In recent years, several mainline denominations have abandoned traditional interpretations of Scripture and have embraced the Gay-Christian movement. Some
people claim that the apostle Paul’s statements were only addressed to believers back then and aren’t relevant today. But God’s Word — which is unchanging and stands forever (Isaiah 40:8) — gives us a different story.
FACT: God clearly condemns any act of sex outside of heterosexual marriage. God designed sexual relationships only for a union between man and woman in
marriage. Genesis 1:27 declares that “God created man in his own image . . . male and female he created them.” Fornication, adultery and prostitution — as well as “homosexual marriage” — are all distortions of God’s original plan for healthy sexuality.
Check it out:
The sin of homosexuality is condemned by the Law of Moses: “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable” (Leviticus 18:22).
Male and female relationships are the only sexual relationships allowed by Jesus: “
‘Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh”? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate’ ” (Matthew 19:4-6).
The first chapter of Romans is usually considered the most thorough and clear condemnation of homosexuality in the Bible. It also contains the only specific reference to lesbianism. “Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised, Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion” (Romans 1:24-27).
First Corinthians 6:9 mentions “homosexual offenders” in a long list of people who will not inherit the kingdom of God. This particular verse seems clear — until the discussions begin about the exact meaning of this phrase in the original Greek language of the New Testament.
Does it refer to lustful, uncommitted male prostitution or to loving, permanent relationships? The literal meaning is “a male who lies with a male.” There are no qualifications. All homosexual behavior is forbidden, no matter what degree of love or lust is involved.
Why Does the Truth Matter?
Because of sin, many of the world’s distortions of truth are found in sexuality. And these distortions have caused grief and hardship to so many. We know from the Bible that those who practice homosexual acts receive “in themselves the due penalty for their perversion” (Romans 1:27).
While God’s Word is clear on the matter of homosexuality, it’s also very clear on the matter of healthy sexuality. You’ve probably heard it said, “God has a plan for your life.” Well, would you believe He also has a plan for your sexuality? He does — within the safe confines of heterosexual marriage!
Excerpted from Straight Answers: Exposing the Myths and Facts About Homosexuality from the Love Won Out series. Published by Focus on the Family.
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