Our natural inclination might easily be to shy away from a discussion of this topic, but the publicity given to the matter in the world today and the fact that it is mentioned a number of times in God’s Word make it appropriate for us to consider what God has to say on the question.
First of all, it is of paramount importance to understand that the Word of God condemns homosexual practices in the strongest possible terms. Under the law of Moses, those engaging in such activities were to be “cut off from among their people” (Lev. 18:22,2922Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)
29For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. (Leviticus 18:29); also Lev. 20:1313If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)). Likewise, Paul mentions the same sin in Romans 1:26-2726For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And 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. (Romans 1:26‑27), 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10; in all cases the practice is abhorred and soundly condemned. In the reference in Romans 1, a root cause of the matter is given: “When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. ... Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own bodies, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves” (Rom. 1:21-2421Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: (Romans 1:21‑24)).
This is no doubt a reference to the time immediately after the flood of Noah, when Noah and his family all had the knowledge of the true God. But how quickly their posterity gave up that knowledge, and turned to idolatry! As a result, God gave them up, allowing them to see the full result of their departure from Him. The practice of homosexuality was obviously common in Sodom, resulting in God’s judgment on that wicked city, and the incident that occurred in Israel in the days of the judges is appallingly similar to what took place in Sodom — see Judges 19:2222Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him. (Judges 19:22).
Legalization
Until very recently, strict laws against homosexual practices existed in most Western countries and also in many so-called pagan countries. While such activities doubtless went on, they were largely practiced in secret. Now same-sex marriages have been legalized in some countries, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Spain, Portugal, as well as in some states in the U.S.A. In such jurisdictions the practice of homosexuality is openly allowed and is taught in public schools as an acceptable alternative to a heterosexual relationship.
Contributing Factors of Its Origin
It is beyond the scope of this article to enter into a detailed discussion of the origin of these tendencies in some individuals. There are probably factors present in the genetic makeup of some persons that make them susceptible to a same-sex attraction. Also, there are sometimes factors resulting from the environment in which one is raised that may exacerbate or even stimulate such a tendency. However, there are two reasons from Scripture that are clear and definite, and we prefer to rely on God’s Word rather than speculate from a human point of view.
First of all, we have the passage in Romans 1, already quoted, that tells us that such a tendency (among other immoral practices) was a direct judgment of God on those who had willfully given up the knowledge of Him. God is not mocked, and if men shut Him out of their lives, there are consequences, both in the present and for eternity. The emergence of the AIDS virus about thirty years ago seems to be another example of “men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet” (Rom. 1:2727And 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. (Romans 1:27)).
Second, when sin entered this world as the result of the fall of man, man’s nature became corrupt, and we read that “the earth ... was corrupt” and “filled with violence” (Gen. 6:12-1312And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 13And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (Genesis 6:12‑13)). While we do not read specifically of homosexuality before the flood, yet other immoral practices were obviously rampant, and we have no reason to believe that homosexuality was not practiced. Attraction to the same sex is thus part of the sad result of the fall of man, as well as being a direct judgment of God on man.
The Believer’s Attitude
What then should be the believer’s attitude to the matter? First of all, the outlook of the believer must never be determined by the current of thought in the world around him. Scripture tells us that in the last days “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse” (2 Tim. 3:13), and as we see this happening, we must guard our thoughts even more carefully, making sure that they are formed by God’s Word and not man’s wisdom. As we see much of the world now condoning homosexuality, we must bear in mind that Scripture identifies it as most serious. Even among many ungodly people there is still a strong stigma attached to it. No doubt this is because it is not only morally wrong, but also a departure from God’s natural order in creation.
However, we must make a distinction between sin and the sinner. God abhors sin, but He loves the sinner. Also, we must distinguish between the tendency towards or attraction to individuals of the same sex and the practice of homosexual acts. In Romans, the Apostle speaks of both sins (individual acts of sin, whether in willful thought or in word and deed) and sin (the old sinful nature, which is the root of all sins). While all sins are not equal before God, yet all sins are the result of the fall of man and are deserving of God’s judgment.
