Homosexuality is still a sin according to God
Published: August 19, 2012
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Many issues are involved in the present debate over the acceptance of homosexuality. While there are those in the field of genetics who say homosexuality is biologically determined, there are also those in the field of religion who say the practice of homosexuality is always wrong.
If issues of sexuality are matters that come under the realm of morality, it is obvious they must be dealt with according to some moral standard. However, if matters of sexuality fall under the realm of biology, then they must be studied in the light of science.
We need to examine and evaluate the evidence in light of an objective moral standard. If the practice of homosexuality can be justified on the basis of biology, then any accusations against those who believe otherwise would be somewhat substantiated. However, if the practice of homosexuality does violate an objective standard, then the practice of homosexuality is sinful and no accountable person who practices such can be in fellowship with God.
There are many studies that have been conducted but none of them prove the practice of homosexuality is biologically determined. In fact, human behavior, sexual or otherwise, has little to do with genetics. A rational person will realize that we live in a world where we have a choice as to how we behave and also where we are going to be held accountable for the choices we make.
Although it may not be fully understood what causes a person to become a murderer or a rapist, society will not hesitate to punish such criminal behavior. The same would hold true with sexual behavior. Though a person may have certain desires for sexual contact with his own or the opposite sex, the desire to follow through with those desires is a choice for which the accountable person will be held responsible. It should be obvious that sexuality does not completely fall under the realm of science.
If, therefore, sexuality does not completely fall under the realm of science then of necessity, human sexuality must be governed by moral law. We must understand here that not just any law is sufficient. People cannot make up their own system of morality and think they can just live happily ever after. There must be some moral absolutes that can only be met through divine revelation.
Moral absolutes may be defined as “objective moral values which are real and true for men regardless of whether any person or culture believes them to be true.” In other words, moral absolutes are higher than the invention, alteration, or termination of mankind.
There are two things that are necessary for a system of morality to be based on moral absolutes: (1) moral obligations must be dependent upon objective moral truth; and (2) mankind must have the ability to be aware of and to learn of that truth.
We believe God to be the source of the objective moral standard which is necessary for a system of morality to be based on moral absolutes, and that truth is revealed in the Bible, God’s word. Accountable mankind does have the ability to be aware of and to learn of that objective truth.
Let us consider what the Bible teaches on homosexuality. It must be noted that the practice of homosexuality is condemned in all three dispensations -- Patriarchal, Mosaic and Christian. That immediately lets us know that homosexuality, because of its prohibition in each dispensation, is characteristic of something that has been and always will be wrong.
During the Patriarchal dispensation we can note such passages as Genesis 19:4-5 where the verdict on the ethics of Sodom was given. Also such passages as Genesis 13:13 and Genesis 18:20 can be read to show how exceedingly wicked this city was.
In addition to being condemned in the Patriarchal dispensation, homosexual practice is also condemned in the Mosaic dispensation. Note Leviticus 20:13. This is a law against the practice of homosexuality which is an “absolute prohibition.” Homosexuality is not singled out in this context (Leviticus 20:10-21), but is a component part of that morality which must not characterize the chosen people of God.
This prohibition is not merely a result of so-called “homophobia,” but is the prohibition of an approach to sexuality that denies any boundaries in the creation order and uses sex as a vehicle to make that statement. Homosexual practice is an “abomination” to the Lord (Leviticus 18:22).
The practice of homosexuality is also condemned in the Christian dispensation. Any prohibition against “fornication” is a prohibition against homosexual practice (Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 5:19). “Fornication” defined in the original language as “prostitution, unchastity, fornication of every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse.”
Since sexual relationships are God’s will exclusively for a husband and wife (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-9), homosexual practice falls under the category of “unlawful sexual intercourse.” All homosexual acts fail to fulfill the purposes for which God created sex.
Homosexuality is condemned from the beginning of the Bible to the end. Please study these passages in the light of your own Bible. The Warner Robins Church of Christ invites you to worship with us and learn more of these precious truths. We pray that you will submit your life to God’s infallible word.
Gene E. Stilwell, Warner Robins Church of Christ.
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