Rev. Angus Stewart
Introduction
Jesus Christ our Saviour taught us that our duty to God and man is, first, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind; and, second, to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-39). Loving the Triune God with heart, soul and mind includes knowing His truth—the whole truth as set forth in the Scriptures, including regarding homosexuality—believing it, witnessing to it and, where necessary, suffering for it.
Loving our neighbours, and especially in this instance our homosexual neighbours, obviously includes not assaulting them or stalking them or making nasty phone calls to them or sending hateful mail to them or destroying their property or such like. Instead, we are called to do good to them, to pray for them and, especially, to bring them the gospel of the forgiveness of sins in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in Him results not only in the pardon of all transgressions but also deliverance from the dominion of sin, including homosexuality. The cross is the only good news for sinners, including those ensnared in this wicked vice.
Homosexual Propoganda
In our day, there is widespread rejection of and/or confusion about the Bible’s teaching on homosexuality. On the one hand, there are some homosexuals who openly declare their hatred for the Scriptures because they know God’s Word is opposed to their sin. Thus we hear of homosexuals ripping out pages from the Bibles in their hotel rooms or pressing for the prosecution of those who pay for space in the press to quote Scriptures opposing this iniquity. On the other hand, there are some homosexuals who claim that God’s Word has little or nothing to say about homosexuality, or even that the Bible affirms and supports it. Some actually claim that it is only relatively recently that the Christian church has spoken against homosexuality. But this too is palpably false.
Homosexuals refer to themselves as “gays,” as if their sexual inclinations and activities are especially happy and blessed, just good clean fun. Much of the Western media is on a pro-homosexual crusade. They teach that homosexuality is an attractive and wholesome lifestyle. They promote the idea that any and all opposition to homosexuality is “homophobia,” which is, according to them, a particularly heinous offence. This propaganda is churned out, for example, in films, books, magazines, newspapers, soap operas and the news, as well as on-line. It is even taught to children in state schools in the decadent West.
The civil governments of most Western countries are more and more pro-homosexual. They are passing and increasingly enforcing so-called “hate laws.” Civil partnerships between homosexuals have been brought into some nations and sexual orientation regulations have been adopted. “Homosexual marriage” is now legal in a few dozen countries. Some civil governments see their task as that of defending “minority rights” and “freedom of choice,” even if this means mothers murdering their unborn babies or men “marrying” men.
Propaganda and pressure from the homosexuals, the politically-correct media and ungodly legislation—part of what the Bible calls the ungodly “world”—has lead to a change in the thinking of some sections of the professing church and those who claim to be Christians. Many believe that impenitent homosexuals can be Christians and church members. Indeed, such people must be appointed as the church’s office-bearers. The church, they maintain, ought to bless same-sex “unions.” The church should preach the full liberation of homosexuals—so that they are free to indulge their sins without any guilt—as a vital part of the gospel of God. The church, so it is said, should take the front line in the battle against the gross wickedness of “homophobia” because, it is claimed, Jesus Christ loves absolutely everybody, and embraces the homosexuals just the way they are and without their conversion. The church should pursue “diversity” which, to them, means that everyone should be included in the church, irrespective of “sexual orientation” or impenitence.
What are we to believe regarding homosexuality? For the child of God, this is the same question as, What does the Bible—not the world!—teach regarding homosexuality? Here, of course, right at the start, we need to be aware of the crippling fear of man. In many places, intimidation, brow beating, harassment, threats, sanctions and ostracism are the lot of those who stand for the scriptural teaching regarding homosexuality. The leftist intelligentsia, which supposedly prides itself on tolerance, is very intolerant of the Word of God and the God of the Word, especially on this subject. Those who stand with Scripture and say that homosexuality is sinful are “bigoted,” “narrow-minded” and “hateful” individuals, if not worse. That is sad, because the gospel of the crucified and risen Christ is the only message of hope, salvation and deliverance for those who are enslaved by this degrading sin, as well as all other iniquities.
We may soon suffer greater persecution because we maintain the Bible’s teaching regarding homosexuality. We must remember that Jesus commanded, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.” Instead, we must “fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). Galatians 1:10 declares that we must seek to please God and not men, because if we seek to please men we are not the servants of Christ.