Tendencies to Different Sins
We all have an old sinful nature and are afflicted with tendencies to different sins. Scripture recognizes “a man given to appetite” (Prov. 23:22And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. (Proverbs 23:2)), for whom overeating may become a sin. It is well-known that some, because of their genetic makeup, become addicted to alcohol much more easily than others. One may have a strong tendency to immorality, yet be gentle and kind naturally. Another may loathe immorality, yet have strong predisposition to temper and violence. Still another may detest both immorality and violence, yet be inclined to such things as lying, cheating and underhanded manipulation. (We see this in the life of Jacob, until the discipline of God accomplished a change.) Immorality that transgresses God’s order in creation (such as pedophilia and homosexuality) tends to provoke strong reactions on the part of some, even in the world at large. It is well-known that even hardened criminals, who would think little of robbery and violence, will often threaten even the life of a fellow-prisoner convicted of molesting children. Believers sometimes raise questions as to whether anyone with a tendency to pedophilia or homosexuality could really be saved. It is important to realize that such inclinations may afflict certain individuals and require grace from the Lord to overcome them, just as others may have to overcome a penchant for such things as lying, violence or heterosexual immorality.
Judging the Root
As with all impulses in the old sinful nature of the believer, homosexual tendencies must be recognized as an effect of the fall and a root of serious immorality. The inclination must be judged unsparingly before the Lord, recognizing that we are “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God” (Rom. 6:1111Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:11)). Just as many dear believers have been delivered from such things as addictions to alcohol, drugs and heterosexual immorality, so we cannot limit what the grace of God can do in delivering from homosexual immorality. With some the struggle may be a hard one, even to the point of making it difficult to enjoy a normal heterosexual relationship, but surely the Lord who gave His life for us will hear and give the needed grace, if we look to Him. But even if the tendency remains, surely we can lay hold of the Lord’s words to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Cor. 12:9), and look to Him to help us not to give way to the inclination and thus commit an overt act of sin.
Pastoral Help
It is also important for other believers who do not have such an inclination not to shun or recoil from someone with a homosexual tendency. The practice of homosexuality must be strongly condemned, but the individuals afflicted with the problem need help, encouragement, and pastoral care, in order to help them to avoid falling into sin. There should be liberty for them to ask for help, without fear of being rejected and avoided.
In these last days, when all restraint seems to be thrown off, it takes real dependence on the Lord to steer clear of the flagrant immorality that is flaunted everywhere, whether homosexual or heterosexual. Yet God would not tell us to be overcomers if it were impossible to do so.
Deliverance
A final question may arise as to whether an individual with a homosexual tendency can be completely delivered from it, so as to be capable of leading a normal life and entering into a happy marriage relationship. This is an issue about which it is hard to be dogmatic, for, in the words of another, there is nothing stronger than the grace of God, but nothing weaker than the flesh. There are those with some types of mental illness, for example, who are unable to function in a completely normal way in some aspects of life, despite a walk with the Lord and dependence on Him. In the same way, some with strong homosexual leanings may have to recognize their limitations and seek grace from the Lord to overcome within such boundaries. God has not taken away all of the effects of sin in this world, even for the believer, but those who glorify God in spite of such limitations will, no doubt, reap a great reward in a coming day. However, to say that one could not be delivered from such an affliction is to limit the grace and power of God. In any situation, however, we are always responsible for the motives of our actions, and we can ask the Lord for grace to live a life for His glory down here and to walk in communion with Him.
After referring to various sins, including the practice of homosexuality, Paul could say to the Corinthians, “Such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 6:11). The practices that had characterized them before they were saved were to be given up, and surely God will give the needed grace for it today, as He did back in Paul’s time.
W. J. Prost