Homosexuality and sexual purity
"In our contemporary society, there is a significant discourse surrounding the topic of homosexuality, often leading to diverse and sometimes conflicting interpretations. However, as a pastor dedicated to the teachings of the Bible, I find it imperative to clarify the scriptural stance on this matter, which I believe is often misrepresented or misunderstood in public discourse.
The Holy Scriptures, which I uphold with deep reverence, address the subject of homosexuality on several occasions. Each instance within the sacred texts is consistent in its message: such practices are viewed as contrary to the divine will. This perspective is not born of judgment or disdain but is a reflection of the scriptural teachings that guide our faith.
The Bible doesn't speak of homosexuality very often, but when it does, it condemns it as sin.
Leviticus 20:13 (CEB)
“If a man has sexual intercourse with a man as he would with a woman, the two of them have done something detestable. They must be executed; their blood is on their own heads.”
Leviticus 18:22-23 (AMP)
“You shall not lie with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination. 23 Neither shall you lie with any beast and defile yourself with it; neither shall any woman yield herself to a beast to lie with it; it is confusion, perversion, and degradedly carnal.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (CEB)
“ Don’t you know that people who are unjust won’t inherit God’s kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Those who are sexually immoral, those who worship false gods, adulterers, both participants in same-sex intercourse, 10 thieves, the greedy, drunks, abusive people, and swindlers won’t inherit God’s kingdom.”
Romans 1:26-28 (CEB)
“That’s why God abandoned them to degrading lust. Their females traded natural sexual relations for unnatural sexual relations. 27 Also, in the same way, the males traded natural sexual relations with females, and burned with lust for each other. Males performed shameful actions with males, and they were paid back with the penalty they deserved for their mistake in their own bodies. 28 Since they didn’t think it was worthwhile to acknowledge God, God abandoned them to a defective mind to do inappropriate things.”
Homosexuality is clearly condemned in the Bible.
From the Genesis narrative, we understand that God's design in creation was purposeful, creating Adam and Eve as man and woman. This design was not only for companionship but also for the fulfillment of God's command to populate and steward the earth. In this context, the practice of homosexuality is seen as diverging from this divine blueprint, particularly in its departure from the traditional family structure and the natural means of procreation.
Moreover, the Bible speaks of a profound spiritual consequence for those who engage in homosexual acts. It suggests that such actions lead to a spiritual hardening, a state where individuals may become desensitized to their departure from God's commands. This is not a condemnation from a place of superiority, but a somber warning from a place of concern for spiritual well-being.
Romans 1:26-27
"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,"
"So, it is observed in the scriptural narrative that the advocacy for lifestyles such as homosexuality is not merely a personal choice but extends into the realm of influencing others. This influence is perceived not just as a deviation from individual morality but as a challenge to the collective adherence to biblical teachings. It is important to understand this within the context of Christian doctrine, which views such actions as not only personal decisions but as having broader spiritual implications.
In discussing these matters, it is paramount to remember that the Christian message is one of redemption and hope. Our faith teaches that all have sinned and are in need of God's saving grace. This includes not only those who engage in homosexual acts but every person who has ever lived, save Christ alone. The Bible teaches that the consequence of sin, in its myriad forms, is separation from God. This separation, if unaddressed, leads to eternal separation from God, which is often referred to as damnation.
However, it is crucial to underscore that this is not the end of the story. The central message of Christianity is that Jesus Christ came to bridge this gap. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He offers forgiveness and the promise of eternal life with God. This gift of grace is available to all who believe in Him and turn away from their sinful live (repent), regardless of their past actions or lifestyle.
Romans 1:32 (AMP)
“Though they are fully aware of God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them themselves but approve and applaud others who practice them.”
This brings us to a sensitive and often misunderstood point: the question of the eternal destiny of those who identify as gay or lesbian. According to biblical teachings, the same criteria apply to all individuals, regardless of their specific sins. Salvation is not about the severity of one's past transgressions but about one's relationship with Christ. Those who repent and trust in Jesus are forgiven and saved, while those who reject His offer of salvation face eternal separation from God.
Does this then mean that all gays and lesbians will go to hell, well, Yes, just like every other sinner!!!
It is important to address the broader topic of sexual immorality, which the Bible speaks about extensively. Sexual sin, in its various forms, is consistently portrayed in Scripture as contrary to God's design and harmful to human flourishing. This includes but is not limited to homosexuality. As Christians, we are called to uphold these teachings, not out of a sense of moral superiority, but out of a commitment to the truth as we understand it and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.
Hebrews 13:4 (CEB)
“Marriage must be honored in every respect, with no cheating on the relationship, because God will judge the sexually immoral person and the person who commits adultery.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (AMP)
“For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, 4 That each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, 5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will,”
Matthew 5:28 (CEB)
“But I say to you that every man who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart.”
1 Corinthians 6:13-20 (CEB)
“Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, and yet God will do away with both. The body isn’t for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. 14 God has raised the Lord and will raise us through his power. 15 Don’t you know that your bodies are parts of Christ? So then, should I take parts of Christ and make them a part of someone who is sleeping around? No way! 16 Don’t you know that anyone who is joined to someone who is sleeping around is one body with that person? The scripture says, The two will become one flesh. 17 The one who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. 18 Avoid sexual immorality! Every sin that a person can do is committed outside the body, except those who engage in sexual immorality commit sin against their own bodies. 19 Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you? Don’t you know that you have the Holy Spirit from God, and you don’t belong to yourselves? 20 You have been bought and paid for, so honor God with your body.”
"The path to overcoming sins, including those of homosexuality and sexual impurity, whether they manifest physically, spiritually, or emotionally, lies in the transformative power of confession and repentance. In Christian doctrine, repentance is more than mere regret or a superficial change; it is a profound and complete turning away from sin, a 180-degree turn towards a new way of life under God's guidance.
This concept of repentance is central to the Christian message. It's not about partial amendments or gradual shifts in behavior; it's about a total and unequivocal renunciation of actions and attitudes that are contrary to God's will. This kind of repentance is powerful and life-changing. It's not just a turning away from sin, but also a turning towards God, embracing His ways and His truth.
