What Scripture Says About Homosexuality: Uncut, Uncensored, And Unedited

My heart breaks over the struggles of gays. One of my best childhood friends, Paul, got married and had several children. But then he succumbed to homosexual desire. Paul left his family and before long died from AIDS. My heart aches for him, his family and everyone involved.

Yep, that’s Carolyn and me on our wedding day in 1979

Perhaps you have had a similar experience and feel the same way.

But in our compassion, Christians must not bend with the winds of cultural change, deny Scripture and give approval or acquiescence to homosexual practice and gay marriage.

What Scripture says about homosexuality is very clear, as you can see by reading the passages below: uncut, uncensored and unedited.

In fact, when I met with Paul not long before he died, he admitted that what he was doing was contrary to God’s Word. He was simply unwilling to change and hoped that God would forgive him.

But other gays aren’t so honest. They try to excuse their behavior by suggesting that Scripture does not forbid homosexual practice and even allows for “gay marriage.”

Here is a brief overview and answers to the deflections used to avoid what Scripture says about homosexuality:

1. Some suggest that the passages that forbid homosexual practice are Old Testament law and therefore Christians are not subject to them.

ANSWER: The Scriptures below prohibiting homosexual practice are from both the Old and New Testament.

2. Some call these verses “clobber passages” suggesting people use them to beat up gays up with the Bible.

ANSWER: My goal is not to “clobber” but to share the clear teaching of God’s Word. Many don’t know what the Bible says. Others just want to avoid it. Please read my last blog on how to discuss this subject HERE. In it I point out that God’s restrictions are never meant to “clobber” us, but rather to guide us to what is best for us.

3. Some have suggested that since Jesus did not give any prohibition against homosexual practice, then it is OK.

ANSWER: There are many sins that Jesus did not mention in Scripture, but that doesn’t mean they are acceptable. For example, He did not prohibit incest or bestiality, although these practices are prohibited elsewhere in Scripture.

4. Some suggest that the passages prohibiting homosexual relations refer only to homosexual rape, cult-prostitution or other forms of non-consensual sex.

ANSWER: While these practices did exist, it is impossible to impose them on each of the passages below. An honest reading reveals that Scripture prohibits any homosexual practice, not just that which is connected with rape or prostitution.

5. They claim that what the Scripture says about homosexuality is unclear.

ANSWER: The passages below are quite clear to anyone willing to read and accept them without bias. To make Biblical teaching even more clear I have included Scriptures affirming heterosexual marriage. The contrast is stark: homosexual sex is condemned, while sex in traditional marriage is actually commanded!

6. As a last defense, some say we should not be “Bible idolaters” who put the Bible above our inclinations and desires.

ANSWER: When we are tempted to any sin (lie, gossip, cheat, steal, lust, adultery, etc.), we can’t just excuse our behavior by saying we don’t want to be “Bible idolaters!” Remember “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV)

Homosexual and Heterosexual Bible Passages

Scripture says the following regarding homosexual sex:

Old Testament:

Leviticus 18:22 (LITV) “And you shall not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is a perversion.”

Leviticus 20:13 (LITV) “And a man who lies with a male as one lies with a woman, both of them have done a detestable thing, dying they shall die; their blood shall be on them.”

New Testament:

Romans 1:27-28 (GNB) “In the same way the men give up natural sexual relations with women and burn with passion for each other. Men do shameful things with each other, and as a result they bring upon themselves the punishment they deserve for their wrongdoing. Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, he has given them over to corrupted minds, so that they do the things that they should not do.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV) “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: 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.”

1 Timothy 1:10-11 (CEV) “The Law was written for people who are sexual perverts or who live as homosexuals or are kidnappers or liars or won’t tell the truth in court. It is for anything else that opposes the correct teaching of the good news that the glorious and wonderful God has given me.”

Jude 1:7 (GW) “What happened to Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities near them is an example for us of the punishment of eternal fire. The people of these cities suffered the same fate that God’s people and the angels did, because they committed sexual sins and engaged in homosexual activities.”

Scripture says the following regarding heterosexual sex (in marriage):

Old Testament:

Genesis 1:27-28a (CEV) “So God created humans to be like himself; he made men and women. God gave them his blessing and said: Have a lot of children!”

Genesis 2:18, 21-25 (CEV) “The LORD God said, ‘It isn’t good for the man to live alone. I need to make a suitable partner for him.’ So the LORD God made him fall into a deep sleep, and he took out one of the man’s ribs. Then after closing the man’s side, the LORD made a woman out of the rib. The LORD God brought her to the man, and the man exclaimed, ‘Here is someone like me! She is part of my body, my own flesh and bones. She came from me, a man. So I will name her Woman!’ That’s why a man will leave his own father and mother. He marries a woman, and the two of them become like one person. Although the man and his wife were both naked, they were not ashamed.”

Proverbs 5:18-19 (ESV) “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”

Malachi 2:15 (CEV) “Didn’t God create you to become like one person with your wife? And why did he do this? It was so you would have children, and then lead them to become God’s people. Don’t ever be unfaithful to your wife.”