Archery Target
The Bible’s teaching on homosexuality can be likened to an archery target. First, there is the inmost circle, the bull’s-eye, which consists of those passages which specifically address this subject, such as Genesis 19 on the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and later commentary on that event which refers to the abomination of sodomy: Ezekiel 16:49-50, II Peter 2:6-8 and Jude 7.1 Then there is the outrage at Gibeah with all of its terrible consequences (Judg. 19-21), which began with the attempted homosexual gang rape of the Levite, and turned into the heterosexual gang rape and murder of his concubine by these bisexuals (Judg. 19:22-26).2 There are the various laws against sodomy in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. There are references to homosexual cult prostitution (Job 36:14), which arose in Israel when it apostatized: Deuteronomy 23:17-18; I Kings 14:24; 15:12; 22:46; II Kings 23:7. Sodomy, under various names, is included in the sin lists of I Corinthians 6:9, I Timothy 1:10, Revelation 21:8 and Revelation 22:15. Moreover, there is the locus classicus, Romans 1:26-27, about which we will have a lot to say later. All of these passages constitute the bull’s-eye.
Second, the ring around this inmost circle consists of Scripture’s teaching on human sexuality. God created mankind male and female (Gen. 1:27; 5:2; Matt. 19:4; Mark 10:6). Marriage is a one-flesh union between one man and one woman for life, in which loving relationship alone sexual intercourse is to be enjoyed (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5-6; Mark 10:7-9; I Cor. 6:16; Eph. 5:31). Then, of course, there is the whole range of sins against the seventh commandment, including pornography, lasciviousness, fornication, adultery, polygamy, prostitution, rape, paedophilia, incest, bestiality, etc., that is, any and all sexual lusts and activities outside the lifelong bond of marriage between one man and one woman (cf. Westminster Larger Catechism, Q. & A. 139).
Third, the next circle deals with iniquity in general within the biblical framework of the fall of the human race, original sin and total depravity. Sin is man’s “want [or lack] of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God,” as summed in the Ten Commandments (Westminster Shorter Catechism, A. 14).
Fourth and finally, the outer ring on our archery target includes all scriptural doctrines, because homosexuality must be seen within the whole biblical framework. This includes the inspiration, inerrancy, sufficiency and clarity of sacred Scripture; the absolute sovereignty and perfect righteousness of God; the creation of all things in six days; the upholding and governing of the entire universe by Jehovah’s providential power and wisdom; the incarnation and cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; the forgiveness of sins and the imputation of the righteousness of God by faith alone; the regeneration and sanctification of God’s elect by the gracious Holy Spirit; the apostolicity and holiness of Christ’s church, including ecclesiastical discipline and the qualifications for special offices; and the final judgment, the new heavens and the new earth, and the lake of fire—all of which truths are historic, creedal, Christian teaching.
Key Scriptural Text
Within the inner circle or bull’s-eye of texts on homosexuality, Romans 1:26-27 is rightly accorded the spot in the dead centre:
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
First, notice that this Scripture is in the New Testament, so it is more difficult to dismiss than verses in the Old Testament. Second, Romans 1:26-27 is the Bible’s most explicit, comprehensive and detailed text on homosexuality, so it is tougher to “wrest” or torture it so as to get it to say what the ungodly want it to say, though many have tried long and hard, but only “unto their own destruction” (II Pet. 3:16).
Let us begin by identifying the sin that is spoken of in Romans 1:26-27. First, this iniquity is committed by women (v. 26) and by men, i.e., males (Greek arseen; v. 27). Second, this transgression is in the sexual sphere, with “vile affections” (v. 26) and “lusts” (v. 27), involving “men with men” (v. 27) and women with women (v. 26). Indeed, Romans 1:26-27 is evinced by the Holy Spirit as an awful instance of the divine punishment upon idolaters (vv. 21-23, 25): “God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves” (v. 24).
In other words, Romans 1:26-27 speaks of both lesbianism, the homosexuality of females (“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature”), and sodomy, the homosexuality of males (“And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet”).
This highlights another important feature of Romans 1:26-27: it specifically addresses lesbianism (and not only sodomy). This is the only passage in the Bible that directly speaks about female homosexuality. A significant factor in the rarity of Scripture’s explicit references to lesbianism is the fact that, in the ancient world and even today, lesbianism occurs less frequently than sodomy. Thus Romans 1 underscores the depravity of idolaters who suppress or hold down the truth of God the Creator (vv. 18f.) in that “even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature” (v. 26).
“Against Nature”
Romans 1:26-27 is emphatic that homosexuality, both lesbianism and sodomy, is not natural. As opposed to the “natural use” between a man and a woman (vv. 26, 27), lesbianism is “against nature” (v. 26), as is sodomy or “men with men” (v. 27).
What does “nature” mean here? “Nature” in Romans 1:26-27 especially speaks of the male or female sexual anatomy or genitals. The male phallus and the female vagina are functionally compatible in terms of size and shape, etc. This complementarity between the male and female sex organs is physical, and mutually and pleasurably stimulating, for sex in marriage is a good gift from God (I Cor. 7:3-5).
