they were born that way, and there are some researchers who suggest, on the basis of several recent studies, that there may be a genetic predisposition toward homosexuality in some people. However, even those who argue this believe that certain environmental factors would also have to be present for the condition to develop. In any case, other scientists have challenged these studies, and there is presently no generally accepted scientific evidence that the homosexual inclination is inborn. Also, in a broken world, the discovery of a genetic link would not prove that such a condition was God's intent.

It must be emphasized that even if a biological predisposition to homosexuality in some people exists, it would not change God's opposition to the behavior. Neither would it change the fact that through the transforming power of Jesus Christ freedom from sinful behavior is always available. In addition, many strugglers discover growing heterosexual attractions as they address underlying problems with the help of competent Christian support and counseling.

What does the Bible say about homosexuality?4

There are those who like to say that the Bible does not condemn homosexuality. Various verses are cited (out of context) and the verses that people use to show that homosexuality is wrong are explained away. The world wants to change God's words and meanings into something more suitable to its sinful desires. Nevertheless, the truth stands: The Bible condemns homosexuality as a sin. Let's look at what it says.

Lev. 18:22, "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."

Lev. 20:13, "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltness is upon them"

1 Cor. 6:9-10, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God."

Rom. 1:26-28, "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

Homosexuality is clearly condemned by the Bible. It goes against the created order of God. He created Adam and then made a woman. This is what God has ordained and it is what is right. Unlike other sins, homosexuality has a severe judgment administered by God Himself. This judgment is simple: They are given over to their passions. That means that their hearts are allowed to be hardened by their sins (Romans 1:18ff). As a result, they can no longer see the error of what they are doing. Without an awareness of their sinfulness, there will be no repentance and trusting in Jesus. Without Jesus, they will have no forgiveness. Without forgiveness, there is no salvation.

What should be the Christian's Response to the Homosexual?

Just because someone is a homosexual does not mean that we cannot love him (or her) or pray for him (her). Homosexuality is a sin and like any other sin, it needs to be dealt with in the only way possible. It needs to be laid at the cross, repented of, and never done again.

As a Christian, you should pray for the salvation of the homosexual the same you would any other person in sin. The homosexual is still made in the image of God -- even though he is in grave sin. Therefore, you should show him same dignity as anyone else you come in contact with. However, this does not mean that you are to approve of their sin. Don't compromise your witness for a socially acceptable opinion that is void of godliness.

Can practicing homosexuals be saved?5

If a by "practicing homosexual" is meant a person who is openly approving of homosexuality and is engaged in it, can this person be saved? Yes and no. Yes because any sinner has the potential of becoming saved. On the other hand, if the person is professing to be a Christian yet is unrepentantly practicing homosexuality, then it would appear that he would not be saved. 1 John 2:4 says, "The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." So, a homosexual can be saved, but once saved, the Spirit of God will move that person to repent of the sin of homosexuality. If a person continues to unrepentantly practice homosexuality, promoting it, etc., then that person would not be demonstrating evidence of regeneration.

[The same is true of someone who has a habitual lifestyle of stealing, murder, adultery etc and claims to be saved. Jesus said, Mat 7:15-21 NASB

(15) "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

(16) "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?

(17) "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.

(18) "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.

(19) "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

(20) "So then, you will know them by their fruits.

(21) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.]

But then again, a person could become saved, still fall into homosexuality, be convicted by the Spirit of the sin, all the while be seeking to break free from it. So technically, in this last sense, he could be saved and be a homosexual -- not as a life style, but as in struggling against his sin which sometimes can get the best of him. It would be like a drug addict becoming a Christian and still being hooked on drugs. He would struggle against and still have the desire to participate in it.

I would say that a person who has professed Christ and is struggling against sin is demonstrating evidence of regeneration. Remember, many people who become Christians still struggle with many of their old sins. Even Paul struggled, "For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish," (Rom. 7:19). We are not perfect and we must remember to be gracious to others, especially when they are stuck in an old sin, want to repent of it, and are trying to have victory over it. This is when grace is needed, not law. But, of course, we are never to encourage or excuse a person's sin. We must pray for them to attain full victory.

Now, some Christians will state that once you become saved, you should automatically have victory over all your sins. This is an unfortunate burden they place on many Christians because "perfection" becomes the standard for measuring whether or not they are Christians. This can cause people to doubt their salvation. While it is true that we have victory in many areas when we become saved, it is also true that we still struggle with many of our old sins. Of course, it is never okay for us to go ahead and sin (Rom. 6:1-2). We must always struggle for holiness. But the fact is, like Paul, we sometimes do the things we don't want to do and don't do what we should. It is our struggle against sin that demonstrates that we are regenerate since we are seeking to be holy as God is holy (1 Pet. 1:16).

