Romans 1:22-28 "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 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: 27 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. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"
Introduction
It is clearly evident that there is a war raging in our culture over the homosexual movement. It is estimated that less than 10% of the culture is homosexual (some believe, and I believe more accurately, less than 3%) though a larger percentage of the populace seems to believe it is acceptable even though it may not be appealing to them. The pro-homosexual movement is very aggressive and "in your face", and is often backed and supported by leading 1 politicians and Hollywood types.2 Several major corporations recognize "domestic partners," meaning homosexuals living together as married couples, allowing them to have employee’s benefits as a regular biblically ordained family. There are also numerous television programs which include homosexual characters in the cast, fostering acceptance in our culture. To take a vocal stand against the sin of homosexuality invites scathing ridicule from the media, including the names "homophobic, intolerant hatemonger, radical right, …" It is crucial for the believer to know and understand what God’s Word teaches about this issue which could be part of the demise of our culture – and it’s church!
THE DEFINITIONS CONCERNING HOMOSEXUALITY
A. Homosexual: describes the propensity for sexual relations with members of one’s own sex.
B. Lesbian: a term for a female homosexual, it comes from the ancient Greek island Lesbos, which was an island inhabited solely by women.
C. Sodomite: a term for a male homosexual, taken from the name of the city of Sodom and the sin it was known for as found in Genesis 19.
D. Bisexual: those with a sexual preference for both sexes.
The Greek Words - Malakoi, arsenokoitai
1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (malakoi), nor abusers of themselves (arsenokoitai) with mankind,
1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind (arsenokoitai), for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Although "... there is some uncertainty about the precise meaning of these Greek terms … the majority opinion has been that the first term refers to the passive partner in a homosexual relationship and the second to the active member." 4
Secular Defenses That Promote of Homosexuality
A. Genetic Theory: Some psychiatrists believe that homosexuality is genetically transmitted.5 It may thus be considered a sickness! "If biology explains homosexual behavior, it is assumed that individuals are given little choice in the matter and thus cannot be held responsible for behavior they cannot control."6
B. Psychology Theory: Some have believed that early environmental influences produce homosexual tendencies. However, the American Psychiatric Assoc. removed it from a list of psychiatric disorders in 1973, fostering the idea of acceptance among the populace every year following.
C. Questionable Theories: Some link homosexuality to questionable emotional developments:
Enforced sexual discipline
Abnormal family situations
Rebellion against masculine domination
Strong maternal influence
Lack of persons with whom to identify
Experiences of seduction in youth
D. False Biblical Theories: Some defend homosexuality on Scriptural evidence.
1. Genesis 19, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was not because of the about sin of homosexuality. According to D. Sherwin Bailey, in his pro-homosexual book Homosexuality and the Western Tradition, 1955, states:
a. The sin for which the cities were destroyed (if it was sexual in nature) was homosexual gang rape, not homosexuality.
b. The problem with the city was inhospitality. The demand of the men of Sodom "to know" the strangers was a desire to get acquainted and to see if they were spies. Lot was not hospitable, i. e. he did not follow "the custom of the day" as to the men who were looking for the visitors. Because Lot was a foreigner, he should have sent the two messengers to the men of Sodom first, and then have them in his home.
2. Judges 19:22-27, which has a similar defense as Genesis 19
3. Jeremiah 23:14, Ezekiel 16:49, the sins of Sodom that are listed include adultery, lying, helping the wicked, pride, fulness of bread and idleness, but homosexuality is not listed.
>The Declaration Condemning Homosexuality (responses to the precious point)
A. Scripturally:
1. Genesis 19
The sin condemned in Genesis 19 was Sodomy. To say that inhospitality is in view is equally ridiculous! The phrase "know" in vs. 5 certainly is sexual in nature, as the same word is used of Lot’s daughters in vs. 8. The men of Sodom would certainly have known the daughters of Lot as far as their identity. It is foolish to think that inhospitality was in view, (cf. Lot’s answer in vs. 7). If all they desired was to meet them – checking their credentials, etc. would certainly not qualify as wickedness!
It is also most difficult to dismiss 2 Peter 2:6-9 and Jude 7 as the "sin" of inhospitality.
2. Leviticus 18:22-24, 20:13, Deut. 23:17-18
3. 1 Kings 14:24, 15:12, 22:46, 2 Kings 23:7
4. Romans 1:24-32, 1 Cor. 6:9-11, 1 Thes. 4:3-4, 1 Tim. 1:10
5. Gen. 1:26-28, 2:24-25, 1 Cor. 7:1ff explains the place and purpose of sexual relationships
B. Theologically:
1. If homosexuality is genetic, the genes would be mutant and decrease generationally. Obviously, since homosexuals cannot pro-create, there would soon be no homosexuals!