“Nature” in Romans 1:26-27 also includes the fact that the male sex organ produces sperm (seed) and the female sex organ produces the ovum (egg) so that together they constitute the two parts needed for procreation, the producing of children.
Thus “nature” here refers to the way God created us as humans: as male and female, with sexually compatible genitals and thus the capacity for procreation (Gen. 1:27-28; 5:2-4; Ps. 128:3; Mal. 2:15; Matt. 19:4-5; Mark 10:6-8). All this occurs, of course, within the framework of a man and a woman in marriage with all their complementarity: emotionally and socially, with the husband as the loving head and the wife as the submissive help, and both fitted or designed for each other under the living God (Gen. 2:18; Prov. 5:18-19; I Cor. 11:11-12; Eph. 5:22-33; I Tim. 2:15; Titus 2:4-5).
Homosexuality, on the other hand, is “against nature.” The sexual anatomy of two lesbians is not functionally compatible and they cannot procreate together. Likewise, the sexual anatomy of two sodomites is not functionally compatible and they cannot procreate together.
Holy Scripture includes both the “active partner” and the “passive partner” in male homosexual intercourse in the vice lists of I Corinthians 6:9-10 and I Timothy 1:9-10. The active partner (Greek arseenokoitees) is spoken of in I Corinthians 6:9 (“abusers of themselves with mankind”) and I Timothy 1:10 (“them that defile themselves with mankind”).3 The “passive partner” (Greek malakos) is referred to in I Corinthians 6:9 (“effeminate”).
The receptacle for the phallus in sodomy is especially the rectum, which is designed for the excretion of faeces. This unnatural act of sodomy is intrinsically unhygienic and biologically dangerous, as well as sinful.
In explaining how the intercourse of sodomy is “against nature,” David Chilton cannot avoid describing how disgusting is this unnatural vice:
The rectum is neither elastic nor lubricated [unlike a female’s vagina]; consequently, anal intercourse routinely tears the lining of the rectum and causes the anus to split and crack into bleeding fissures. These tears and fissures in turn become channels for HIV to pass into the bloodstream … Repeated anal intercourse commonly results in other harmful conditions, such as colitis (or colonitis), an extremely painful inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon; mucosal ulcers in the rectum; and Kobner’s phenomenon, a psoriasis of the rectum, penis, and scrotum. Anal intercourse also weakens the sphincter, causing—to put it delicately—“fecal incontinence.” The damaged muscle is just unable to hold it in, and the rectum dribbles with bloody feces … Further, anal intercourse has been found—even apart from AIDS—to damage the body’s immune system. Large quantities of sperm cells enter the bloodstream of the passive partner. (The thick walls, elasticity, and lubrication of the vagina prevent this from being a problem in normal sexual intercourse.) After repeated instances of sodomy, the body develops antibodies to fight off the invading sperm. These antibodies then circulate throughout the bloodstream, suppressing the immune system itself.4
Does the “active partner” in homosexual acts escape all repulsive biological consequences? Chilton continues,
The passive partner is not the only one at risk of disease. Over time, the penis of the active partner can become chafed; various diseases may also cause sores to erupt on the penis. Infected blood and other fluids from the rectum can then enter the body through these abrasions, as well as through the urethra.5
This is not all, however. Chilton adds, “But there is much more to homosexuality than anal intercourse. The practice of ‘fisting’ is also common: the active partner shoves his hand and forearm up the other man’s rectum and into the colon.”6
None of this is pleasant; indeed, it is disgusting. But so too are pictures of aborted babies or photos of Jews gassed during World War II. More repulsive material on homosexuality could be mentioned. But this should be enough to demonstrate the fact that homosexuality and its sexual activity is not a wholesome lifestyle or even an amoral issue, like one’s favourite foods that are merely a matter of personal preference. Homosexuality is not only against God’s Word but against one’s very nature as male or female.
According to research, the average male homosexual lifespan is significantly shorter than the average male non-homosexual.7 This was proverbial even in the ancient world: “They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean,” the “unclean” being a reference to ritual homosexual prostitutes (Job 36:14).
Much as it is denied today, the fact that homosexuality is “against nature” surfaces even in the names that homosexuals use for themselves (“queer” or unnatural) and for non-homosexuals (“straight” or those whose sexual orientation is not bent or deformed).
The truth of the natural attraction and intercourse between a man and a woman is taught not only in Scripture but is also manifest in general revelation. Romans 1:19-21 states that the creation declares the eternal power and wisdom of the one Creator God. The visible differences between, and the complementarity of, male and female in sexual intercourse declare it to be natural: “the natural use” between a man and a woman (vv. 26, 27). God’s general revelation in the human body proclaims homosexual attraction and intercourse to be “against nature” (v. 26). Much as some desperately seek to deny it, deep down everybody knows it, not only Christians but also non-Christians, including people who are wretchedly enslaved to the lusts of sodomy and lesbianism.
