Lately a swirl of controversy has surrounded the issue of homosexuality. As the gay community becomes more accepted in our society, many on both sides of the issue have brought the Bible into the discussion. Although socially or politically some may be indifferent to homosexuality, Christians must inquire not of their own opinions but of God's. Is the Bible's teaching on homosexuality clear? How should Christians treat those who profess to be gay? Most of all, what does God think of homosexuality?

It must be stated unequivocally that the Bible teaches homosexuality is an abomination to God. The Law of Moses condemned homosexuality specifically (Lev 18:22, 20:13, Dt 22:5), which indicates that God felt this way even in old times. However, it should be noted that the Law of Moses was a law for Jews and not for us today (Heb 7:18, Col 2:14). Does God condemn homosexuality under the law of Christ? The answer again is yes. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ (Rom 1:1), states of the Gentiles that "God gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves"(Rom 1:24), to the point that "the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due"(Rom 1:27). Anyone curious as to God's thinking on homosexuality should read the above verse carefully. It is dishonoring and shameful in His eyes. Paul instructed the Corinthians that "neither fornicators…nor homosexuals, nor sodomites…will inherit the kingdom of God"(1 Cor 6:9-10). These are not lifestyle choices God will overlook, but will keep some from the kingdom of God! Yet Paul was writing to Corinthians who had been homosexuals: "And such were some of you"(1 Cor 6:11)! They needed to know that God was not pleased with such choices. The apostle told Timothy that the law is not righteous but "for fornicators, for sodomites…and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine"(1 Tim 1:9-10). Notice that God calls homosexuality contrary to what is sound, or healthy doctrine. Finally, Jude speaks of Sodom and Gomorrah which, "having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire"(Jude 7). Sodom and Gomorrah speak to us today as an example of the hatred God has of sexual immorality, as illustrated by the violent and wicked homosexuality the citizens displayed. In every place the subject is broached in the New Testament (or indeed anywhere in the Bible), God speaks in no uncertain terms that He hates homosexuality.

Further, homosexuality in biblical terms is a sign of a great moral digression. Again, the example of Sodom is instructive. God told Abraham that "their sin is very grave"(Gen 18:20) and, upon His angels visiting the city, found that they only wanted to sexually abuse the angels. The angels then agree to destroy it, "because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord"(Gen 19:13). Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because their moral digression had gone too far. They are "set forth as an example"(Jude 7) to us today to be wary of the danger of sin going too far, as evidenced in homosexuality. Similarly, in the time of the judges the men of Gibeah beat on the door where a Levite was staying, saying, "Bring out the man who came to your house, that we may know him carnally"(Judg 19:22). The same men then abuse his concubine until she dies, and a war ensues. Why? Because "in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes"(Judg 21:25). Things got so bad that homosexuality was common, and it was a sign of horrible moral decay among God's people. Paul describes the Gentiles as so determined to depart from God that three times He says God gave them up: "God also gave them up to uncleanness"(Rom 1:24), "God gave them up to vile passions"(Rom 1:26), "God gave them over to a debased mind"(Rom 1:28). Only when they actively departed from God did He give them up, and only then did homosexuality ensue. Biblically speaking, homosexuality is a sign of moral digression and departing from God.

On an encouraging note, the Bible tells us that homosexuality can be repented of and overcome. After listing homosexuality in a series of sins, Paul reminds the Corinthians "and such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God"(1 Cor 6:11). Some of these Christians had been homosexuals, yet now they had changed! The decision to become a Christian meant for them to reform this part of their lives to make it pleasing to God! This does not mean repentance from homosexuality is easy, but it does mean that with the strength that comes from above (Phil 4:13), we have the ability to overcome such a sin in our lives. Remember, we can never be pleasing to God unless we truly repent of our sin and change our lives (2 Cor 7:9-10). If you believe you are homosexual, read carefully the above passages. It is important that you know how God feels about what you are doing. Be encouraged by the fact that you can turn away from what God hates and be pleasing to Him!

A few more things need to be said about this issue. First, homosexuality is not wrong because of traditions in this country, legal reasons, or because homosexual relationships don't produce children. It is wrong simply because God says it is wrong. Regarding how Christians should act toward homosexuals, we need to be certain that we treat homosexuals the same way we would any sinner: as someone who needs to learn the truth of Jesus Christ. We must work with and encourage such a person to repent of their sin, just as we would any sinner. We must be patient and loving, remembering that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief"(1 Tim 1:15).

Finally, is it judging to say that homosexuality is wrong? Paul instructs us to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them"(Eph 5:11). To repeat God's truth about homosexuality is simply to "expose" sin for what it is. We must be careful never to judge hypocritically (Mt 7:1-5) or according to appearance (Jn 7:24), but it can never be wrong to simply teach God's word! In answering the question "What does God think of homosexuality?", how can we but say what God has said? "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God"(1 Pet 4:11)!

We must all look to the Bible to see what God wants from us. He has spoken clearly. Will we take His message to the world? Will we hear Him? ___Jacob Hudgins