Homosexuality

Homosexuality: A Biblical Perspective

Homosexuality has come out of the closet, and into the pop-culture and sociopolitical mainstream in recent years. Television shows that glorify this lifestyle, such as "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "Will and Grace," receive positive reviews and gain high viewer ratings. The media insinuates that all reasonable people approve of this lifestyle, and that those who call it a sin suffer from "homophobia" and perhaps need mental help. Public acceptance of homosexuality has even reached a point where Canada and Massachusetts have legalized same-sex marriages, with more states expected to follow. Several churches ordain homosexual clergy, and one denomination recently appointed a homosexual bishop.

Homosexuality is a sin, according to the Word of God. At this time in history, Christians must develop a balanced biblical perspective on this lifestyle. We cannot afford to accept homosexuality as a harmless alternative lifestyle. On the other hand, we cannot afford to go to extremes that are not grounded in Scripture.

Several key Scriptures will guide our discussion:

"You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination" (Leviticus 18:22; all verses from NASB unless otherwise indicated).

"If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them" (Leviticus 20:13).

"Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error" (Romans 1:24–27).

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

We can learn a few principles from these passages. First, it is clear that homosexuality is a sin. It is not merely an alternative lifestyle which is just as acceptable as heterosexual marriage. It is clearly a serious enough sin that God's Word says that they will not inherit the kingdom of God.

It is important to point out, though, that homosexuality has not earned a unique status among sins. Many Christians are quick to point out that Lev. 18:22 calls homosexuality an "abomination." However, Scripture calls many sins abominations, including the following: idolatry (Deut. 7:25); prostitution (Deut. 23:18); transvestitism (Deut. 22:5); remarrying an ex-spouse who has had another partner (Deut. 24:4); acting unjustly (Deut. 25:16); being devious (Prov. 3:32); shedding innocent blood, devising wicked plans, spreading strife among brethren, and lying (Prov. 6:16–19); dishonest business practices (Prov. 11:11); pride (Prov. 16:5); and prayer by anybody who ignores God's Word (Prov. 28:9). Several of these are readily excused by many in the church today. Some churches that would never accept gay members would readily grant the right hand of fellowship to liars or dishonest, crooked businessmen (as long as the businessman remembers to tithe his ill-gotten gain). We must maintain a just balance when addressing sin.

Springing from the truth that homosexuality is a sin is the fact that homosexuality cannot be excused by genetics. In recent years there have been many scientific studies claiming to provide proof that homosexuality is genetic, and therefore should be accepted in the same way that we accept a person's hair color or shoe size.

Much of the evidence is questionable, drawing the "gay gene" conclusion without looking at other options. One study "proved" that homosexuality is genetic by comparing the brains of men who died from AIDS. Certain parts of homosexuals' brains were noticeably larger than the same parts in heterosexual men. Yet, does this prove that the brain physiology and gay lifestyle both sprang from a common gene? Could it be that homosexual activity causes changes in brain physiology? A few years ago a study found that playing violent video games can lead to malformation of the brain's frontal lobe. If video games can damage brain physiology, can other human activities do so too? And if so, could sexual activity alter the brain's structure? This option was not considered. Incidentally, the lead researcher in the study connecting sexual preference and brain structure was gay, which raises concerns about his objectivity.

The "gay gene" explanation ignores earlier studies which noted that people from certain family and social bacdgrounds were more likely to become homosexual. Science demands that all valid evidence be considered, not just the most recent studies. This theory also ignores the fact that, even when people are genetically predisposed toward a certain behavioral trait, other factors including free will are also involved. In our fallen human nature, genetics may predispose our actions in certain ways, but free will still plays a vital role.

Finally, it is obvious from 1 Cor. 6:11 that the blood of Jesus is able to save and transform the homosexual. "Such were some of you," Paul writes to a group of Christians, implying that some of them were former homosexuals. No sin is beyond the power of Jesus to forgive and deliver. While the church stands its ground in the current culture wars, it must also show the love of God, so that others may listen and choose to accept Jesus. Gays must know that Jesus loves them in spite of their sins. They must know that, if they turn their lives over to Jesus, the church will support them in their new life, pray for transformation in every area of their lives, and lift them up when they fall and try to repent again. However, they will not know these things if they do not see Christ's love manifested through us towards them.

As Christians, it is our duty and privilege to proclaim the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ and call all mankind to Him. He has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18). Let us stand faithful to the Word of God, holding forth the true standards of righteousness to a deceived society, while at the same time manifesting God's love and mercy to all who are trapped by the schemes of Satan.