Condemnatory Biblical Words
Having introduced the subject of homosexuality and explained that it is “against nature,” let us now consider the Most High’s moral evaluation of lesbianism and sodomy in Scripture. Nowhere in the Bible does it ever say that homosexuality is good, wholesome, holy or pure, as if it were something to be endorsed or celebrated or practised as an “alternative lifestyle.” God’s Word is not even mildly positive as regards sodomy or lesbianism. Nor is it neutral or merely slightly critical. Kevin DeYoung is correct: “Even many revisionist scholars acknowledge that the Bible is uniformly negative toward same-sex activity.”8
The consistent testimony of Holy Scripture, in both Old and New Testaments, is strongly and emphatically condemnatory, for homosexuality is an “abomination” (Lev. 18:22) before the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we saw above, Romans 1:26-27 repeatedly states that it is unnatural:
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
This passage further describes homosexuality in terms of “vile affections” (v. 26), which the Greek lexica explain using such words as “dishonourable,” “disgraceful,” “shameful” and “degrading.”
These sodomites “burned in their lust one toward another” (v. 27), meaning that they were sexually “inflamed” or “consumed” with their impure affections.9 That homosexuality is “unseemly” (v. 27) teaches that it is “indecent,” “obscene,” “disgraceful” and “shameful.” Yet the ungodly revel in gay pride parades! In this too, twenty-first-century sexual immorality is in step with the proverbial arrogance of ancient Sodom: “The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves” (Isa. 3:9). Romans 1:27 speaks of the “error” of homosexuality, for it is a deliberate “wandering,” “roaming” or “going astray” from God’s truth through deception and delusion.
This is not merely the language of a Victorian moralist or a populist politician or a right-wing activist. These are the words of the Holy Spirit Himself in the inspired book of Romans, the most systematic presentation of the gospel of salvation (from sin to glory) through Jesus Christ alone!
Acts and Desires
It is important also to note that Romans 1:26-27 deals with homosexual acts and desires. The Almighty judges that both are unnatural and vile.
This needs to be pointed out because some argue that, whereas the Bible condemns homosexual acts, it does not oppose homosexual desires. However, this is a very strange argument. Surely, if X is sin, it is sinful to desire X! Thus the Lord Jesus argues regarding adultery: “whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt. 5:27). Stealing is a sin, murder is a sin, bestiality is a sin and idolatry is a sin; so it is sinful to want or desire to do any of these things.
Our Heidelberg Catechism faithfully sets forth the meaning of “Thou shalt not covet” (Ex. 20:17):
Q. 113. What doth the tenth commandment require of us?
A. That even the smallest inclination or thought contrary to any of God’s commandments never rise in our hearts; but that at all times we hate all sin with our whole heart, and delight in all righteousness.
Clearly, it is the “heart” (with its “inclination[s]” or “thought[s]” or desires) that is the chief thing in the tenth commandment, the previous nine and all of ethics. Later, the Catechism points out that we need to “learn more and more to know our sinful nature” (A. 115) and not think only about external acts.
One senses in this argument —that homosexual desires, though perhaps not homosexual acts, are OK—a desperate, though ill-fated, attempt somehow or other to justify sodomy and lesbianism, at least in some sense. But this view betrays a total ignorance or denial of the sin of concupiscence or one’s sinful (internal) desires. It is thoroughly Pelagian to claim that only actions can be sinful but to deny the evil of the heart and its desires or yearnings. Thus the Triune God speaks of the “vile affections” of homosexuality (Rom. 1:26), that is, its “passions” or “desires” that are “dishonourable,” “disgraceful,” “shameful” and “degrading.”
Lust Not Love
When the apostle Paul writes that “the men … burned in their lust one toward another” (v. 27), he is describing mutual desires. So Romans 1:26-27 cannot be dismissed as if it merely opposed homosexual rape or pederasty or master-slave “encounters.” Our text opposes consensual homosexuality, whether long-term or short-term, “committed” or casual.
In that sodomites “[burn] in their lust one toward another” (v. 27), it is inaccurate, misleading and downright false to speak of “gay love.” Instead, it is biblical and, therefore, accurate and true to label it “homosexual lust.” It is an attack upon the God of love falsely to dignify what He calls a sinful, burning “lust” with the honourable name of “love.”
Scripture’s infallible teaching regarding the burning lust of homosexual men accords well with the standard results of surveys.10 Here are three typical conclusions:
Homosexual men are more promiscuous with other men than (ungodly) heterosexual men with women.
Homosexual men more frequently engage in intercourse with male strangers than (ungodly) heterosexual men with female strangers.