New Testament:

Matthew 19:4-5 (CEV) “Jesus answered, ‘Don’t you know that in the beginning the Creator made a man and a woman? That’s why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife.’”

1 Corinthians 7:4-5 (CEV) “A wife belongs to her husband instead of to herself, and a husband belongs to his wife instead of to himself. So don’t refuse sex to each other, unless you agree not to have sex for a little while, in order to spend time in prayer. Then Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

Ephesians 5:31-33 (ESV) “’Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

For a pdf file of these passages click HERE.

For more information on this topic, click HERE for a great in-depth discussion by a Bible college professor.

Check out my article on “Seven Guidelines for Discussing Gay Marriage.”

Questions: What questions do you have on this issue? Have you had a friend or family member die from AIDS like I have? Please leave a comment below.

Seven Guidelines For Discussing Gay Marriage

Recently a friend messaged me on Facebook with this question: “What are your thoughts on how we [Christians] should address homosexuality, or ANY sin that becomes completely acceptable and is seen as a part of someone’s character rather than something they “do”? Are there other examples of something like this? It’s been troubling me greatly.”

This discussion makes me think!

There are two questions here.

The first question is how should Christians address controversial issues like homosexuality?

The Bible gives a clear distinction regarding different approaches for those who profess faith in Christ and those who do not.

For Christians, we must lovingly hold them accountable for violating God’s Word (see Matthew 18:15-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; Galatians 6:1, etc.).

For non-Christians, our approach should be different.

Here are seven guidelines for discussing gay marriage for those not committed to Christ and Scripture:

1. Don’t focus on individual sins, focus on the message of salvation.

Yes, people must repent. But the point of repentance is first for salvation, then addressing one’s own specific sins. (Study in John 4:1-26 how Jesus dealt with the Samaritan woman.)

2. Pray first and always.

Changing hearts is a work of God, not our efforts or brilliance. Therefore, prayer is our first and most effective tool.

3. If asked what the Bible says, tell the truth.

Jesus was honest about the truth and would not fudge on issues. Don’t kowtow to political correctness. When sharing with Christians, share what the Bible says and how we must conform to it. (Click HERE for my post on what the Bible says about homosexuality.) With unbelievers, it might be better to share how every practice that is prohibited by God is because it is ultimately harmful to us.

4. Emphasize the positive.

It is unfortunate that Christians are often known for what we are against, and seen as judgmental holier-than-thou kill-joys. Thus many think the Christian faith is just a bunch of prohibitions that seem to all boil down to a dull life with no fun. The fact is that God created sex and He made it an enjoyable gift to us. He could have created another way to propagate the race, but he chose sex—certainly one of His greatest inventions!

5. Don’t beat unbelievers over the head with the Bible.

If discussing ethical issues with unbelievers, (for example: “Why do Christians oppose gay marriage?”) it is usually better to debate from logic rather than Scripture. As believers, the statement “because the Bible says so” should mean everything. But to an unbeliever, “because the Bible says so” means little or nothing, and might even be cause to despise believers and the Scriptures. Help people become Christians before expecting them to live a biblical Christian lifestyle.

6. Be humble, remembering your own temptations, struggles and sins.

Gay marriage is a hot topic and because of all the debate it may seem to be the only sin Christians care about. In fact, it is only one of many practices God prohibits, many of which Christians themselves practice and conveniently overlook (including pride, prejudice, lust, gossip, anger, sloth, greed, envy, idolatry, hatred, drunkenness, gluttony, lying, etc.)! Remember that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

7. Love always.

For the unsaved, this means sincerely loving despite sins, in hope that the person will come to faith. Jesus was a friend of sinners. He was accused of being a reprobate by religious leaders because He was fraternizing with sinners (see Luke 7:34 and Luke 15:1-2). A loving approach will help us maintain winsomeness despite disagreements. Remember, Jesus instructed “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 ESV).

The second question my friend asked is how should Christians respond to the argument that being homosexual is not something people choose, it is inborn and therefore we must accept it and sanction gay marriage?

My answer to this question is that every temptation to sin is inborn (James 1:13-14). People simply have different areas of temptation and struggle.

Single people are tempted to have sex before marriage, but that doesn’t mean they should, just because it is a powerful inborn desire, even if it is “acceptable” in today’s environment.Married people are tempted to lust after someone other than their spouse, but that doesn’t mean they should indulge in lust, even if we live in a pornography and lust approving society.Scripture clearly teaches that we should not use God’s name in vain—it’s one of the 10 commandments. However, society accepts and often even encourages people to swear using God’s name in vain.

Gay marriage is today’s hot-button issue. Tomorrow the issue will be different. God’s Word and the principles from it will never change! Follow the biblical principles above and although you might not win the arguments, at least you will have done the right thing biblically; pleased Jesus and hopefully helped draw people to Him.

Questions: What have you learned in debating gay marriage? What are your concerns and fears in talking about this subject? Please leave a comment below.

Shot To Death In Our Former Home - Another Alcohol Tragedy!

Over the years I have had some remarkable experiences. Another happened just a few days ago on New Year’s Day 2014.

