Homosexuality & the Bible

February 07, 2005

“If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.” ~ Charles Spurgeon 1860 Sermon at Exeter Hall

How do I answer when someone states that Jesus never spoke out against homosexuality?

First, as Bible believing Christians, we believe Jesus Christ is God in the flesh - and believing so, Jesus' strongest stand on the issue of homosexuality had to be when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. The Bible says God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah - and Jesus is part of the triune God. The Bible tells us Jesus was there from the beginning of creation (Genesis) - and He was responsible for creation as well. How much more clearer can Jesus have been in his 'speaking out against' homosexuality, than in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?

While it is true that the New Testament does not document any statements of Jesus specifically condemning or condoning homosexuality - He didn't need to. It was very clear. However, John 21:25 states that "…there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one…even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." Further, it should be considered that there is no record of Jesus’ statements on other sexual practices like rape, incest, bestiality, etc. Yet it is unlikely that Jesus sanctioned these behaviors.

In addition, Jesus reinforced Old Testament law on sexual behavior in Matthew 5:27-30 and Mark 7:21-23. Old Testament law condemned the practice of homosexuality:

"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." – Leviticus 18:22

"If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them hath committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." – Leviticus 20:13

Clearly, Scripture does not equate homosexual and heterosexual relationships. In fact, perhaps the best indicator of Jesus’ stance on homosexuality is found in Matthew 19:4-6, where He restates the Genesis 2:21-25 account of God’s ordination of the marital union. This reference is consistent with all of Scripture, which esteems marriage, the union of one man and one woman in covenant union, above every other relationship, and maintains that all sexual activity must take place within its confines. Any other sex outside that of the grounds of heterosexual marriage is considered fornication, condemned by God.

Homosexuality was punishable by death in the Old Testament, but we are under the new covenant of grace now. How does that affect the practice of homosexuality?

Many moral laws are repeated throughout Scripture. Old Testament civil and ceremonial laws changed under the new covenant of grace. But Christ Himself affirmed much of the moral law in the gospels – His dissertation on adultery is just one example. In Matthew 5:17-18 Jesus stated, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

Romans 1:26-27 informs us that sexual immorality and self-worship brings great consequence to those involved: "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 a woman, burned in their lust toward one another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet." These New Testament passages references the perversion of homosexuality – and affirms that God designed the sexual relationship for marriage.

Some homosexuals twist the meaning of the Romans passage and argue that what comes "natural" to them is homosexuality so it would be sin to act contrary to those feelings. However, what is "natural" and right is defined by God’s created order (Genesis 2:21-25 and Matthew 19:4-6) not our feelings.

Is homosexuality worse than any other sin?

The Scriptures in Leviticus (Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13) refer to homosexuality as an abomination, as detestable. Webster defines abomination as something that is "worthy of or causing disgust or hatred."

The joining of one man and one woman in a covenant union (including sexual relationship) is also a picture or type of the Gospel of Christ. Christ is refereed to as the "bridegroom" and the church (the body of believers) is referred to as the "bride." The two will be joined for all eternity at the "marriage supper of the lamb." The homosexual act perverts this picture to the greatest possible extent. Does this imply that homosexuals are worse than any other sinner? Certainly not. All sin is worthy of disgust or hatred. By its very nature, sin is the antithesis of the character of God. In I Corinthians 6:9-10 and I Timothy 1:9-11, homosexuality is included among a host of other sins – sins that endanger an inheritance in the kingdom of God; sins that the law was designed to punish.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." – I Corinthians 6:9-10

"Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust." – I Timothy 1:9-11

We should never view the sin of another as more egregious than our own. All of our sins separated us from our Creator. Christ died to redeem our lives from sin, and to reinstate our personal relationship with God.

When using the Bible to validate the principle that homosexuality is sin, one is often told, "that is your interpretation." What makes this interpretation more valid than others?

An individual who uses the preceding argument is likely using it for one of two reasons. Either the individual (1) does not understand the methodology of Bible study, or (2) is simply trying to justify his or her behavior.

There is a vast difference between interpretation and opinion. Biblical interpretation is guided by hermeneutics. According to Webster, hermeneutics is "the study of the methodological principles of interpretation." Webster uses the following words to describe methodological: systematic, technique, process, discipline, orderliness, regularity, and classification. This means that Bible study must be done with great care to avoid arbitrariness and inconsistency.

A careful, systematic reading of both the Old and New Testaments indicates that marriage between one man and one woman is God’s plan, and that homosexuality is not an alternative; it is sin. Any other "interpretation" must be based on historical or theological revisionism or faulty hermeneutics. A more honest position by those who desire to support the acceptance of homosexual behavior would be to simply reject the Bible as God’s authoritative word; a position which denies any basis for the Christian faith.

How can God condemn two people just for loving each other?