Homosexual men are more given to unrestrained sex or sexual “experimentation” than (ungodly) heterosexual men.11
This is not to say that in all of the above areas every homosexual is worse than every heterosexual. Nor are we denying that many heterosexuals perform sinful, obscene and disgusting sexual acts. Rather, given that homosexual intercourse is, by God’s own explicit declaration, intrinsically depraved and shameful, and that sodomites “[burn] in their lust one toward another” (v. 27), it is not surprising that they have significantly higher incidences of promiscuity, including with strangers, and perverse “experimentation” than heterosexuals.
Nor is it strange that many homosexuals boast of their depraved sexual activities and want to promote them in the general populace. After all, the homosexual ethic cannot, by definition, endorse or practise marital faithfulness between one man and one woman for life. It neither honours nor recognizes any transcendent, God-given laws. Nor does it value scriptural sexual ethics or even traditional, conventional morality, which homosexuals often view as stifling or “bourgeois.” In any conflict between biblical “boundaries” on the one hand and “freedom” or “self-expression” in promiscuity on the other, the latter will win out in homosexual ideology.
Divine Judgment
So far in our consideration of Romans 1:26-27, we have seen that this key biblical passage on homosexuality condemns lesbianism and sodomy, both in the act and the desire, as lust and not love, for they are “against nature”:
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Now we need to note that homosexuality is itself a judgment of God for sin. Fallen humans are idolaters. They reject the one, true God, who is the Creator and Judge of all, and worship various idols. Therefore, Jehovah gives them up to sexual iniquity, either heterosexual sins (v. 24) or those of the homosexual variety (vv. 26-27). The statement that God “gave them up” (vv. 24, 26) means that He did not stop unbelieving man from these sexual sins but rather that He delivered them over to them in His just judgment.
Both idolatry and homosexuality are a denial of God’s clear revelation in the creation. The universe itself declares that it was formed by the eternal, omnipotent, invisible and incorruptible Deity (vv. 20, 23), yet foolish man makes and worships images of corruptible creatures (vv. 23, 25). Likewise, the human body itself proclaims the appropriateness of sexual attraction and activity between the male and the female as the “natural use” (vv. 26, 27), yet some men and women engage in homosexuality, the trespass “against nature” (v. 26).
Idolatry and homosexuality involve sins in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. Idolatry is rebellion against God Almighty above, the Maker of heaven and earth. Homosexuality is the denial of the sexual complementarity of male with female only, according to Jehovah’s creation of human beings on this planet.
The Most High punishes the religious sin of idolatry with the moral iniquity of homosexuality. This teaching of Scripture, including Romans 1, that God punishes sin with sin was underscored especially by Augustine (354-430), the great doctor of grace in the early church. It is also a key element in hamartiology (the doctrine of sin) in the Reformed churches.
We ought to observe the connection between idolatry and homosexuality on the one hand, and God’s wrath on the other. This is how the second half of Romans 1 begins: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (v. 18). The operation of the “wrath of God” “from heaven” includes giving people over to lesbianism and sodomy (vv. 26-27).
Homosexuality, therefore, is a judgment of God and a manifestation of His wrath in this life. Unless repented of, sodomy and lesbianism, and the approval of these sins, will be grounds for further divine wrath in the world to come, for “knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, [they] not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (v. 32). A few verses later, Jehovah directly addresses the unbeliever: “after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” (2:5).
This is the order of what we have seen from the latter part of Romans 1: unregenerate man commits idolatry; in His just judgment and wrath, God gives some over to heterosexual sins and others to homosexuality; the impenitent receive the full wrath of the Almighty in hell for ever. This is a deadly serious matter. All who are outside of Jesus Christ must repent of their evil ways and trust Him as the only Saviour!
Suppressing the Truth
Romans 1 sets forth man’s amazing capacity for suppressing the truth. All know that God is God and idolatry is sin, and so are left “without excuse”:
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse (vv. 19-20).
But the ungodly “hold the truth in unrighteousness,” that is, they “hold [down or suppress] the truth in unrighteousness” (v. 18). The main way or means of suppressing the truth about God is that of exchange, putting something else in His place: they “changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things” (v. 23). Wherefore, the Most High gives people up (vv. 24, 26, 28) to homosexuality and all sorts of sin, as well as to His wrath, both in this world and the next.
Since this article focuses on homosexuality, we note that our twenty-first-century world is increasingly suppressing the truth regarding lesbianism and sodomy. We are constantly being told that homosexuality is merely an “alternative lifestyle” or even a good way to live. Sodomites have been re-labelled as “gay,” which means happy—a deceitful misnomer.
