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Homosexuality
"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind; it is abomination." (Leviticus 18:22).
There has been a serious movement underway in America and the world to make the homosexual appear normal, that he or she is alienated with certain rights, and that it is an valid alternative lifestyle. They are fighting for rights to be married, and are already allowed in some cases to adopt children. Their movement has not been completely successful (not winning the war, but winning many battles), however, their circle of influence is growing, thanks in part to the media and to Hollywood which portrays them favorably, or as victims of persecution. Even churches and denominations are becoming divided on the subject, with some wanting to allow homosexuals into places of leadership and ministry.
But regardless of what modern society may say, the Bible classifies homosexuality as sin and "abomination". Even if you do not believe in God, the sin of homosexuality goes against nature itself, and defies even the theories of evolution, for two homosexuals cannot reproduce. And even if you do not think homosexuality itself is sin, those who practice such break other laws of God, such as the practice of adultery or fornication, or sex outside the bonds of marriage.
Homosexuals claim that they were born homosexual, or even that God made them that way. But James says, "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: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:13-15).
Paul said in his letter to the Romans, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness..... For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts darkened..... Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even the women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.... Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (Romans 1:18-32 NIV).
One of the reasons the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed was because of this sin of homosexuality, for the men of the towns were completely given over to their lust and totally out of control. When the two angels came to Sodom, Lot insisted that they stay with him in his house. Then "all the men from every part of the city of Sodom - both young and old - surrounded the house. They called to Lot, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.' Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, 'No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don't do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.' 'Get out of our way,' they replied. And they said, 'This fellow came here as an alien, and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them.' They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door. But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door. The two men said to Lot, 'Do you have anyone else here - sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.'" (Genesis 19:4-13 NIV). Reading this account, it is almost inconceivable that men could become so perverted and driven by their lust.
This study not a personal attack against homosexuals or against the person. But the Bible is clear that their sin is an abomination. Like any other person living in sin, they are not to be allowed positions of leadership or responsibility within the body of Christ until their sin has been forgiven and they show fruits of repentance. And like persons who commit adultery, fornication, jealousy, pride, or any other sin, they too can find forgiveness and cleansing at the cross of Christ. They were not created that way, and they don't have to live that way. Listen to Paul's words to the Corinthians, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 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." (1 Corinthians 6: 9-11).
More about Homosexuality
Increasing political and religious advocacy for homosexuality has prompted many denominations to rethink their stance on this critical issue - unfortunately man are now allowing homosexuals to take leadersship roles within the body of Christ.
We believe that all matters of faith and conduct must be evaluated on the basis of Holy Scripture, which is our infallible guide (2 Timothy 3:16,17). Since the Bible does speak on the subject of homosexuality, it is imperative that the Church correctly understands and articulates the truth on this important contemporary issue. This reaffirmation of truth has become all the more urgent because writers sympathetic to the homosexual community have advanced revisionist interpretations of relevant biblical texts that are based upon biased exegesis and mistranslation. In effect, they seek to set aside almost 2,000 years of Christian biblical interpretation and ethical teachings.
We believe these efforts are reflective of the conditions described in 2 Timothy 4:3, "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."3 (See also v. 4.)
It should be noted at the outset that there is absolutely no affirmation of homosexual activity found anywhere in Scripture. Rather, the consistent sexual ideal in the Bible is chastity for those outside a monogamous heterosexual marriage and fidelity for those inside such a marriage. There is also abundant evidence that homosexual behavior, along with illicit heterosexual behavior, is immoral and comes under the judgment of God.
We believe, in the light of biblical revelation, that the growing cultural acceptance of homosexual identity and behavior, male and female, is symptomatic of a broader spiritual disorder that threatens the family, the government, and the church. This study is a brief exposition of salient biblical teachings on this subject.
I. Homosexual Behavior Is Sin.
Historically, homosexuality often has been defined as an emotional (psychological) or organic (physiological) problem. In recent years, some have lobbied mental health organizations to have homosexuality removed from the list of classified diagnostic pathologies, and many have come to see it as nothing more than a morally neutral personal preference or a naturally occurring aspect of human biological diversity. In making moral judgments, we must remember scriptural warnings against depending on our own reasoning or even personal experience to discern truth (Proverbs 3:5,6).