Finally, it is not dead people who struggle for life. Only those who are alive struggle. Likewise, the dead in sin, the unregenerate do not struggle against their sins. Christians do.

The Bible, reveals God’s moral character and His will. It defines what is right and wrong for the believer. Many have used the Bible to support homosexuality, by taking verses out of context and making up their own theology. But as we have seen and will see, the Bible says homosexuality is sin just like murder, adultery, stealing etc. As you know, the world has redefined what right and wrong is. It has redefined love, marriage, sex, homosexuality etc in order to satisfy its own sinful desires. Just because one practices a homosexual lifestyle like any other sinful lifestyle, does not mean that we cannot love them like Jesus would love them and pray for them.

“If you want to say homosexuality is wrong based on the O.T. laws, then you must still uphold all of the laws in Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

The Old Testament laws are categorized in three groups: the civil, the priestly, and the moral. The civil laws must be understood in the context of a theocracy. Though the Jewish nation in the Old Testament was often headed by a king, it was a theocratic system with the Scriptures as a guide to the nation. Those laws that fall under this category are not applicable today because we are not under a theocracy.

The priestly laws [also known as the ceremonial laws] dealing with the Levitical and Aaronic priesthoods, were representative of the future and true High Priest Jesus who offered Himself as a sacrifice on the cross. Since Jesus fulfilled the priestly laws, they are no longer necessary to be followed and are not now applicable.

The moral laws, on the other hand, are not abolished. Because the moral laws are based upon the character of God. Since God's holy character does not change, the moral laws do not change either. Therefore, the moral laws are still in effect.

In the New Testament we do not see a reestablishment of the civil or priestly laws. But we do see a reestablishment of the moral law. This is why we see New Testament condemnation of homosexuality as a sin but not with the associated death penalty.” 3

Josh McDowell says that no view matters but the biblical view of homosexuality. He says that in Genesis 1:28, God wanted Adam and Eve to reproduce after their own kind. The fruit of man (husband and wife) is another human being. Homosexuality cannot carry out the first command God gave to man. He goes on to say that marriage the way God made it is to be between one husband and wife and that they will become one flesh, referring to a spiritual and body union in sex. (Gen 2:24; Matt 19:4-5). “Homosexuality is a violation of the direct commandment of the Holy Scriptures… But homosexuality is not an unpardonable sin nor the greatest sin; the greatest sin is the sin of rejecting God. Homosexuals can change their sexual life style and be healed in Christ through repentance and faith.” Josh says that Christians are to balance truth (God’s word) with love.

1Jn 3:18 NASB

(18) Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

Josh gives 6 things we can do to direct those who are struggling with homosexual feelings or behavior:

1) Help them to understand God’s view of homosexuality

2) Urge them to repent and seek God’s forgiveness

3) Guide them to turn from homosexuality

4) Exhort them to flee temptation

5) Advise them to avoid “dating” the opposite sex for awhile

6) Recommend prayer and mediation on God’s word.

My Bible Study on the Subject

B. 1Ti 1:8-11 NASB

(8) But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully,

(9) realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers

(10) and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching,

(11) according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

1. The law is not meant for those who think they are righteous

2. the law was meant to tell us what sin is.

a. it reveals to us our need for a Savior

2. The Bible teaches that sexual sin is a sin against ones own body, whether it is with a prostitute, or with an animal, or with the same gender or outside of marriage.

C. An example in Scripture: Gen 19:1-7 NASB

(1) Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground.

(2) And he said, "Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant's house, and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way." They said however, "No, but we shall spend the night in the square."

(3) Yet he urged them strongly, so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he prepared a feast for them, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

(4) Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter;

(5) and they called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them."

(6) But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him,

(7) and said, "Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly.

In the Bible, the word translated “have relations” or “to know” (Yâda‛) is frequently used for sex. Intimate sexual intercourse is not just an act but a relationship that includes an act. The Bible teaches that sex is body and spirit, see Matt 19:5; Gen 2:24. Hence, both parties get to “know” each other intimately by experience; by physical contact. Yâda‛ means to know by observing and reflecting (thinking) and to know by experiencing. Here and in Genesis 4:1 it is used in sense that the “knower” has actual involvement with or in the object of the knowing i.e. Adam and his wife. The Bible teaches that sexual sin is a sin against ones own body, whether it is sex with a prostitute, or with an animal, or with the same gender.

