In recent times, homosexuality has been a topic of daily discussion. Predominant among these discussions are the questions: ‘Should same-sex marriages be allowed?’ ‘Should homosexuality be criminalised?’ ‘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 out the two angels “so that we may meet them.” (Genesis 19:4-8).
Since the Hebrew verb yadha (know), a sexual term, is often used in Scripture to denote sexual intercourse (Genesis 4:1, 17, 25; Matthew 1:24, 25), the NIV translates ‘know’ as ‘have sex’: ” They called to Lot: “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them.” (v. 5) Instead, Lot openly condemned what the men of Sodom wanted to do as an evil act (v. 7), and offered to give them his two virgin daughters (v. 8). 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 desired to have intercourse were called ‘men’, not women (v. 8); and so this is a clear example of homosexuality in the Bible. There is no doubt about God’s condemnation of what the men of Sodom planned to do, because the angels blinded them when they tried to enforce their will (v. 10).
Two other Scriptures in the Old Testament clearly and directly condemn homosexuality. The first, Leviticus 18:22, refers to 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 this was some of you. But you have been washed, you have been sanctified, you have 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 previously homosexuals; 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 rebels. (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 remain. 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.