Feature Article
—There Is Nothing Respectful About Homosexuality
by Kevin Pendergrass
In the book of Judges, the following phrase is repeated twice: “…everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25). As a general rule, the world will always follow after its own way (1 John 2:15-17). Individuals must be warned that the way of the world is unto death (Proverbs 16:25; Matthew 7:13-14). Paul proclaimed “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:21). The same is true with regards to the sin of homosexuality.
Homosexuality has become more accepted by our society - even among some so-called “Christians”. However, throughout both the Old and New Testament, homosexuality is condemned (Genesis 19:4-11; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 7; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Timothy 1:9-11). Under the Old Covenant, homosexuality was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:13). While the Bible teaches that we are under the New Covenant and not under the Old Covenant today (Hebrews 10:9; 7:12), the sin of homosexuality is still condemned under the New Law and the wages of the sin is spiritual death (that is, hell; Revelation 20:14-15; Romans 1:24-27; Romans 6:23). Stronger attempts are being made to “sugar coat” homosexuality by repackaging it. For instance, some want to call it an “alternate life style” in hopes that others will see homosexuality as good. But the Bible says “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). Some want to say that they were born homosexual; but the Bible says we are born good, pure, innocent and right (Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ezekiel 18:19-20). If one wants to claim that they were born a certain way to justify their actions, where would one draw the line? For example, a fornicator, a rapist and a murder could all claim they were born that way; but their line of reasoning is inconsistent, unbiblical and offers zero proof – thus it must logically be rejected (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Romans 12:2).
As Christians, it is not enough to just abstain from the practice of homosexuality. We must vehemently oppose it and not condone of it in any way (Ephesians 5:11; Romans 1:32). Since our society has accepted homosexuality, it is no wonder that more people are accepting homosexual marriages. God’s plan for marriage is between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:1-10; Ephesians 5:22-33). 1 Corinthians 7:2 says “Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.” Some have branded those opposing homosexuality as being unloving or unkind, but understand that true love involves discipline and correction (Hebrews 12:11; Revelation 3:19). The Bible says “let the righteous strike me, it shall be a kindness” (Psalm 141:5). It is time for Christians to be kind and do some spiritual striking (rebuking) and start contending for the faith once again (2 Timothy 4:2; Jude 3). Those who practice and approve of homosexuality need to be spiritually disciplined and corrected so they can repent. Homosexuality is among the plurality of sins Paul condemns in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; he ends by saying “such WERE some of you.” They changed and you can too! I exhort you to repent, be immersed and walk in newness of life, leaving your sin of homosexuality behind (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16).