First we must ask, what does the Bible say about love? I Corinthians 13 is known as the "love chapter." It contains the biblical definition of love. I Corinthians 13:5 states that love "thinketh no evil." Further, verse 6 declares that love: "Rejoices not in iniquity [unrighteousness, sin, wickedness], but rejoiceth in the truth." We have examined passages that demonstrate homosexuality is unrighteous and sinful. Thus, it is biblically impossible for true love to be the basis for a homosexual relationship. God does not condemn two people for loving each other; He condemns homosexual behavior because it is contrary to His created order and His character.

Does upbringing have a bearing on one's "sexual preference?"

It is the belief of Stephen Bennett Ministries that you don't need to be a psychologist to see the common brokeness of families and/or parental relationships in many homosexual men and women. While there are many factors we believe a person can be lead down a homosexual path including broken mother/father relationships, molestation, incest and a variety of other causes, the answer is that homosexuals can come from both broken and stable backgrounds. Our backgrounds and experiences can play a part in determining what specific kinds of temptations we face, but are not the root of sinful desires or behavior.

Jesus said in Matthew 15:19: "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." James 1:14-15 makes the point again: "…but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." The condition of our heart is the root of both sinful desires and actions. We are born with a propensity for evil, and only the life changing power of Christ can enable us to overcome that.

However, parents do play a critical role in the spiritual development of their children. They need to lay a solid spiritual foundation for their children by teaching them to know, apply, and love the Word of God. And they should encourage their children to develop personal relationships with the Lord – to seek God for themselves and listen for His direction. Proverbs 22:6 says that a parent should "train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

How should parents respond to a child who confesses to being a homosexual?

If a child confesses to his or her parents that they are struggling with homosexuality, there are three primary actions parents should take. First, parents should demonstrate unconditional love to their children. As God has extended grace to us, parents must reflect that same grace to their children.

Second, parents should instruct their children regarding God’s plan for human relationships (one man, one woman in the covenant union of marriage) and the biblical admonition against homosexuality. In a loving but firm manner, parents need to express that they do not condone their child’s involvement in homosexuality. Loving your child does not mean you must approve of everything they do. Often parents warn young children not to cross the busy street. The child may become upset, even throw a tantrum. But the parent has correctly rendered his or her protective duty. Similarly, parents who warn their children not to cross the line into homosexuality fulfill their God-given parental responsibility. Sometimes, the hardest part of being a parent is telling your children what they need to hear – even when they don’t want to hear it. Love them enough to tell them the truth.

Third, parents should pray daily on behalf of their children. They must entrust their children to a gracious heavenly Father – He alone can change their heart.

Is it really a "choice" to be, or not to be a homosexual?

This is an area where Christians need to be careful to articulate truth carefully. We often say to the homosexual, "You chose to be that way." Certainly we can all make foolish choices that may place us in a position to be tempted in one way or another. However, while the homosexual may have chosen to give into homosexual desires, few chose to struggle with same-sex attractions any more than we chose the temptations we struggle with. It’s also important to note that God does not hold us accountable for the temptations that come our way but for how we respond to those temptations. That’s when choice becomes a factor.

I Corinthians 10:13 promises "that God is faithful, [and] will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." God’s grace is sufficient; His power made perfect in weakness. (II Corinthians 12:9) God will enable the individual struggling with homosexuality to withstand the temptation and to apply practical biblical principles to avoid being in situations that might prove to make it more difficult to avoid being tempted.

Scripture warns us that Satan’s desire is to exploit our weaknesses. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour…" I Peter 5:8. If the enemy is seeking to devour us – then we should not give him an inch by placing ourselves in danger of temptation! We must be discerning. James 4:7 is clear on this point: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." The individual who struggles with pornography should stay off the Internet. Likewise, the individual who struggles with homosexuality would be unwise to develop a circle of homosexual friends. (II Corinthians 6:14-18)

Shouldn't we be more tolerant of other people's differences?

Differences should be tolerated, but sin should not. As Christians, we are not free to condemn individuals, but we have the responsibility to address sinful behavior. Correcting sin in a loving manner demonstrates true concern and compassion for the individual. Christians are called to be salt and light to the world. As such, we must take a bold stand for truth, rebuke sin, and share the Gospel with everyone, including those who are involved in homosexuality.

The question is often asked, "How can I witness to homosexuals without offending them or seeming "intolerant." In Jeremiah 6:10 the prophet asks, "To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it." Fear of offending or seeming "intolerant" should never move us to silence. Our presentation of Bible truth should never be offensive in and of itself, but the word of God will often cause offense to those who choose to reject it.

How can Christians condemn homosexuality without being considered judgmental?

We live in a society that promotes "tolerance" of everything, whether good or bad. No one likes to be told that his or her behavior is wrong. Rebuke of any kind is considered "intolerant."

It is in this context that homosexuals attempt to justify their behavior by claiming that those who speak against it are judgmental. However, this argument should not hinder Christians from speaking the truth, and condemning sin itself. Is speaking the truth, and condemning sin scriptural? Absolutely. II Timothy 3:16-17 says that "[a]ll Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness…" Hebrews 4:12 refers to the word of God as "quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Thus, it is proper for Christians to use Scripture as a standard for judging behavior.