A. Homosexual behavior is sin because it is disobedient to scriptural teachings. When God called Israel to be His people in a distinctive sense, He miraculously delivered them from Egyptian bondage. But God did more. He entered into a covenant relationship with them and provided the Law, predicated on love for God and neighbor, by which they could order their lives as a holy people.
That law included specific prohibitions of homosexual practice, such as that of Leviticus 18:22: "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable." Lest the previous injunction be misunderstood, Leviticus 20:13 provides a restatement, "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable." "Detestable," used in both verses, is a strong word that indicates divine displeasure with sin. The Christian church has historically understood that although the ceremonial provisions of the Old Testament law were no longer in effect after the atoning death of Christ, the New Testament interpretation and restatement of its moral law was. On the subject of homosexuality, both the Old and New Testaments speak with one voice.
The moral prohibitions against homosexual behavior in the Old Testament are pointedly repeated in the New Testament. To those who witnessed on a daily basis the sexual license of imperial Rome, Paul depicted the results that followed in the lives of those who rejected God and "worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator... Because of this God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations[7] for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations[8] with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts[9] with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion" (Romans 1:25-27). Paul is referring to both male homosexuality and lesbianism.
In Paul's day, the city of Corinth was especially notorious for sexual immorality. It was not only a crossroads of commerce, but of all kinds of vice. Because the church was being established in this city, it was important that new Christians come to understand God's moral order. The record is explicit. Paul wrote, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?" Then he continued, "Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral[10] nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders... will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9,10). In this case, Paul is understood to identify male homosexuals in both active and passive homosexual behavioral roles.11 Paul wrote, "Law is not made for a righteous man, 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 and immoral men and homosexuals..." (1 Timothy 1:9,10, NASB1).
An unbiased study of these passages makes it clear that Scripture consistently identifies homosexual behavior as sin. Not only do the Scriptures condemn more flagrant examples of homosexual violence and promiscuity, they also provide no support for the popular modern idea that loving and committed homosexual relationships between two long-term partners are morally acceptable. Homosexual activities of every kind are contrary to the moral commandments God has given us.
B. Homosexual behavior is sin because it is contrary to God's created order for the family and human relationships. The first chapter of the Bible says, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27). After God had created the male, He indicated it was not good for him to live alone (Genesis 2:18). So God created a companion for him (Genesis 2:18).
It should be noted that the male's aloneness was not to be remedied by the creation of another male but by the creation of a female. God created two sexes, not just one, and each for the other. When God brought the woman to Adam, he said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." Scripture then states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Genesis 2:23,24).
In creating humankind God established the order of sexuality by which the race was to develop. Psychologically, the relationship is sound. Physically, the relationship is natural. Sociologically, it establishes the foundation for the family. The biblical order for human sexual expression is that of an intimate physical relationship to be shared exclusively within a lifelong marriage covenant-a heterosexual and monogamous relationship. When people choose to engage in homosexual behavior, they depart from the God-given nature of sexuality. Their unnatural sexual behavior is a sin against God, who established the order of sexuality (Romans 1:27). And the social unit they seek to establish is contrary to the divine instruction for the man to leave father and mother and be "united to his wife" (Genesis 2:24).
In Jesus' discussion with the Pharisees, He reiterated the order of sexuality that God established in the beginning: "Haven't you read. . .that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?" (Matthew 19:4,5). He pointed out that the only alternative to heterosexual marriage is celibacy for the kingdom of heaven's sake (Matthew 19:10-12).
C. Homosexual behavior is sin that comes under divine judgment. The name of the ancient city of Sodom14 has become a synonym for homosexual behavior. While other evils existed in this community, sodomy was prominent. The homosexuals of Sodom were so depraved that they threatened homosexual rape of Lot's guests. "Bring them ["the men who came to you"] out to us so that we can have sex15 with them," Lot was told (Genesis 19:5).
The biblical record indicates that the mob became violent and tried to break down the door of Lot's house. Only divine intervention spared Lot and his household from their evil intentions, and God subsequently destroyed both Sodom and the neighboring city of Gomorrah (Genesis 19:4-11,24,25). God's punishment of these cities was of such severity that it is used as an illustration of divine judgment by both Peter (2 Peter 2:6) and Jude (7). Jude's commentary is particularly apt, "In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire."
