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Where In The Bible Does It Say About Gay

Gods Love To The Sinner

What the Bible says about homosexuality | Kristin Saylor & Jim O’Hanlon | TEDxEdgemontSchool

Before we answer the question: Where in the Bible does it say that homosexuality is a sin, you need to know that although God hates sin, He loves the sinner to the point of death. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting .

Homosexuality In The New Testament: 1 Corinthians : 9

The next New Testament text typically included in our topic is 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Male prostitutes could refer to men who sold themselves sexually, either in heterosexual or homosexual activity. As translated by the New International Version, the word would not necessarily speak to our subject, as prostitution of any kind is almost universally understood to be immoral.

But the Greek word so translated is more likely a technical term for the passive partner in homosexual activity . And so it may well refer to one who engages in homosexuality, without a necessary connection to prostitution. The activity it describes makes it harder to assert that Paul had no concept of homosexual orientation but meant his words only for heterosexuals who practice homosexual behavior.

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Homosexuality: One Parishioner’s Perspective

Some Christians say that The Bible makes it clear that homosexuality is an abomination to God. As a Christian, I have to admit that until recently I had never thoroughly explored the Biblical position on homosexuality. I decided to review the topic of homosexuality in The Bible in order to get a better perspective on why some Christians find homosexuality so troubling. In my review, I found that the word homosexual does not appear in the Bible. The word homosexual first was used in the English language during the eighteenth century.

There are numerous descriptions in The Bible of what we now call LGBT behavior. These descriptions occur both in the Old and New Testaments. A surface reading of these passages would suggest to the casual reader that the Bible does in fact condemn such behavior. However, when these passages are read in context, it is clear that all negative connotations about these persons are always secondary to a more primary message.For example, Christians who feel that people of the LGBT persuasion are sinners, typically quote from the Old Testament book of Leviticus at 18.22: You shall not lie with a male as with a woman it is an abomination. On the surface, this verse seems pretty straightforward. However, if we are to have a full understanding of the verse, we must know the context in which the verse is written. The full context of Leviticus paints an entirely different picture of what this verse is intended to mean.

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Homosexuality In The Hebrew Bible

The bible addresses the act of two people of the same sex having a relationship, but it does so differently to sociey.

Its important to undertsand the bible doesnt assume that a person is homosexual because of their behaviours alone, as the world does.

For example if two people of the same sex have a non physical relationship, theyre not automatically categorised as being homosexuals.

The bible tells us how we should act as men and as women.

  • The first thing to look at is that the bible addressees the actions of how a man or woman should act and dress.
  • Secondly it addresses how the act of sexual intercourse should and shouldnt be done.
  • So lets deal with these two things i.e. behaviour and sexual relations.

    Proposition : At Most There Are Only Three Passages In The Entire New Testament That Refer To What We Today Would Call Homosexual Activity

    LGBT and Scripture

    None of the four gospels mentions the subject. This means that, so far as we know, Jesus never spoke about homosexuality, and we simply have no way of determining what his attitude toward it might have been. Moreover, there is nothing about homosexuality in the Book of Acts, in Hebrews, in Revelation, or in the letters attributed to James, Peter, John, and Jude. Further, homosexuality is not mentioned in ten of the thirteen letters attributed to Paul. It is only in Romans 1:2627, 1 Corinthians 6:910, and 1 Timothy 1:811 that there may be references to homosexuality.2 The paucity of references to homosexuality in the New Testament suggests that it was not a matter of major concern either for Jesus or for the early Christian movement.

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    Intimacy Identity And Culture

    Sam Allberry, a same-sex pastor from England, confronts the pain of being alone, even by choice, on the grounds of obedience to God. Celibacy is made more difficult by the elevation of marital intimacy to a lofty position above all other forms, including friendship.

    Allberrys fear is that if someones only choice in life seems to be either unbiblical intimacy or no intimacy, theyre going to end up choosing unbiblical intimacy. And if thats the case, I think the wider church shares responsibility for that.

    As Allberry asserts, people within the LGBQT+ community are being denied access to this kind of intimacy, so even those who are keen to follow Gods commands and to please him by their faithful obedience are drawn to other sources for belonging and acceptance.

    Jesus never taught his disciples to deny friendship and familial love to anyone. Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother .

    He also promoted mutually uplifting, godly friendship. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends . The word friend, philos in the Greek, means beloved or dear. I have called you friends, Jesus said to his disciples .