2. Psychology even dismissed it’s own ideas of homosexuality being a mental disorder. Though it was dismissed for faulty reasons, it obviously is not a mental disorder.
3. To say that one’s emotional surroundings throughout one’s life will determine his sexual preference is to victimize one’s self, and release one of accountability. The Bible certainly rejects this, recognizing the individual’s culpability for one’s sins.
Consider: There is some debate about homosexual tendencies and homosexual activities. For example, being a homosexual is not a sin, but committing the act of homosexuality is a sin.7 This needs some consideration; it is certainly not a sin to be a heterosexual (it is God’s design!) but you can sin in the heterosexual realm. In addition, to say that one is a victim of any of the above removes any hope of change in the future. Yet the Bible teaches otherwise, and many homosexuals have come to Christ and changed their lifestyle!8
Homosexuality is a sin against God!
In discussing Romans 1:26-28, 32, Jay Adams states it clearly: "In verse 26 Paul speaks of homosexuality as a "degrading passion," in verse 27 as an "indecent act" and "an error," in verse 28 the improper activity of a "depraved mind," and verse 32 declares it is "worthy of death." One is not a homosexual constitutionally any more than one is an adulterer constitutionally. Homosexuality is not considered to be a condition, but an act. It is viewed as a sinful practice which can become a way of life. The homosexual act, like the act of adultery, is the reason for calling one a homosexual (of course, one may commit homosexual sins of the heart, just as one can commit heterosexual sins of the heart. He may lust after a man in his heart as another may lust after a woman). But precisely because homosexuality, like adultery, is learned behavior into which men with sinful natures are prone to wander, homosexuality can be forgiven in Christ, and the pattern can be abandoned and in its place proper patterns can be reestablished by the Holy Spirit."9
"… there can be no doubt that the Old Testament regarded homosexuality and pederasty as crimes punishable by death (Lev. 18:22, 20:13) … In the New Testament homosexuality is again listed in catalogue fashion with other forms of disobedience, such as idolatry, fornication, adultery … there can be no doubt that Paul regards homo-sexuality as a sin and a perversion of the order of human existence willed by God …"10
C. Practically
1. The danger of AIDS. The average age of men dying of AIDS is 39 11
2. Homosexuals usually have multiple partners, quickly spreading the AIDS virus
3. The average of gays dying of all other causes is 41
4. Only 1 % of men who practice homosexuality live to 65 or older (average heterosexual men live to be 65 plus)
5. Homosexuals are three times more likely to have alcohol or drug abuse problems
6. Homosexuals are 14 times more likely to have syphilis, and 23 times more likely to contract venereal disease.
7. In San Francisco, the rate of infectious Hepatitis A is twice the national average
8. The murder rate is 15 times higher among homosexuals than heterosexuals 12
9. The suicide rate among homosexuals is much higher than the national average. 20% of practicing homosexuals have attempted suicide. 13
10. It destroys God’s plan for marriage and family, and perverts what God has established as an ordained institution through which to fulfill the Adamic Covenant of Gen. 1:26-28.
While homosexuality is clearly classified as a sin in Scripture, and I believe a very perverse sin at that, one must realize that God hates all sin – including all sexual sin. God will hold the homosexual no more guilty of sexual sin than He will the fornicator, adulterer, … according to 1 Cor. 6:9-10.
The church can have a ministry to the homosexual by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in love. While many consider them unlovable due to their in-your-face demeanor and clear hatred to Christ and His church, remember that Christ demonstrated His love to us all while we were unlovable, Romans 5:8.
We must be careful not to use derogatory terminology or name-calling. Many former homosexuals have been saved, and are now living in the God-ordained institution of heterosexual marriage, have families, and are serving in Bible believing, Gospel preaching churches. God’s Word, energized by the Holy Spirit, has the power to save from all sin!
Yet, we must make it clear that homosexuality is wrong, and confront it as God gives us opportunity. We recognize that it is NOT an acceptable, alternative lifestyle. It will harm our culture, as the point statistics demonstrate clearly. It also invites the judgment of God! Some have said that if God doesn’t punish America for it’s sin of homosexuality, He will owe Sodom and Gomorrah an apology. Well, God does NOT owe anybody an apology, as He has not and can not EVER do anything wrong. There is an indication that a large percentage of the populace in Sodom were homosexuals, wherein I believe the statistics of homosexuals in America is quite small – from what I have seen, less than 10%.
Next, let’s consider - The Very Real Push For Same Sex Marriage
The Disastrous Decision of the Supreme Court
I was in Washington D.C. in June of this year (2003) when the United States Supreme Court ruled in Lawrence v. Texas that Texas’s sodomy law was unconstitutional on "right of privacy" and "equal protections" grounds "guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The section of the 14th Amendment that they are referring to is -- No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
This was a disastrous decision! Here is why. Their decision effectively put an end to the remaining sodomy laws on the books in 13 states and opened the door to the possibility of same sex marriages and new laws that will make calling homosexuality sin hate speech.