Often this suppression of the truth concerning homosexuality takes the form of rejecting God’s Word or seeking to ignore it. Others “reinterpret” the Bible and especially Romans 1:26-27, which has been attacked by the pro-homosexual lobby for decades in articles, speeches and books. This is just one modern form of revisionism or corruption of the Word of God (II Cor. 2:17)
Despite the suppression of God’s truth regarding lesbianism and sodomy, many problems are still unavoidable for homosexuals. First, the God-given anatomy of the human body renders procreation through homosexual activity impossible. Second, the sexual practices of homosexuals are unhygienic, disgusting and dangerous. Third, family members, friends and others indicate to them in different ways (some of which may even be unwise or sinful) that homosexuality is unnatural and wrong. Fourth, faithful believers and the true church continue to witness to the doctrine of God’s Word regarding the seventh commandment. Fifth, despite their best efforts at denial—a striking contemporary instance of “speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (I Tim. 4:2)—homosexuals still know that their lusts and activities are “against nature.” Objectively, they are guilty and, subjectively, they feel guilty in their consciences to varying degrees and at different times.
This guilt results in well-above-average instances among homosexuals of mental problems, attempted suicide and suicide. Thus this sin against the seventh commandment leads some to sin against the sixth commandment: “Thou shalt not kill” others or yourself (Ex. 20:13). Related to all this is the heightened sense of fear among homosexuals: fear of ageing, fear of death and fear of diseases.
The repeated references in Romans 1 to God’s giving people over to sin (vv. 24, 26, 28) explains how iniquity enslaves people. The world refers to drunkenness and drug abuse, for example, as “addictions,” a humanistic way of avoiding speaking about the bondage of sin.
God’s giving over people to homosexuality (vv. 26-27) helps to account for the way in which this lust brings people into moral enslavement and bondage. They “have pleasure” in their sin (v. 32) yet, because of the nature of homosexual activity, it can never be entirely satisfactory. Even if the person wants to stop (at some level), he or she finds it very difficult. Homosexuality is a habit-forming sin: the longer one lives in it, the deeper it becomes ingrained and the harder it is to break from it.
Yet there is comfort for the believer who once walked in this sin. In the cross of Christ, there is forgiveness with God that He may be feared (Ps. 130:4). The elect have this promise from their heavenly Father in every trial and spiritual struggle: “My grace is sufficient for thee” (II Cor. 12:9)!
Blame It on the Genes!
Whatever role genes, hormones (pre- or post-natal) or brain structure might have as regards a predisposition to homosexuality, these in no way excuse it or clear sodomites or lesbians of guilt before Almighty God. All scientific research and analysis in this area, including that done by advocates of homosexuality, is at best inconclusive.
Regarding the quest for the “gay gene,” one wonders, “Are there also genes for other sins? Is there a gene or a combination of genes for stealing (even kleptomania or compulsive stealing) or pederasty or bestiality, etc.?” If there were, would these things be OK? No! The Bible is very clear on this and most people, even in our day, reckon that stealing, bestiality and pederasty are simply wrong. What about a distinctive DNA for idolaters, Sabbath breakers, liars or covetous people?
Every fallen human being has a natural predisposition to tell lies: “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies” (Ps. 58:3). Included in this is the desperate attempt on the part of many to excuse homosexuality. Man’s total depravity means he has a predisposition to evil lusts against the eighth commandment (stealing) and all forms of the seventh commandment (e.g., fornication, adultery, pornography, harlotry, polygamy, incest, homosexuality, pederasty and bestiality), as well as all the commandments of God.
Alfred Kinsey (1894-1956), known as “the father of the sexual revolution,” was the creator of the Kinsey Scale, also called the Heterosexual–Homosexual Rating Scale. Excluding the rating of X for “no socio-sexual contacts or reactions,” which was added later, it classifies people from 0-6:
0 Exclusively heterosexual
1 Predominantly heterosexual and only incidentally homosexual
2 Predominantly heterosexual but more than incidentally homosexual
3 Equally heterosexual and homosexual
4 Predominantly homosexual but more than incidentally heterosexual
5 Predominantly homosexual and only incidentally heterosexual
6 Exclusively homosexual
An ardent evolutionist and a practising bisexual, whose research has been proven to be biased and skewed, Kinsey sought to normalize homosexuality and promote the idea of the fluidity of human sexuality. If we accept his classification, for sake of argument, one may well wonder if there are different genetic factors for each of the six classifications. What about the DNA of someone who moves up or down the scale?
It is widely acknowledged that there is a higher percentage of homosexuals in cities than in the countryside and among those with higher education than those without it. How do genes explain this?