D. Mar 7:20-23 NASB

(20) And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man.

(21) "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

(22) deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.

(23) "All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man."

1. The word “fornications” in Mark (“immorality” in 1 Cor 6) is porneia G4202

a) Illicit (unlawful) sexual relations/ intercourse

1a) adultery, fornication (sex outside marriage), homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc.

1b) sexual intercourse with close relatives; Lev. 18

1c) sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman; Mar_10:11,Mar_10:12

b) metaphorically the worship of idols

2a) of the defilement of idolatry, as incurred by eating the sacrifices offered to idols

c) any sexual sin prohibited by God (1Co_6:13, 6:18; 7:2; 2Co_12:21; Gal_5:19; Eph_5:3; Col_3:5; 1Th_4:3; Rev_9:21) (WSD)

d) Fornication as a sexual vice was common before the time of Moses and was grossly prevalent in Egypt (Gen_39:7). Prostitution was not tolerated by the Sinaitical code, being an abomination in the sight of God (Lev_19:29; Deu_23:17-18). Its price could not be accepted in the sanctuary (Mic_1:7), and death by stoning was the penalty for an unmarried woman who had concealed her crime (Deu_22:20-21). (WSD)

e. lewdness (Webster)

1. the unlawful indulgence of lust; fornication, or adultery.

2. Jesus says that our actions, attitudes, words are influenced by who or what controls our heart

a. we speak and act the way we do because of what is in our heart.

b. whatever controls our heart will control our responses to people and situations

c. sinful behavior including fornication reveals that one’s heart is under control of the flesh or sin nature

E. Rom 1:18-32 NASB

(18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

(19) because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.

(20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

(21) For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

(22) Professing to be wise, they became fools,

(23) and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

(24) Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.

(25) For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

(26) For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,

(27) and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

(28) And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,

(29) being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,

(30) slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,

(31) without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;

(32) and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

1. Here, Paul is speaking about Gentiles or non-Jews

2. he is writing about the pagan sinful acts of the Gentiles.

3. He talks about General Revelation, God is the Creator of all the physical universe 4. no one has an excuse to not see the Creator v.18-20.

5. These Gentiles knew of God, they simply acknowledged His existence, and chose not to honor, glorify or follow or worship Him and thus their foolish heart was darkened, again by their choice v. 21.

6. They believed or thought that they were wise, that they knew it all, but in reality, they were fools.

7. These Gentiles have chosen to worship idols instead of the true living God v.23, 25. 8. Therefore, or for that reason, God let their sin continue.

a. He gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity.

9. it was their choice, their actions began with a thought and a motive.

10. In verses 26 and 27 he describes what is unnatural or against nature.

a. Any biologist, Christian or non, knows that it is natural for the human race to procreate with Male+female= life.

b. Sex is natural and is God’s chosen method for human life to continue

11. Verse 27 says that men left behind the natural function of the woman, ie stopped having a desire for her, and began to desire other men which is unnatural. 12. Verse 28 again speaks about how the Gentiles chose not to acknowledge God any longer or literally “to have God in knowledge.”

13. And as a result, God gave them over, or allowed, to their depraved mind.

a. “depraved” means “not standing the test, rejected, or not approved.”

1) Corruption; a vitiated state; as the depravity of manners and morals. 2) A vitiated state of the heart; wickedness; corruption of moral principles; destitution of holiness or good principles.

b. Note: all of mankind, Gentile and Jew, is depraved or a sinner by nature and by the choice of disobedience,

14. Paul says that men having relations as he would with a female with another male is not fitting or natural, morally and physically.

F. Purity and New Life

1. Revisit: 1Co 6:17-20 NASB

(17) But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

(18) Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.

(19) Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

(20) For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

a. Christians gave their body to God when they exercised salvational faith in Jesus.

b. their body is now a temple of the Holy Spirit and that anything done in opposition to God’s will is sin.

2. 1Jn 3:2-3 NASB

(2) Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.

(3) And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

a. John tells us why we should purify ourselves: we are now children of God, we shall be like Him—pure at the Rapture when we get our glorified bodies and we shall see Him.

b. Johns tells us to prepare ourselves by living a holy, pure lifestyle just as Jesus

did.

c. Jesus’ earthly life and ministry is our model to imitate.

d. Living in the hope and reality of Christ’s return should make a difference in our behavior (see Philippians 3:12-14).