Homosexual sodomy was criminal conduct in all 50 states until the 1960’s. Since 1961 homosexual conduct has gone from being a crime in all 50 states to the Supreme Court ruling that it is protected behavior under the Law.
I grew up when homosexuality was categorized as a mental illness and Americans considered it a moral perversion. And, regardless of what the Supreme Court has ruled, our Supreme God says it is an abominable moral perversion. All we have to do is look at Leviticus 20:13 "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." What does the New Testament have to say? Turn to 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: 27 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 recompence of their error which was meet."
From the first book of the Bible it is clear that God’s judgment has been upon those who practice this sin! In Genesis 19 we see that the old and young men of the city of Sodom intended to molest the two angels (they thought they were men), which were sent there by God. It is clear that the men of Sodom preferred men over women. They refused the two women that were offered to them. In fact, the condition was so bad that 10 righteous men could not be found. If there had been, God would have spared them (Genesis 18:23-33). Ultimately God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities of the area because of the prevalence of homosexuality in that area (19:24-28).
The true story of Sodom and Gomorrah used to be laughed and even considered fictional by many until the Ebla tablets were discovered in the 1970's. Many of the tablets recorded trade records with Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other cities of the plain, proving to the skeptics they existed. The size of transactions led many historians to believe the population of the cities of the plain to be around 250,000.
Listen friends, the Sodom area was a fertile area blessed by God (Genesis 13:10-13). But, instead of being thankful to God for His blessings the people forgot God, were filled with pride, greed, and lived for pleasure. (Ezekiel 16:49)
The Degeneration of America
For years people knew that this vial perversion existed in our culture, but it was hidden and scorned. All that changed in the so- called 60’s sexual revolution. The year was 1969. Homosexuality came "out of the closet" in the June 1969 riot at the Stonewall Bar in Greenwich Village, New York. It started as a routine police raid, but homosexuals fought back with bricks. There was 3 days of confrontation. The event is now celebrated yearly as "Gay Pride Week" symbolizing rebellion against the establishment and bringing their perversion into the open. From this, the Gay Rights movement was born. Since then, homosexuals and those who are sympathetic to their cause have chipped away and chipped away at the Judeo-Christian sexual values that under girded our nation until we are where we are at today. Public education, television and the liberal media are conduits pumping homosexual propaganda into the minds of Americans young and old. An increasing number of voices are shouting the lies that the "gay" lifestyle is normal and natural. But, would you call this a "gay" lifestyle? Homosexuals make up about 4% of the population. Yet, they have 44% of all male syphilis, 50% of all venereal disease, 53% of all intestinal diseases, 43% of all hepatitis A, 35% of all hepatitis B, and 88% of all AIDS cases. The average age of homosexuals dying with AIDS is 39. The average age of homosexuals dying of all other causes is only 41. Only 1 percent of homosexuals live to be 65 or older. The suicide rate among homosexuals is 60 times higher than the general population. They are three times as likely to have alcohol or drug abuse problems. They are 45 times more likely to be involved in auto accidents than heterosexuals. The rate of murder among homosexual men is 50 times greater than the general population. God’s hand of judgment is upon homosexuals.
These people need Christ so that they can be transformed. God can release a homosexual or lesbian from the bands of that lifestyle (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
What are the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling?
The Fact Sheet that we get from Family Research Institute of Wisconsin says,
"In one sweeping action, the Court’s decision invalidated the sodomy laws of twelve additional states with such laws on the books. Wisconsin and 36 other states had already repealed their sodomy laws by either legislative or judicial action prior to the Lawrence decision….Homosexual activists and pro-family groups alike recognize that this decision has opened the proverbial Pandora’s box and has implications far beyond overturning states’ sodomy laws."
What are the implications of the Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas? One key thing that will be attacked is the Biblical definition of marriage. Senator Scott L. Fiztgerald, (Republican from Juno) said, "the institution of marriage has served our society well, based on Judeo-Christian values and I think it should be protected." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Officials to debate same-sex unions; B1 & 2).
Friends, the Bible is clear. Marriage is between a man and a woman! God made Eve and brought her to Adam (Genesis 2:22). Moses, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul affirm this.
Moses - Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Christ - Mark 10:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
Paul - Ephesians 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
The Biblical family is the backbone of society! When then family is destroyed the culture is doomed. In fact, this was a key contributing factor in the demise of Rome.