What about homosexuality in identical twins? Statistically, the identical twin of a sodomite is more likely to be homosexual than a general member of the populace. But it is certainly not the case that, if one identical twin is homosexual, then the other always is too, as would have been expected if identical twins had the exact same genetic make-up and homosexuality is simply a matter of genes.
According to some new research, however, though identical twins come from the same fertilized egg, they do not share identical genetic profiles. Instead, they share very similar genes. Even then, the high similarity in genetic make-up does not tally with the percentages of homosexual identical twins.
Human Choices
Although some people have a greater predisposition to homosexual lusts than others, just as some have a stronger proclivity than others to sinful pride or anger or stubbornness, Holy Scripture emphasizes the role of choices or decisions in the sexual desires and behaviours of lesbians and sodomites in Romans 1:26-27, the key biblical passage on homosexuality:
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Moreover, many admit that they choose to be homosexuals and simply do what they want to do. Indeed, a large number of sodomites and lesbians do not like the idea that their DNA predisposes them to homosexuality, because they think that being “born gay” still suggests that they are somehow wrong or abnormal.
Others openly declare that the notion of a “gay gene” was merely a useful ploy to gain sympathy and acceptance from heterosexuals. For a time the old bromide that “homosexuals are simply born that way” was helpful to reduce societal disapproval in the Western world and elsewhere. In many countries, things are moving towards the goal of the “final phase”: the universal and wholehearted acceptance and celebration of homosexuality, with the mocking, side-lining, censoring, condemning and even criminalizing of dissenters.
We read of God’s faithful “two witnesses” in Revelation 11:7-8:
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Christ’s witnessing people are persecuted and slain not only by the world as oppresser (“Egypt”) and tempter (Babylon, “the great city”), and the false church (Jerusalem, “where also our Lord was crucified”), but also the sexually depraved (“Sodom”). This is becoming more and more evident in our own day.
I Corinthians 6 especially gives absolutely certain proof that homosexuality is not merely a matter of genes, hormones or brain structure. The apostle warns,
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [i.e., the homosexual passive partners], nor abusers of themselves with mankind [i.e., the homosexual active partners], nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (vv. 9-10).
Paul immediately adds, “And such [including homosexuals] were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (v. 11). God justifies the penitent homosexual by forgiving his sins and imputing to him the righteousness of Jesus Christ through faith alone. Jehovah also sanctifies and purifies him, so that he no longer lives under the dominion and slavery of sodomy, though the flesh battles against the spirit, as with all true Christians (Rom. 6-7; Gal. 5:16-25).
God does not change the homosexual’s genes when He converts him to Christ by His sovereign grace. No more does He do this than He changes the genetic make-up of “fornicators,” “idolaters,” “adulterers,” “thieves,” “covetous,” “drunkards,” “revilers” or “extortioners.” He graciously pardons and cleanses them by His Holy Spirit and incorporates them into the body of Jesus Christ, the church, for homosexuality is not the unpardonable sin.
Homosexuality and the Gospel
Having quoted and exegeted Romans 1:26-27 at length, we now note that these key verses on same-sex attraction and intercourse are included in that part of this great epistle that sets forth the sinfulness of the whole human race (1:18-3:20), both Jews and Gentiles. Indeed, Romans 1:26-27 comes in a sub-section especially dealing with pagan or Gentile depravity (1:18-32)—so much for the pro-homosexual claim that these two verses deal merely with a Jewish taboo.
The next major section of Romans treats justification by faith alone in Jesus Christ (3:21-5:21). The argument of the first five inspired chapters of Romans is, therefore, very clear and simple: all human beings, including homosexuals, are totally depraved (1:18-3:20) and so need the righteousness of God through believing in Christ crucified (3:21-5:21). Next, Romans 6-7 teaches sanctification: the promised gift of a holy life and the arduous calling of a fierce struggle by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
The verdict of God’s Word, of which Paul is “not ashamed” (1:16), is that lesbianism and sodomy are unnatural and vile, judgments of God and manifestations of His wrath (1:18, 26-27). The only hope for those snared in those sins—or in any sin—is the gospel of God’s grace in the Lord Jesus resulting in our legal pardon and our organic transformation.
The same apostle Paul teaches this truth more briefly in I Timothy 1:8-11:
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
Notice, first, that homosexuals, those who “defile themselves with mankind,” are included in this list of sinners (v. 10). Second, this sin and all the others are exposed by the right use of God’s law (vv. 8-9). Third, all this is in accordance with the “glorious gospel” of Christ (v. 11), for the good news of salvation is a precious word to all who see their guilt before the just Lord of heaven: “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” (v. 15)!
This is the gospel call issued by the Son of God: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). As the prophet declares, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isa. 55:7). What gracious and rich promises!
