The question of what the Bible says about homosexuality has been a subject of much debate and discussion within Christian communities for centuries. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key biblical passages that are often cited in discussions about homosexuality.
Key Biblical Passages on Homosexuality
Genesis 19:1-11 – The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah
One of the most frequently referenced stories in discussions about homosexuality is the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 19, two angels visit the city of Sodom, and the men of the city demand to have sexual relations with them. Lot, the righteous man in the city, offers his daughters in an attempt to protect the visitors, but the crowd insists on their demand. The angels then intervene, blinding the men and ultimately leading Lot and his family out of the city before it is destroyed.
Many people interpret this story as a condemnation of homosexual behavior, particularly because of the attempted sexual violence. The book of Leviticus contains two specific verses that explicitly mention same-sex relations:
Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
Leviticus 20:13: “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”
These verses are part of the Holiness Code, a collection of laws given to the Israelites that also includes other moral, ritual, and purity laws. Many conservative Christians cite these passages as direct condemnations of homosexuality.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul addresses same-sex relations in Romans 1:26-27:
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual 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 shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
In 1 Timothy 1:9-10, Paul again refers to “arsenokoitai” as part of a list of sinful behaviors:
“We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
Traditional View: The traditional interpretation, often held by conservative Christian denominations, views the Bible as clear in its condemnation of all same-sex sexual acts. Supporters of this view typically argue that the Bible defines marriage as a heterosexual institution (Genesis 2:24) and that same-sex relationships are incompatible with God’s design for human sexuality. They also maintain that the moral teachings of the Bible are timeless and applicable to all cultures.
Conclusion: A Complex and Evolving Conversation
Scripture is very clear about the sin of homosexuality and how God views it as an abomination. So much so that he completely destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This sin perverts God’s design of male and female. It would be like someone designing a beautiful luxurious automobile and giving it to a loved one. Then the loved one takes this automobile and drives it in the Indianapolis 500 speedway. The cars designer would be furious because the car was not designed for racing. Thus males where not designed for sexual relations with other males and females where not designed for sexual relations with other females.
For those struggling with homosexuality, remember that Jesus paid a horrific price for our sins. So if you declare with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9.
It’s not too late to receive God’s forgiveness. No one has to suffer in hell.
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