The battle lines are being drawn as I speak. The liberals are intent on following Ontario Canada lead in pressing for same-sex marriage. Most conservatives rightly want to retain the status quo. For example, President Bush was asked the following question during a Wednesday (July 30, 2003) news conference in the White House Rose Garden –
QUESTION: Thank you, sir. Mr. President, many of your supporters believe that homosexuality is immoral. They believe that it's been given too much acceptance in policy terms and culturally. As someone who's spoken out in strongly moral terms, what's your view on homosexuality?
BUSH: Yes, I am mindful that we're all sinners. And I caution those who may try to take the speck out of the neighbor's eye when they've got a log in their own. I think it's very important for our society to respect each individual, to welcome those with good hearts, to be a welcoming country. On the other hand, that does not mean that somebody like me needs to compromise on an issue such as marriage. And that's really where the issue is headed here in Washington, and that is the definition of marriage. I believe in the sanctity of marriage. I believe a marriage is between a man and a woman. And I think we ought to codify that one way or the other. And we've got lawyers looking at the best way to do that.
As a result of our President’s comments, "Representative Jan Schakowsky, Democrat from Illinois, sent a letter to the president complaining that he ‘seemed to equate homosexuality with sin. While you may not approve of homosexuality, as the leader of all Americans, you have no right to make such a judgment.’" (USA Today; Thursday, July 31, 2003; President wants to ‘codify’ marriage – Legislation in works to deny rights to gays).
Homosexuality IS sin according to God’s Word, the Bible and the President not only has a right but a responsibility as a "minister of God to thee for good" and a Christian to call it sin (see Romans 13:4). That is the decree of God. That needs to be our verdict also. We must clearly stand against homosexuality and same-sex marriage and stand for Biblical marriage.
We are living in an age similar to the time of Isaiah when he delivered God's warning, "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness" (Isaiah 5:20). Throughout our society there are many who are trying to force others to accept perversions of God's creation, which God plainly calls sin. It was God's design to create us male and female (Genesis 1:27). And, as we pointed out earlier, from the very beginning, man was to "leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). Ever since this beginning, homosexuality and lesbianism have been a perversion of God's purpose for His Creation. It is a sin that often brings judgment in this life and, if unrepented of, will always cause condemnation in the next.
What Can We Do?
Seek to win people to Christ, then their lives will change
Preach God’s truth from the pulpit
Teach God’s truth in our homes
Model God’s truth in our lives
Speak God’s truth in public
Pray for our public officials
Urge them to vote right
End Notes:
[1] Then President Bill Clinton met with members of the Democratic
National Committee of Gays and Lesbians, and stated that "I think
we’ve got a much better chance to pass (pro-gay and lesbian
legislation) in 2000, and I hope you will help me with that … I have
said many times, I wish we could have done more [to promote the
homosexual agenda] but I’m glad we did what we did." Marc
Lacey, "Clinton tells Gays He Will Seek to Change Way ‘Don’t Tell’
Policy is Used," New York Times, 17 December 1999, p. A28.
Concerned Women for America states, "President Clinton is telling
you and the American people that it’s time you were forced to accept
homosexuality as a normal and acceptable lifestyle. The
president is saying that it’s time to give same-sex "love" civil
rights protection." How is the homosexuality community doing
this? Through public schools, media, celebrity endorsement,
gay militants, literature, television, …
[2] Those who have endorsed homosexuality directly or indirectly
include Elton John, Ellen Degeneres, Tom Hanks, Roseanne, Kelsey
Grammer, Boy George, …
R. K. Harrison, Encyclopedia of Biblical and Christian Ethics,
pp. 182, 393-394.
[4] Michael Ukleja, quoted by Paul and John Feinberg, Ethics for a Brave New World, p. 199.
[5] For example see "Born or Bred?" Newsweek: Feb. 24, 1992 pp. 46-53
[6] Sherwood Cole, "Biology, Homosexuality and Moral Culpability," Bibliotheca Sacra 154 (July – September 1997); p. 355.
[7] It may be debatable, but needs some reflection. yes"> "Patristic (church fathers) references, like scriptural ones, were directed, however, to the practice of homosexuality, not the desire itself. There was no condemnation of the person who kept his propensity in check, Christian judgment instead being imposed strictly on those who yielded to its pressures." R. K. Harrison, normal">ibid., p. 183.
[8] For example, see AFA Journal, August 1995, p. 20. yes"> Many homosexuals have come to Christ and shared their testimonies.
[9] Jay Adams, The Christian Counselor’s Manual, p. 406.
[10] Helmut Thielicke, The Ethics of Sex, pp. 277-278.
[11] Unless otherwise noted, statistics are from "Concerned Women for America."
[12] Manfred E. Kober, "Homosexuality: Degeneracy, Debility, or Disease?" class notes, p. 1
[13] Kober, normal">ibid, p. 1
Note: The materials for this study come from
materials published by Pastor David L. Brown and Pastor Richard Rogers
at – www.logosresourcepages.org