What Christians must guard against is a judgmental or hypocritical attitude toward the individual in sin. "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17) And in Christ’s own words: "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matthew 7:1-2)

Hasn't science proven that homosexuals are born that way?

Anyone who tells you that science has proven homosexuality to be either biologically or genetically predetermined is either ignorant of the current science or is lying to you. No such proof exists. The often-cited studies, including the so-called "gay gene" or "gay brain" studies have all failed to pass the scrutiny of scientific peer review. Without exception, the studies were deemed to be flawed in their methodology or conclusions – or both.

One particular study, the so-called "gay twin study," attempted to provide proof for the genetic argument by looking at identical twins, one of which professed to be homosexual. The study found that in 51% of cases, both twins were professed homosexuals. As a result, homosexual activists and the media announced that more "proof" had been found that homosexuals are born that way. The media never thought to ask the obvious question, "If homosexuality were truly an inherited trait, would not both twins be homosexual in 100% of the cases?" So much for objective reporting!

God has defined homosexuality as sin and sin comes natural to all human beings because we are all born with a sin nature. But we do not have to live as a slave to sin – we can be set free through the redemptive blood of Christ. The Bible makes it clear; no matter what sinful desire you think "comes naturally to you", or however you "think " you were born – you must be born again. It is the opinion of Stephen Bennett Ministries that there are a variety of factors to lead someone down the homosexual path. Our firm belief is no one is born homosexual. Please feel free to contact us to discuss this topic further.

How can someone be a Christian, and still become involved in the homosexual lifestyle?

God accepts us where we are, but He immediately draws us to Him and calls us to a life of transformation in Him. "Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17)

How does the believer become a new creature? Through incarnation – the indwelling of Jesus Christ in the believer. When incarnation takes place, the Holy Spirit also takes residence in the converted individual. That is why I Corinthians 6:19 calls believers’ bodies "temples of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin. A Christian cannot sin without experiencing the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and ultimately, the chastisement of God. Hebrews 12:6 states: "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."

Realistically, a Christian may become involved in a sinful lifestyle. Like everyone, Christians have an inherited sin nature. However, a Christian should experience conviction when he or she sins. A lack of conviction is symptomatic of a deeper heart problem – it indicates that the person has probably never experienced salvation.

What is the most effective way to witness to homosexuals?

Many people are looking for a "silver bullet" for witnessing to homosexuals. It would be great if there was one powerful statement or intellectual argument that could cause someone living in sin to repent. In reality, there is no one sure method for bringing homosexuals to salvation. Christians must remember that their job is not to convince the homosexual to change but, rather, to point them to the One who can change their heart - Jesus Christ. Only the Holy Spirit can convict an individual of sin, and change the heart.

The issue of salvation should always be addressed first when witnessing to a homosexual. How can we expect someone to live a Godly life when they do not know God? Spiritual rebirth is spiritual life – with it comes the capability to understand sin. "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." (I Corinthians 2:14-15) Only after a person is born again (entering into a relationship with Christ) will a homosexual have the spiritual discernment to recognize their sin and have the power to overcome it.

What is the best way to reach friends and co-workers?

The best way to win anyone to Christ is to set a daily example – by how you work and interact with others – by how you live. As in Stephen's song Do You Have A Testimony? the line says "Do you have a testimony, that the lost can clearly see? For you may be the only Bible they will ever read…"

Pray for opportunities to share your faith. Do not witness in a forceful, overbearing manner. If your behavior is consistently Christ-like, those around you will undoubtedly ask for your secret. Then you have the perfect opportunity to witness, and your life will be proof of what you share. Don’t feel as if you have to force the issue of homosexuality. If a discussion begins with an individual who is struggling with homosexuality, you can be sure they will eventually bring the issue up. Then don’t hesitate to ask them if they would like to know what God has to say about the subject.

What do you say to someone who says they are a Christian, but sees nothing wrong with homosexuality?

Being a "Christian" means different things to different people. When conversing with someone who claims to be a "Christian" and a homosexual, you need to confirm three things: (1) What do they mean when they use the term "Christian"? (2) Do they understand the Gospel? (3) Can they name a day or time when they gave their life to the Lord - when they were born again?

Once you have confirmed the authenticity of their profession of faith, share biblical passages with them regarding God’s created pattern for human relationship (one man, one woman in the covenant union of marriage) and specific passages regarding homosexuality. After being confronted with the Word of God, the true Christian will be convicted by the Holy Spirit regarding their involvement in sin. If there is no conviction, their problem is not homosexuality; their problem is possibly that they have never been born again. Either way, once you have shared the Gospel and provided relevant scripture regarding the issue of homosexuality you will have planted the necessary seeds for God to work in their heart.

by Stephen Bennett
Stephen Bennett Ministries

Posted: February 7, 2005 04:43 PM