    Not everyone accepts forgiveness through Jesus but he offers dignity, love, and truth to everyone. When a gospel-believing person highlights sin in a persons life, the purpose should always be to point that person to Jesus and his saving mercies.

    Bible Verses About Homosexuality

    Christians must always start with the Bible in order to hear Gods Word on any subject. His commands are not optional, and he states clearly, You shall not lie with a male as with a woman it is an abomination .

    Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God .

    For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error .

    Some Christians suggest that a progressive God would overturn his own commands in a certain social climate, but God does not progress in his thinking his thoughts and commandments are always right.

    We know that God does not change his mind, that he is always the same, and this is foundational to our hope and our faith in his Kingdom purposes.

    God was, is, and always will be against sexual sin in all of its forms, which include lust for a person who is not ones spouse, sexual affairs, and even emotional affairs.

    One must not single out someone who identifies as gay or transgender as a sinner but instead look inward. Ignoring ones own sin by way of deflection does not fool God.

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    Love In Every Season: Understanding The Four Stages Of A Healthy Relationship

    Every relationship goes through four life-changing seasons: Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. Each season plays an important role in taking your relationship to the next level. And depending on how you navigate each season, your relationship will either flourish and grow, or it will slowly die. Whether youre single, dating, engaged or married, join licensed professional counselor and relationship expert, Debra Fileta as she takes you on an eye-opening psychological and spiritual journey through the four seasons that she has observed in every healthy relationship.

    What Does The Bible Say

    Does the Bible Say Anything About Homosexuality?

    Attitudes about homosexuality may vary from one culture to the next or from one time period to another. But Christians arent governed by popular opinion or carried here and there by every wind of teaching. Instead, they base their view of homosexual conduct on the standards set forth in the Bible.

    The Bibles standard regarding homosexual acts is clear. Gods Word says:

    • You must not lie down with a male in the same way that you lie down with a woman.Leviticus 18:22.

    • God, in keeping with the desires of their hearts, . . . gave them over to uncontrolled sexual passion, for their females changed the natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature.Romans 1:24, 26.

    • Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit Gods Kingdom.1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

    In reality, Gods standards apply to all people, whether they have homosexual desires or heterosexual desires. The fact is, everyone must exercise self-restraint when it comes to urges to engage in conduct that displeases God.Colossians 3:5.

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    Those Who Consider Themselves To Be Homosexual By Sexual Orientation Should Practice Sexual Celibacy

    Many will counter that I have no idea how difficult such a lifestyle decision would be. Theyre right.

    But given that I understand the Bible to teach clearly that homosexuality is an unbiblical lifestyle, the only conclusion I can draw is that the practice of this lifestyle will lead the person out of the will of God and into harmful behavior.

    Abstinence is, by this logic, the option that is in that persons best personal interest. I can only hope that my heart is clear in offering this suggestion. My desire is not to condemn but to offer biblical truth as I understand it.

    This article is offered with the prayer that the Lord of Scripture will use his word to bring healing, hope, and help to hearts and homes troubled by the issue of homosexuality. To the degree that these thoughts have shed more light than heat, my prayer will be answered.

    Jude : 7 Describes Gods Punishment For Sexual Immorality

    Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

    God has always frowned at sexual immorality. Avoiding them entirely and following Jesus Christ through faith is the only way to have eternal life.

    And there were also male cult prostitutes in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations that the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.1 Kings 14:24

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    The Bible And Homosexuality

    The scriptures teaches that homosexuality is a sin in Genesis 19:1-13 and that it is an abomination to the Lord Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination .

    In the New Testament, it also stated, in Romans 1:26-27, that homosexuality is a result of denying and disobeying God. Also, in 1 Corinthians 6:9, it is very clear that all who practice sin, including homosexuality, will not inherit the kingdom of God. 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.

    The Bible tells us that we all are sinners and are born with flesh that lusts after sin . Some people struggle with homosexual lust, but that lust is considered a sin only when the person gives into it and commits the sinful act .

    A person may be born with a greater propensity to homosexuality, just as some people are born with a tendency to lust heterosexually. But that does not excuse the person in choosing to sin by giving in to his sinful desires. If a person is born with a greater tendency to anger, for example, does that give him the right to give in to those tendencies? Of course not! The same is true with homosexuality.

    Whats Gods Purpose For Man And Woman

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    At the beginning of the world, God created all things according to His likeness and then thought it necessary to create man after his image.

