In recent times, homosexuality has been a topic of daily discussion. Among these discussions dominate the questions: ‘Should gay marriages be allowed?’ ‘Should homosexuality be criminalized?’ ‘Is homosexuality a correct practice?’ and ‘Are people born gay?’ As Christians, I think the question we need to ask ourselves is ‘What does the Bible say about homosexuality?’
Both the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible condemn homosexuality. The first condemnation of homosexuality relates to the visit of the two angels to Sodom, where the men of Sodom demanded that Lot bring the two angels out “so that we may meet them.” (Genesis 19:4-8).
Since the Hebrew verb yadha (to know), a sexual term, is often used in Scripture to denote sexual relations (Genesis 4:1, 17, 25; Matthew 1:24, 25), the NIV translates ‘to know’ as ‘to have sex’: ” They called Lot: “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Take them out on us so we can have sex with them.” (v. 5) Instead, Lot openly condemned what the men of Sodom wished to do as an evil act (v. 7), and offered to give them his two virgin daughters (v. 8). However, his offer was rejected and instead, the men decided to use the will of force (v. 9).
It is important to note that the two angels with whom the men of Sodom wished to have sexual relations were called ‘men’, not women (v. 8); and so this is a clear example of homosexuality in the Bible. There is no question about God’s condemnation of what the men of Sodom planned to do, because the angels blinded them when they tried to enforce his will (v. 10).
Two other Scriptures in the Old Testament clearly and directly condemn homosexuality. The first, Leviticus 18:22, refers to sexual intercourse between two men as an abomination, and sternly warns against its practice. In addition to this, the second scripture, Leviticus 20:13, adds a death penalty for the practice of such an abomination. These scriptures show how seriously God takes the issue of homosexuality; He condemns it as an abomination in his sight. Furthermore, anyone found guilty of practicing it faced the death penalty.
The New Testament also clearly condemns homosexual practice. In 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10, those who practice homosexuality are classified in the group of people who cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10, NKJV)
1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 goes further by saying, “And such were some of you. But you have already been washed, you have already been sanctified, you have already been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” . (1 Corinthians 6:11, NIV) This implies that some of the Corinthians who had converted to Christ were formerly homosexual; but having been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ and forgiven of their sins, Paul exhorts them not to return to the old way of life, but to look to their inheritance in Christ Jesus.
Another Scripture that clearly condemns homosexuality is 1 Timothy 1:9-11 which refers to those who practice homosexuality as lawbreakers and rebellious. (VIN, 2010)
If you call yourself a Christian, I don’t think you agree with those who say that God’s moral laws in the Old Testament do not apply to Christians; yes, the ceremonial laws do not, but the moral laws hold. What arguments have people, supposedly Christians, been making for the acceptance of homosexuality in the church? It makes no sense: homosexuality has been condemned by God and it would be a total rebellion against God to accept homosexuality in the church and not call it a sin.