3. Rom 12:1-2 NASB

(1) Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

(2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

4. Joh 15:19 NASB

(19) "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.” --Jesus.

So, Paul is writing about those Gentiles who are following the Greeks in practicing homosexuality and other sensual sins. He is stating how they chose to reject God and do their own thing. Regardless if Greek society approved of homosexual behavior, Paul and God say “don’t listen to them, don’t follow them.”

The ability to create life by sex is a God given gift with His set of parameters, i.e. inside marriage only and between one man and one female. I am using homosexuals and homosexuality to mean the chosen behavior or lifestyle of the person and not so much the person, in much the same way as adultery, fornication or prostitution is the behavior, lifestyle or activity that one chooses, to stress that it is a sinful activity like all other sensual sin. One is not born an adulterer or a prostitute.

I know that some “Christians” immature or not have said that AIDS is God’s punishment for those who practice homosexuality. I disagree with that. That is not how God punishes. Verse 27 says, “in their own persons ( Literally “themselves”) the due penalty of their error.” The penalty is the guilt of doing what is displeasing to God, what is unnatural, unholy. Their own conscience testifies against what they are doing. Granted, some may not feel that they are doing anything wrong, but that’s because they have a darkened heart as stated in verse 21. They have hardened their mind and conscience. The penalty could also be physical, as in disease. Even in adultery or in premarital sex, there are STDs as well as that guilt feeling of sin.

The Bible condemns sin, not the sinner. God hates sin, not the sinner. We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners by nature and by choice. And Paul never speaks of these acts of wickedness or sensual sin as being brought by birth i.e. they were born this way. He keeps saying that is was their choice, “men who suppress the truth… they did not honor Him as God… they became futile in speculations and their foolish heart…they became fools… they exchanged the truth of God…”

The only way to get rid of the penalty and guilt of sin is to be born again. God then gives one a new nature and “cleans house”, conforming the person into the image of Jesus, the only one who never sinned. God does not send people to hell, they send themselves by rejecting the Savior, the one who willingly died to pay for their sins once and for all. Jesus died to pay for their past, present and future sins. If a person who practices homosexuality (or any sinner) believes in Christ, not merely acknowledging that God exists but truly commits their life to Christ, then He will change them and “clean” them. Jesus catches fish first then He cleans them. True faith involves the whole person: will, emotion, intellect (Heb 11). Jesus used the word “believe” meaning to rely on, adhere to, cling to, commit oneself to, to trust (John 3:15-16, 18, 36, 5:24). Jesus carries the person fully if they give their whole life to Him. Therefore, a person who practices homosexuality as a lifestyle and who comes to Christ will be renewed, born again and God will work in them to restore them to His original intention back before the fall of man. This is called sanctification, a ministry of the Holy Spirit. They will then have natural desires and the old nature will be put off; as Romans 6 speaks about believers being dead to sin and alive in Christ, their old sinful nature is crucified with Christ and they are being made more holy.

5. Lev 18:20-30 NASB

(20) 'You shall not have intercourse with your neighbor's wife, to be defiled with her.

(21) 'You shall not give any of your offspring to offer them to Molech, nor shall you profane the name of your God; I am the LORD.

(22) 'You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.

(23) 'Also you shall not have intercourse with any animal to be defiled with it, nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it; it is a perversion.

(24) 'Do not defile yourselves by any of these things; for by all these the nations which I am casting out before you have become defiled.

(25) 'For the land has become defiled, therefore I have brought its punishment upon it, so the land has spewed out its inhabitants.

(26) 'But as for you, you are to keep My statutes and My judgments and shall not do any of these abominations, neither the native, nor the alien who sojourns among you

(27) (for the men of the land who have been before you have done all these abominations, and the land has become defiled);

(28) so that the land will not spew you out, should you defile it, as it has spewed out the nation which has been before you.

(29) 'For whoever does any of these abominations, those persons who do so shall be cut off from among their people.

(30) 'Thus you are to keep My charge, that you do not practice any of the abominable customs which have been practiced before you, so as not to defile yourselves with them; I am the LORD your God.'"

1. God gave Israel moral laws to make them different from everyone else so that they could represent Him

2. Christians are similarly set apart, holy, consecrated for God’s use.

a. we are not to act like the rest of the unbelieving, pagan, God rejecting world.