The Book of Judges (19:1-30) records an incident in the ancient Benjamite city of Gibeah that has many similarities to the sin of Sodom. Certain "wicked men of the city" (19:22) sought to force a visiting Levite male into homosexual acts16 with them. Denied their insistent requests, the attackers finally settled for vicious sexual abuse and gang-rape of the Levite's concubine that resulted in her death (19:25-30). The other tribes of Israel found the crime so repugnant that when the tribe of Benjamin refused to surrender the offenders, they eventually went to war-decimating the Benjamites (20:1-48).
These are particularly notorious examples of homosexual expression that undoubtedly most homosexual persons today would repudiate. It should be understood that while expressing abhorrence at such rapacious perversion, the biblical writers do not imply that heterosexuals are not capable of sexual atrocities nor that every homosexual is as depraved as the residents of those ancient cities. Nor should modern Christians draw those implications. It is important to note, however, that wherever homosexuality occurs in the biblical record it is an occasion of scandal and judgment. Homosexuality is never viewed in a positive light.
The biblical writers make it clear that practicing homosexuals, along with sexually immoral heterosexuals and all other unrepentant sinners, will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9,10). Paul also described homosexual conduct as one evidence of God's judgment for humankind's corporate rebellion against Him (Romans 1:26,27). Jesus himself was explicit that at the end of the age "the Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:40-42).
II. Homosexual Behavior Is Sin For Which Reconciliation Is Possible.
While Scripture makes it clear homosexual behavior is sin and comes under the judgment of God, it also indicates that those who are guilty of homosexual behavior or any other sin can be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). In the church at Corinth were former homosexuals who had been delivered from the power of sin by the grace of God. In 1 Corinthians 6:9,
Paul listed homosexuals along with immoral heterosexuals as those who cannot inherit the kingdom of God. His grammar implies continuing sexually immoral activity until their conversion. Verse 11 follows with a powerful contrast, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." They had been homosexuals in orientation and behavior, but now through the power of God's Spirit their lives were radically transformed. Scripture makes clear that the efficacy of the death and resurrection of Christ is unlimited for those who accept it.
There is no stain of sin so dark that it cannot be cleansed. John the Baptist announced, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). The apostle Paul wrote, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21). The apostle John wrote, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, people, regardless of the nature of their sin, can be made new creations in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). God's plan of salvation is the same for all.
The homosexual who wants to be delivered from the penalty and power of sin must come to God in the same way all sinners must come to God, in the same way all who are now His children have come for deliverance from their sins. The act of turning to God for salvation includes both repentance and faith. Jesus is both Savior and Lord. He is the one who forgives our sin as we believe in Him and repent. Repentance represents a change of mind in which there is a turning from sin in both attitude and behavior.
Jesus is also the One whose lordship we affirm in holy living. "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Like the Philippian jailer who asked what he had to do to be saved, those desiring salvation must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30,31)-believe that He can save from the power as well as the penalty of sin. Obedient faith, like repentance, is a condition of salvation.
III. A Word to the Church.
Of fundamental importance for every individual, including those who struggle with homosexual temptation or behavior, is the need for reconciliation with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Believers who struggle with homosexual temptations must be encouraged and strengthened by fellow Christians (Galatians 6:1,2). Likewise, they should be taught that temptation is universal, that temptation itself is not sin, and that temptation can be resisted and overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 12:1-6).
The moral imperatives of Scripture are incumbent upon all persons. However, believers should not be surprised that unbelievers do not honor God and do not recognize the Bible as a rightful claim on their lives and conduct (1 Corinthians 1:18). Peter writes clearly of the conflict and contrast between believer and unbeliever in his first letter: Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:1-5).
As Christians we must both exhort believers to live in moral purity and express in word and deed Christ's love for the lost. Aware of the claims of God on every aspect of our lives, we must emphasize that we are called to holiness. To unbelievers we must reach out with compassion and humility. We must hold no malice toward, or fear of, homosexuals-such attitudes are not of Christ. At the same time we must not condone sexual behavior God has defined as sinful.
Christians should also do all they can to assist the person who has struggled with homosexual behaviors to find deliverance. Change is not always easy but it is possible. It may require the help of others in the body of Christ, such as counselors and pastors, as well as a supportive church fellowship. Christian organizations are also available to help those who seek to change their lifestyles.
We desire all to be reconciled to God-to experience the peace and joy that stems from the forgiveness of sin through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God does not want any to perish in their sins; He invites all to accept His offer of eternal life (John 3:16). As part of His church, we issue that invitation to life in Christ to everyone.
Source: Assembly of God position papers
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