THE BIBLE’S TEACHING ON HOMOSEXUALITY
I have been asked a few times in recent days concerning the Bible’s teaching on
homosexuality. The following are some passages that deal with the subject with
succinct commentary.
Genesis 19:1-13
The men of Sodom were desperate to enter the house of Lot to know his angelic visitors
whom they assume were male visitors from another place. These men came from all
parts of Sodom, and encompasses men of all ages, showing how deep-seated
homosexuality was in the city (see v.4). Their desire to know the male visitors was so
strong that they almost broke down the door of Lot’s house when he tried to stop them
(v.9). Even when they were struck with blindness, the men continued to find an entrance
to the house. The incident reflects the moral condition of the city before the Lord, and
the city was judged with fire from heaven.
The passage reveals how deep-seated homosexual desires can be. It also reveals the
wrath of God over those who refuse to repent of their homosexuality.
Leviticus 18:22; 20:13
Homosexuality is included among the lists of sexual sins denounced by the Lord. The
nations around Israel may commit these abominations, however Israel must not follow
in the same footsteps, “For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the
souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.” (Leviticus 18:29)
Romans 1:26-27
Homosexuality is said to be the manifestation of a reprobate mind and is judgment from
the Lord. When men reject God, God in His divine wrath gives them up to their own
lusts. Both men and women leave the natural use of their body and “exchange” it for
unnatural relations with another of the same sex. Homosexuality is not due to DNA, as
propounded by certain scientific journals today. It is rather the manifestation of the
sinful nature of men.
1 Corinthians 6:9
Those who are effeminate and abusers of themselves with mankind are said to be
unrighteous and thus will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. The term
“effeminate” (malakoi) has a connotation of softness and passivity. It refers to male
prostitutes who are dressed like ladies allowing themselves to be abused by other men.
On the other hand, the term “abusers of themselves with mankind” (arsenokoitai) refers
to those who actively pursue a homosexual lifestyle. Those who persist in these sins and
refuse to repent will have no place in heaven.
1 Timothy 1:9-11
The law was made to reprove men of their sins and to point them to the need of a
Saviour. This Saviour is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Among that which
God’s law is supposed to reprove, includes those that “defile themselves with
mankind” (aresnokoites). This is the same word that has been rendered as “abusers of
themselves with mankind” in 1 Cor. 6:9, referring to those who commit homosexuality.
The way out of homosexuality is to repent of one’s sin and to receive Christ as Lord
and Saviour.
Luke 17:26-29
The last days will be like the days of Lot. Homosexuality will be rampant and
judgment will come on the whole earth from heaven just like what happened to the city
of Sodom.
Revelation 11:8
In the days of the Antichrist, Jerusalem is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt. It will be
a cesspool of idolatry as well as sexual sin, including homosexuality as seen in Genesis
19.
Lately, there are those who claim that homosexual disposition, inclination or attraction
is not sin. Only the performance of the act is a sin. What doth the Scripture say? “But I
say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed
adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matt. 5:28) So long as you lust after another of
the same sex in the heart, you have sinned against the Lord.
What should be clear from the Bible is that homosexuality is sin and should not be
celebrated. Homosexuality is a reflection of the reprobate mind and homosexuals will
have no entrance to heaven. Homosexuals, just like any other men on earth, must repent
of their sin and to believe in the gospel of Christ. If one were to do so, there will be
deliverance from sin, eternal life, and an entrance to the kingdom of heaven.
How then should we minister to those who may be involved in homosexuality? Firstly,
we must understand that all men, homosexuals or otherwise, are sinners before the
Lord. Homosexuality is but one of many manifestations of the sinful nature of men. We
should therefore lovingly, humbly, gently and firmly share the truth of the Scriptures to
them, just like we should with all men. All men need to repent from their sins, not just
the homosexuals, “And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these
Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I
tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:2-3)
We should therefore welcome all who are involved in homosexuality to hear the good
news of Jesus Christ. They must understand that homosexuality is a sin. However, for
all who repent of their sins and receive the risen Christ as their Lord and Saviour, they
will find forgiveness of sins and eternal life, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all
acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am
chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
Yours affectionately,
Pastor Clement Chew
PSALM 82
A JUDICIAL PSALM
By Timothy Tow from “Meditations from Psalms”
Confucius says, “He who rules, let him rule with virtue.” David says, “He that ruleth
over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (II Sam 23:3).
When judges “judge unjustly and accept the persons of the wicked,” it is because they
are distorted by bribery.
Asaph saw so much corruption in the courts of law that he wrote this Psalm to rebuke
wickedness in high places. He reminded the judges what high position they held. They
were called “gods,” the same Hebrew word “Elohim” which term is also used for God
Almighty. They were God’s representatives on earth. The Westminster Confession
declares God “has ordained civil magistrates to be under Him over the people, for His
own glory and public good . . . for the defence and encouragement of them that are
good, and for the punishment of evil doers.”
His judgment must be like the balance that shows a fifty-fifty fairness. Especially
widows and orphans and the poor and afflicted who are helpless. They need succour in
their hour of need. They cannot be rescued from the clutches of the wicked, except by
the power of law. Paradoxically, the judges who are to deliver them have lost their
sense under the seduction of money, so they who are to give light rather grope in
darkness (v.5).
Asaph is corroborated by the prophet Micah, “The heads thereof judge for reward, and
the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money…” (Micah
3:11). Beware, pastors and preachers, and Church leaders who hold the key of power in
the Church. Do we judge righteously among members of the Church?
Pastor’s note:
We recently read this passage for responsive reading during the worship service. May
this commentary grant you good understanding.