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Fact of the week
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Dear Colleagues,
CLEARING THE AIR ON THE ISSUE OF
CLEARING THE AIR ON THE ISSUE OF HOMOSEXUALITY.
JUST WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH?1
Homosexuality is defined as “sexual preference for and sexual behavior between
members of the same sex, considered to be an immoral life-style and behavior
pattern throughout the biblical revelation.”2 Only heterosexual relationships
are sanctioned in the Scriptures as it relates to God’s plan for men and women.
As such, all sexual behavior is to find expression within the confines of
marriage.
The issue of “homosexual orientation,” or homosexual desires are not addressed
in the Scriptures. Clearly,
homosexual behavior is patently condemned as a departure from God’s will for
humankind. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that any homosexual proclivity,
feeling, or desire must be seriously dealt with as a potentially dangerous
temptation akin to heterosexual temptations that culminate in committing
adultery or fornication.
The Scriptures tell the story of an attempted homosexual gang rape by wicked men
who confronted Lot and his family (Gen. 19:1-11).
Lot viewed this behavior as wicked. Other Scriptures mention this kind of
behavior and condemn it in the strongest language possible. (See Jud. 19:22-30;
Jer. 23:14; Ezek. 16:49, 50; 2 Pet. 2:6-20; Jud. 7)
In Leviticus homosexuality is spoken of as an abomination (18:22) that is
punishable by death (20:13).
The early church in New Testament times viewed homosexuality as a sin.
Paul condemned it in Romans 1:26, 27, viewing it as a sign of God’s wrath
on blatant sinfulness. He viewed
homosexual behavior as an expression of debased passion that was unnatural,
indecent, and worthy of death (Rom. 1:32).
It is apparent that some of the Corinthian believers had previously been
homosexuals (I Cor. 6:9-11): “Such
were some of you” (v.11).
Through their belief in Christ they had been “washed,” “sanctified,” and
“justified” (v. 11). Paul
communicated the idea that homosexual activity is forgivable when one embraces
Christ, and that we are to resist homosexual temptations as
vigorously as we would the
temptation to commit adultery or fornication (v. 9).
In I Timothy 1:10 Paul taught that homosexuality was contrary to “sound
doctrine.”
God’s word gives no credence to homosexuality as biologically constitutional or
heredity, but views its origins in man’s sinful nature; a learned behavior that
is an expression of man’s rebellion against God.
God holds man responsible for such behavior.
No doubt this is a complex problem with many causes or roots.
Certainly believers are to exercise great compassion, and hopefully
through the gospel be used of God to bring about redemptive change.
To be sure this is a critical issue that the Body of Christ must address
in terms of counseling, education and bringing the gospel to the lost.
This
week, may you experience His grace, peace, and protection.
R. Dwight Hill
1 The key ideas for this article are drawn from the Holman Bible Dictionary, Guy
Greenfield -2 Quoted from the Holman Bible Dictionary, Guy Greenfield
This week may you experience His grace, peace and protection!
R. Dwight Hill
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