The first home we bought in 1980

Carolyn and I set out on an “Old Haunts” excursion to visit the places in Southern California where we met, where we dated, the apartment we lived in after getting married and the first home we owned.

We had a blast. We could hardly stop giggling when we reenacted our first kiss on the portico of the La Mirada Civic Center.

When we got to the first house that Carolyn’s parents helped us buy, we were in for a shock. We lived in that house about a year before setting off to begin church planting. The house looked about the same from the outside. But as we were taking a “selfie” photo a friendly neighbor across the street yelled “Can I take the picture for you?” We said “sure, thanks.”

After we introduced ourselves, we explained that we were the first owners of the home and came to take a nostalgic visit. Then he asked if we knew what had happened in the home just a few weeks before. We answered, “Something happened?”

He said, “A guy living in the home with his girlfriend was threatening to kill himself with a knife. He was an alcoholic. Someone called the police, and when they arrived he charged them with the knife. The police shot and killed him. If you could go inside you would see the bullet holes in the walls.”

We were dumbfounded. Here was our love nest, with many wonderful memories, now the site of a horrible tragedy.

• You can read about the incident HERE

• and from the LA Times HERE

• You can watch a TV news report about it HERE

It was still normally a very peaceful neighborhood. The neighbor said the victim seemed like a nice guy.

What a shock.

As Carolyn walked on the footpath nearby and pondered this experience, we thought about the unlikeliness of our first home being the site of such a horrible incident. We also thought how we hadn’t visited the home in 34 years and how we just happened to come by soon after that tragedy and just happened to meet a neighbor who told us what had occurred.

Was God telling us something? Was there a lesson here to learn or share?

As I considered and prayed about these questions, I thought about the contrast between our approach to alcohol, versus this man’s alcoholism and resulting death.

While he caused his own tragedy, I considered the multitudes of totally innocent victims of other’s alcohol use, including those in our family:

• Our sister-in-law Donna Williams’ father was killed in a head-on collision caused by a drunk driver. It was a horrific tragedy for him, his wife, his children, other family and friends.

• My grandfather had a drinking problem. The result was the abuse and molestation of his children and grandchildren, and the resulting lifelong scars.

The grief, sorrow, tragedy, and pain caused by alcohol are unimaginable. Volume upon volume could be written of the terrible stories of domestic violence, vehicular manslaughter, molestation, physical abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, murder, crime, and on and on.

Various websites give a few of the tragic statistics:

“There are roughly 80,000 deaths that are related to alcohol abuse every year, making it the third highest cause of death in the U.S.”“Every day in America, another 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes.” “In 2011, 226 children were killed in drunk driving crashes. Of those, 122 (54% percent) were riding with the drunk driver.”

Certainly it is the abuse of alcohol that causes the problems. But what alcoholic starts with the intention of becoming an alcoholic? What tragedy brought on via alcohol starts with a desire to commit vehicular manslaughter, to poison a fetus, or to abuse a loved one?

Of course everyone says, “That won’t happen to me.” But there is only one surefire way to be absolutely sure it doesn’t happen.

So, at the risk of seeming terribly old-fashioned, unsophisticated, judgmental or majoring-on-a-minor, let me share my personal conviction and practice: I believe the wisest approach in our day is to simply avoid alcohol.

I believe God wanted me to use this occasion to explain my abstinence from alcohol.

Along with the terrible human tragedies, here are some other reasons I practice abstinence:

• By avoiding alcohol, I avoid putting myself in a position of vulnerability or shame. I don’t have to worry that I might do something embarrassing, foolish or tragic by having “a little too much to drink.” Scripture says to “Run from temptations” (2 Timothy 2:22a CEV).

• By avoiding alcohol I help reinforce abstinence for those who might struggle with alcoholism or problem drinking.By avoiding alcohol I escape the potential of finding out I can’t handle it. Do I have an addictive personality like my grandfather? I sure don’t want to find out the hard way!By avoiding alcohol I avoid empty calories that could help develop a “beer belly!”By avoiding alcohol I believe I set the best example for my children and others. “Some of you say, ‘We can do whatever we want to!’ But I tell you that not everything may be good or helpful. We should think about others and not about ourselves” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 CEV).

Is drinking alcohol a sin? Not necessarily. Christians have freedom to drink alcohol in moderation, but not to get drunk (see Ephesians 5:18) and not to be a stumbling block to others (see Romans 14:21).

Being a stumbling block happens when, by our example, we encourage someone to engage in a practice which is harmful to their spiritual walk (see 1 Corinthians 10:23-33).

But while drinking alcohol is not necessarily a sin, I believe the wisest approach is abstinence.

Whether you agree or disagree, I would love to hear your perspective—you can comment below.

NOTE: If you are interested in reading more from a balanced biblical Christian perspective, I suggest reading this article on GotQuestions.org and other articles on this excellent website. One of the interesting points there explains that in Bible times before modern sanitation, drinking wine was helpful and perhaps often necessary because it was far less likely to be contaminated by bacteria, and other impurities. Also, in Bible times wine was fermented, but not necessarily to the level that alcohol is today.