HOMOSEXUALITY
A sexual preference for and sexual behavior between members of the same sex is
considered in Scripture to be an immoral life-style and behavior pattern throughout the
Biblical revelation. Only heterosexual preference and behavior patterns are approved in
Scripture as conforming to Gods plan in the creation of man and woman. Moreover, all
sexual behavior is to take place in the context of marriage. Sex is considered good so
long as it takes place within these parameters. Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable
among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Scripture makes no distinction between what some today refer to as homosexual
orientation and homosexual behavior. Homosexual desires or feelings are never
mentioned as such in Scripture, but homosexual behavior is strongly condemned as a
deviation from Gods will for human beings. Therefore, it stands to reason that any
homosexual inclination, feeling, or desire must be seriously dealt with as a potentially
dangerous temptation much like those temptations of a heterosexual nature such as the
desire to commit fornication or adultery.
Scriptural references to homosexuality are relatively few. Genesis 19:1-11 tells the story
of an attempted homosexual gang rape at the house of Lot by the wicked men of
Sodom. Verse 5 mentions specifically the homosexual intentions of the men of Sodom
(to know referring to having sex”). Lot considers this behavior wicked (v. 7). Raping his
daughters was considered the lesser of two evils (v. 8). This evil of Sodom is mentioned
elsewhere (Jer. 23:14; Ezek. 16:49-50; 2 Pet. 2:6-10; Jude 7) in the strongest terms of
condemnation and in the case of Sodom and Gomorra resulted in the judgment of God
to the point of annihilation. Genesis 19:24-25. The term sodomy has its roots here. A similar story is found in Judges 19:22-30.
In the Holiness Code of Leviticus, homosexuality is considered an abomination (18:22),
and such behavior was to be punished by death (20:13).
In the New Testament the early church also considered homosexuality as sinful
behavior. Although Jesus never mentioned such behavior, probably because the
problem never arose during His ministry among Jewish people, Scripture clearly
condemns homosexuality. Romans 1:26-27 considers homosexuality to be a sign of
Gods wrath upon blind sinfulness. Such behavior is considered a degrading passion,
unnatural, an indecent act, and an error, even worthy of death (Rom. 1:32).
Some of the Corinthian Christians apparently had been homosexuals (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
Having mentioned homosexuality, Scripture stated that such were some of you (v. 11).
Through faith in Christ they had been washed, sanctified; and justified (v. 11).
Scripture implies here that homosexual behavior is forgivable through the gospel and
that any homosexual temptations should be resisted as seriously as those toward
fornication or adultery (mentioned in v. 9). Scripture also teaches that homosexuality is
contrary to sound doctrine (1 Tim. 1:10).
Scripture does not recognize homosexuality as biologically con-situational or hereditary
("as a kind of third sex"), but sees its roots in the sinful nature of man--a psychosocial,
learned behavior, expressing rebellion against God and calling for redemption. Such
persons are responsible for their behavior. This is a very complex psychological
problem with many possible roots or causes: calling for Christian compassion on the
part of Gods people as well as Gods redemptive power through the gospel. The
ministry of the church to homosexuals should include: conversion, counseling, education, and support group relationships.