Acknowledging the justice of God’s law and trusting in the cross as their only hope, all regenerated sinners repent of their sins, and come to Jesus Christ for forgiveness and spiritual healing. All true believers, including former homosexuals, are empowered and cleansed (Rom. 1:16; I Cor. 6:9-11) for single, chaste lives as eunuchs in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:11-12) or for the lifelong bond of (heterosexual) marriage (vv. 4-6).
However, those who repudiate God’s judgment, in order to excuse their own sins, thereby reject the gospel of Christ, the sole source of divine forgiveness, and the only power to break with the bondage and misery of sin so as to live in a way pleasing to the Triune God. All such people, including impenitent homosexuals, perish for ever because of their sins.
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 (I Cor. 6:9-10).
For without [the heavenly city] are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie (Rev. 22:15).
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Rev. 21:8).12
Those who live in sodomy or lesbianism are not believers, even if they claim to be “Christian homosexuals.” Such people must not be acknowledged as saints, no matter how vehemently they assert it. These men and women ought not be received as members of the church, irrespective of their protestations. A homosexual Christian is an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms, like a vegetarian who eats T-bone steak or an environmentalist who advocates the wholesale extermination of blue whales.
To accept impenitent sodomites or lesbians as if they were Christians is no service or love to them. Instead, it invalidates the gospel of Jesus Christ to lost sinners, corrupts the church and dishonours the holy God of heaven.
Homosexuality and the Church
There is something worse than homosexuality in the world, and the Western media and state promotion of it. Homosexuality in the professing Christian churches is even more offensive to the Triune God.
Officially, Roman Catholicism is opposed to homosexual activity. However, Rome’s canon law requires priestly celibacy, which Scripture calls a doctrine of devils (I Tim. 4:1-3; Heb. 13:4) and which provides a fertile ground for sodomy. Many students for the papal priesthood have complained about the homosexual culture of seminary life.
Around the world, the Roman Catholic Church is plagued by the practice of priestly sexual abuse of children. It is striking that the vast majority of these sickening cases involve the (homosexual) abuse of boys (pederasty), rather than girls. This is yet another area in which Rome clearly reveals itself to be a false church because of its grievous refusal to discipline effectively these wicked priests (Belgic Confession 29). Not only has this papal scandal been going on for decades but it has been occurring over many centuries. The only difference is that people are more willing to speak out against it in our day.
It is no secret that impenitent homosexuals have been members of various Anglican or Episcopalian churches for many decades and have partaken of the Lord’s supper, without any church discipline. Moreover, there have been openly homosexual priests in the Anglican Communion for some time. Scores of lesbian and sodomite priests in the Church of England have been “married” under the Civil Partnership Act (2005).
In 2003, Jeffrey John, who was openly living in a same-sex relationship, was nominated as the Bishop of Reading but, under pressure, the Church of England withdrew his appointment. Later in 2003, Gene Robinson, another open homosexual, was “consecrated” as Bishop of New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church in the United States.
Not only Roman Catholicism and apostate Anglican denominations, but other churches have also conformed to the ungodly Western world’s promotion of homosexuality (Rom. 12:2; I John 2:15), and caved in to the pressure from without and within. Such communions share the common, core heresies of liberalism or modernism. It is not difficult to see how these (and other) false doctrines lead to the toleration and (eventually) the promotion of sexual abominations:
- Higher criticism of God’s Word—once the inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures are rejected (John 10:35; II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:19-21), can the Bible be trusted to give a sure word regarding homosexuality?
- Evolutionism—if God did not create the world and humanity as the Bible says in Genesis 1-2, He does not set the rules for males and females, sex and marriage!
- Unbiblical divorce and remarriage—if the church can set aside the clear teaching of Christ (Matt. 5:31-32; 19:3-12; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18) and His apostles (Rom. 7:2-3; I Cor. 7:10-11, 39) in this area, in order to conform to civil law and/or public opinion, why should it be so “bigoted” as to oppose lesbianism, sodomy and same-sex marriage?13
- Feminism—there are more Scriptures opposing women in church office (e.g., I Tim. 2:11-15; I Cor. 14:34-35) than homosexual office-bearers!
- Arminianism—God loves and wants to save everyone (Rom. 9:1-24), and Christ died for everybody (John 10:11, 15; Eph. 5:25), for all human beings are His children in His image (John 8:33-47; Rom. 8:29), including homosexuals, whom He accepts just as they are!
Our own calling is very clear: uphold the truth of the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; Jude 3), bring the gospel to homosexuals and all outside of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15-16), walk in sexual purity (I Cor. 6:9-7:40) and live faithfully in our churches (Eph. 4:1-16)—out of gratitude and love for our Saviour. “Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever” (Ps. 93:5)!
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