What Does The Bible Say About Homosexuality?

     Much is being said these days regarding homosexuality.  We are being constantly bombarded with it by means of movies, television, and the media, all of which glorify homosexuality.  Individual states are deciding within their Supreme Courts whether or not they will sanction same-sex “marriages.”  Not a day goes by where homosexuals do not gain more rights and privileges than ever before.  What does the Bible have to say about homosexuality?  Is man born that way, or does the Bible condemn such behavior?  Let us seek the Bible answer.
     The Bible explicitly condemns homosexuality as sin.  In Leviticus 18:22, Moses called the practice of homosexuality an “abomination.”  The Mosaic law called for the death of those who practiced adultery, incest, homosexuality, or bestiality (Lev.20:10-16).  Now, some will argue that the Old Testament laws and statutes are no longer binding.  Many of the laws and regulations in the Old Testament dealt with ceremonies and rituals.  These ceremonies and rituals ceased at the cross, therefore, the laws and regulations regarding such are no longer binding.  However, God’s law regarding moral evils has remained unchanged.  God has always despised the immoral practice of homosexuality and He continues to despise this practice to this day.  This is evidenced by the fact that homosexuality is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments.
     The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is further proof that God despises the sinful lifestyle of homosexuality.  Those who advocate the homosexual lifestyle argue that God was displeased with the inhospitable behavior of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah toward Lot’s guests.  God was displeased with these two cities long before this incident, saying to Abraham that the sin of these cities was “very grievous” (Gen.18:20).  Abraham pleaded with God to spare the cities if he could find but ten righteous souls within the two cities (18:32).  However, Abraham’s search came up short.  Was it the case that ten righteous souls could not be found because the cities were so inhospitable?  It is foolish to believe such a thing.  Ten righteous souls could not be found in Sodom and Gomorrah because the inhabitants were in love with the sin of fornication, particularly homosexuality.  Their actions toward Lot’s guests prove this to be so.  The men of Sodom asked Lot to turn his two guests over to them that they may “know” them (Gen.19:5).  The term “know” in this context is that of sexual knowledge (see also Gen.4:1; Mt.1:25).  The men were stricken blind, yet they wearied themselves trying to find the door so that they might fulfill their evil lusts (19:11)!  Is it the case that the term “Sodomite” is employed to describe an inhospitable person?  We know that it is not.
     These few Old Testament passages show God’s displeasure with the evil practice of homosexuality.  Lord willing, we will examine some New Testament passages regarding homosexuality next week.

Do you have a Bible question that deserves a Bible answer?  Do you want more information about this subject?  Feel free to contact the Mabelvale church of Christ at 455-2548 or by fax at 407-0072.  We may also be reached by e-mail at mabelval@cei.net, and we have a web page at www.cei.net/~mabelval.  On the web page you will find archives of all of the “Ask A Bible Questions” to date, as well as other items.  Also, tune into the Search television program on Sunday mornings at 8:00 on channel 4.