What Does The Bible Say About Homosexuality?  Part II

     Last week we examined some Old Testament passages regarding homosexuality and the way God views this action.  This week we will examine some New Testament passages concerning the practice of homosexuality.  Hopefully in so doing many questions will be answered that you may have concerning this subject.
     An important New Testament passage dealing with homosexuality is Romans 1:26 and following.  Paul writes, “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:  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.”  This is a very strong condemnation of homosexuality given by Paul, as he was directed by the Holy Spirit to write such!  Homosexuality is described as vile affections, unnatural, lust, unseemly, and error, and that is only within these two verses!  Those who defend the practice of homosexuality argue that people are born this way.  If such were the case, then homosexuality would be natural, but the Bible clearly says that it is not.  Many scientists agree that homosexuality is a learned behavior, not an inherited trait.  Paul goes on to write, “[K]nowing the judgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”  What a commentary of our own day and time!  The practice of homosexuality was, and still is, condemned by God, but man ignores this fact.  Our society even encourages and applauds those who engage in this kind of vile activity.
     Does God hate homosexuals?  Absolutely not!  God despises sin, but He loves the sinner.  However, just because God loves the sinner does not give may the right to continue in sin.  Some of the brethren in Corinth were guilty of practicing homosexuality and such like (1 Cor.6:9-11).  However, that is what they once were, not what they had become.  They gave up their sinful lifestyles when they chose to be washed in the blood of the Lamb.  How did they go about this?  How were they washed?  How were they sanctified?  How were they justified?  The answer is found in Acts 18:8.  Luke records, [A]nd many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.”  True faith in God will lead the sinner to give up his sin and be baptized (immersed) in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).  God desires that all homosexuals cease the practice of homosexuality, and obey the gospel before it is too late (2 Pet.3:9).
     It is time that we get back to the Bible and view sin as God views it.  Despite what many in this nation think about homosexuality, God still considers it a sin.  As children of God, we, too, should consider homosexuality a sin.

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.