    So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them male and female he created them.God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. Genesis 1: 27, 28

    Gods purpose was to create a resemblance of himself that will worship him and do his will.

    The LORD God said, It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. Genesis 2:18

    So, God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep, collected one of his ribs, and created the woman

    So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep and while he was sleeping, he took one of the mans ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Genesis 2: 21

    And then, Adam had a companion and a helper on earth. Then, in verse 24, he said

    That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh

    This is the marriage covenant of God. God has a purpose for man and never wanted same-sex marriage or relationships to happen. Adam and Eve were the first human creatures and did not have parents. Yet, because of Gods covenant, they knew it was Gods purpose for a man and woman to be in a union.

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    Is The Bibles View Cruel

    What about people who have homosexual inclinations? Were they born that way? If so, would it not be cruel to say that it is wrong for them to act on their desires?

    The Bible does not comment on the biology of homosexuality, although it acknowledges that some human traits are deeply ingrained. Still, the Bible says that certain conductincluding homosexual acts

    The Alleged Case For The Naturalness Of Homosexuality

    The basic claim made by those who defend the morality of homosexuality is that homosexuals are born that way. Homosexuality is alleged to have some genetic basis, and some scientific research has been conducted to try to establish the genetic link.^^ Thus Michael Bailey and Richard Pillard assert, Our own research has shown that male sexual orientation is substantially genetic.^^

    Space does not permit a detailed response to these studies. Suffice it to say for now that the research alleging to show a genetic basis for homosexuality is far from conclusive.^^ The conclusions and even methods of these studies have been hotly contested, leading Columbia University psychiatrists Byne and Parsons to conclude:

    There is no evidence at present to substantiate a biological theory, just as there is no compelling evidence to support any singular psychosocial explanation. . . .he appeal of current biological explanations may derive more from dissatisfaction with the present status of psychosocial explanations than from a substantiating body of experimental data. Critical review shows the evidence favoring a biological theory to be lacking.^^

    Second, even if ones genetic makeup does cause or predispose one toward homosexuality, this again does not make such behavior good or morally permissible. Some people reason like this:

    > Homosexuals genetic makeup predisposes them to engage in homosexual behavior.> > Therefore, homosexual behavior is morally permissible.

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    Why Did The Old Testament Not Decry Slavery In General And Move To Free All Those Enslaved

    In many ways, it did.

    There were several ways a Hebrew slave could be freed :

    • An individual could be purchased and set free .
    • A slave permanently injured by his master was to be set free .
    • Hebrews were to be held as slaves for no longer than six years .
    • And the Jubilee Year, which occurred every forty-nine years, was to free all Israelite slaves .

    But still we ask: Why did the Old Testament sanction this practice at all?

    In fact, it simply recognized a fact of all ancient civilization. And its rules minimized this evil, protected its victims more fully than did any other society, and provided means for their eventual freedom. But the New Testament would bring Gods word on the subject to much fuller expression.

    In the Old Testament era, the primary way persons were enslaved was through capture in war. But in the first century AD, the breeding of slaves swelled their numbers enormously. And large numbers of people sold themselves into slavery as a means of improving their quality of life. Owning and using people as slaves was so commonplace in the Roman Empire that not a single ancient writer is known to have condemned the practice. But all that would begin to change with the advent of the Christian movement.

    What About Leviticus : 22

    Gay Evangelicals Argue That Bible Does Not Condemn Homosexuality

    The next text typically cited on our subject is Leviticus 18:22, and it is far less ambiguous: Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman that is detestable. The Hebrew is as clear as the English translation.

    The obvious sense of the command seems to be: homosexual sexual relations are forbidden by Scripture. This is the way the text has typically been understood by Jewish and Christian interpreters across the centuries. It is the way most read the text still today.

    But those who advocate homosexuality as an acceptable biblical lifestyle have found ways to dissent. Dr. Walter Wink admits that this text unequivocally condemn same-sex sexual behavior. But he theorizes that the ancient Hebrews saw any sexual activity which could not lead to the creation of life as a form of abortion or murder. He adds that the Jews would have seen homosexuality as alien behavior, representing yet one more incursion of pagan civilization into Jewish life.

    And thats not all. Other critics see the Levitical laws as expressive of worship codes, not universal moral standards. And they argue that all such laws were intended only for their day and time, such as kosher dietary laws and harvest regulations.

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