6. Gal 5:16-25 NASB

(16) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

(17) For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

(18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

(19) Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

(20) idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

(21) envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

(23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

(24) Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

(25) If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

7. Col 3:1-7 NASB

(1) Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

(2) Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

(3) For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

(4) When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

(5) Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

(6) For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,

(7) and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.

a. This chapter is speaking about those who are born again believers in Christ.

b. Believers are now to live differently, not according to the world, v.2.

c. They have died to their old sinful nature, v.3-5.

d. Verse 7 speaks about their old life apart from Jesus; how they used to live.

e. They once were (walked; were living), acting or living what is described in verse 5.

f. Some of these believers practiced homosexuality but not anymore.

8. In Gal 5:19 and Col 3: 5, “immorality” is once again porneia or literally fornication.

9. Our Past life of Darkness

a) 1Co 6:9-11 NKJV

(9) 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,

(10) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

(11) 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.

1) context: Paul is writing to those who are suing each other, cheating and doing wrong in the church of Corinth

2) “washed”

a) to wash oneself clean from, to be freed from sin (Act 22:16) WSD

3) “sanctified” G37

a) to separate from profane things and dedicate to God

1) things or people

b) to purify

1) to free from the guilt of sin

2) internally by renewing of the soul

4) “justified” G1344

a) to make righteous (Thayer)

b) to declare, one to be just, righteous (Thayer)

c) Judicial act where God clears the believer of the condemnation of their sin and declares them in right relationship in Christ (PCT)

d) our sins our put to Jesus’ account and His righteousness is put in our account.

5) “in the name of”

a) by the power, authority, reputation, character

b) Paul reminds his readers who they used to be before God saved them:

1) fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves…

2) But when they responded to the Gospel, God washed, cleansed and freed them from their sin, sanctified or separated them from sin to Himself, purified them and justified them, making them right before Him by the power, authority and character of Christ and through the working (agent) of the Holy Spirit.

a) the same is true for us when we believed

3) we still can and do sin, but we are no longer identified by a lifestyle of sin

a) if someone does then they are not probably not genuinely saved (2Cor 5:17; 1John 3:9-10)

4) if one says they know God but continues to live in darkness, practicing constantly the very things Paul addresses (v.9-10) then they are probably lying and not practicing the truth for they are not really saved.

5. those who live in the Light, in the truth and purity constantly have fellowship with God and do not practice their former lifestyle of darkness because they have been washed, sanctified and justified by God

6. when we do sin on occasion, the blood of Jesus cleanses us.

G. God’s Design

1. The ability to create life by sex is a God given gift with His set of parameters, i.e. inside marriage only and between one man and one female.

2. homosexuality, adultery, fornication or prostitution is the behavior, activity or lifestyle that one chooses

3. One is not born a homosexual just like no one is born an adulterer or prostitute.

4. The Bible condemns sin, not the sinner.

5. God wanted Adam and Eve to reproduce after their own kind.

6. the fruit of man (husband and wife) is another human being.

7. Homosexuality cannot carry out the first command God gave to man.

8. marriage the way God made it is to be between one husband and wife

a. they become one flesh: united spiritually and physically (Gen 2:24; Matt 19:4- 5)

9. homosexuality is not an unpardonable sin nor the greatest sin; the greatest sin is the sin of rejecting God.

10. Homosexuals can change their sexual life style and be healed in Christ through repentance and faith.

a. They will then have natural desires

b. 2Co 5:17 NASB

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

11. The only way to get rid of the penalty and guilt of any sin is to be born again.

a. God then gives one a new nature and “cleans house”, conforming the person into the image of Jesus, the only one who never sinned.

b. Jesus died to pay for their past, present and future sins

Conclusion

1. The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin pattern or behavior; not an identity

2. people who practice homosexuality were not created that way.

3. No one can get out of their sinful lifestyle on their own, they need Christ to do that, because He is sinless and enables the believer to conquer their natural sinful nature.

4. Christians are to always accept the person but to not accept the sin.

5. Christians are to love but not to have blind love; discernment is necessary

6. Christians are never to condemn or hate anyone.

7. We are God’s representatives on earth, and are to testify of sin and tell people of their need for salvation, to tell them the “good news” or the Gospel; to inform people of who they are, who God is, why God had to send His Son to die for them.

* See also “Tolerance and Judging Non Christians” at Worldview Cafe- https://sites.google.com/site/worldviewcafe

Notes:

1) Does the Bible approve of some homosexual relationships?

https://www.billygraham.org/LFA_Article.asp?ArticleID=5