THE BIBLE ON HOMOSEXUALITY
The topic of homosexuality is hotly debated in Singapore in recent days. As Christians, we must respond to this issue biblically. What then does the Bible teach concerning homosexuality?
Homosexuality is a sin. It is not a genetic defect, a disease, or an alternate lifestyle.
Homosexuality is condemned in the Old Testament:
Genesis 19 – The men of Sodom were desperate to lie with the angelic visitors of Lot who had appeared as men. “And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. 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” (Gen. 19:3-4). Even after they were struck with blindness, they wearied themselves to find the door of the house to meet with the visitors (Gen. 19:11). God subsequently judged Sodom with fire and brimstone from heaven (Gen. 19:24)
Homosexuality is called an abomination in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” (Lev. 18:22) “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” (Lev. 20:13)
Homosexuality is also condemned in the New Testament:
Homosexuality is said to be unnatural, unseemly, erroneous and vile in Romans 1:26-27. “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: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, 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.” Romans 1:28 adds that homosexuality is a manifestation of a “reprobate mind”.
In 1 Timothy 1:10, the practice of men lying with mankind is said to be a defilement and contrary to sound doctrine.
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is once again mentioned in Jude 1:7. This destruction is said to have come due to the cities’ propensity for “strange flesh”.
Christians must repent and forsake homosexuality. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “ 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.” The effeminate” and “abusers of themselves with mankind” describe the passive and active partners in a homosexual relationship (Bible Expository Commentary). Homosexuality is thus here classed with a list of other sins. Those who insist in their unrighteous ways and are unrepentant of their sins, homosexuality included, will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve (Gen 1:27-28; 2:20-24). Nor did he create Adeline and Eve. Marriage is instituted by God involving a man and a woman united in a lifelong covenant.
There is forgiveness for homosexuality in Christ. The solution is the gospel of Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:11 says, “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.” Some of the Corinthians Christians used to be homosexuals (see verses 9-10), but they were delivered by the power of God in the gospel. The blood of Christ is able to deliver all men from their sin. By the grace of God, one can repent of his sin of homosexuality, and be transformed to live in conformity to the Word of God.
Conclusion
The Bible is plain in its teaching concerning homosexuality. It is a sin and an abomination before the Lord. No one can truly claim to be a Christian if he is still actively and unrepentantly engaged in homosexuality. On the other hand, there is always forgiveness in the gospel of Christ. The church must therefore reach out lovingly to all, including homosexuals, with the gospel and the truth of God’s Word. Homosexuals should be welcome to attend worship services to hear the preached Word of God just like any other sinner. It is in the Holy Scriptures where one may find the eternal hope of heaven in Christ Jesus. We lovingly pray that those who hear may repent of their sins and find eternal life.
With regards to state rulings concerning homosexuality, Christians must bear in mind that the state and the church is to be separate (as evidenced in the book of Acts). Civil government is appointed by the Lord to uphold the order of civil society. Christians should therefore pray for the authorities (1 Tim. 2:1-4), honour and obey them in the Lord (Rom 13:1-7), unless it involves matters in opposition to the Word of Everlasting Life (Acts 4:18-20; 5:29). We can thus only implore respectfully that righteousness be upheld in society. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov. 14:34) Not might is right, but right is might. Let us pray for our leaders and love our nation in the Lord.
Concerning the church, our stand must always be one with Christ and the Scriptures. “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” (2 Cor. 13:8)
We end with the insightful remarks by Carl McIntire, founder of the Bible Presbyterian movement in America:
God loves the homosexuals; His love is offered to them in Jesus Christ. God condemns, as we have seen in Romans, in the severest terms their iniquity; His wrath is revealed from Heaven. But His love is offered to all on the cross of Calvary. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17), and in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” May God save our children, may God save the homosexuals… Salvation is of the Lord.
God bless all readers.
Yours affectionately
Pastor C. Chew
