Homosexuality: The Bible's Viewpoint

I read an article on Associated Content today that has inspired me to write about homosexuality at an angle that is from Jehovah our God. All of it is strictly from the Bible, as there is no better way to reason than on the Scriptures. Because after all, this is what the apostles did. They used God's word as their weight and to back up everything that came forth from their mouths. I'll do likewise.

Why the Bible is the Basis of reasoning

I understand truly that most would like to form an opinion that is their own. But, I have to say that God's word is more superior than mans. After all, he created us in his image.-Genesis 1:26, 27. If God is the creator, then it would be in our best interest to heed what he is telling us because he knows best. It is just like following the instructions and advice of our parents. While we may think they are being mean to us, and we don't think it is fair at the time, it is the right thing to do. Sometimes, God's instructions can save our lives and keep us out of the way of danger. The same goes for parental instruction and guidance.

The Bible is inspired by God, as the Scriptures state, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." The book of Psalms adds to this by saying that "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."-Psalm 119:105. We can gain life through his word as Psalm 119:37 said, "Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word." Isn't this good enough reason for us to want to follow the written word of Jehovah God?

Who Is the Bible Really Written For?

The Bible was written for any of us who desire a relationship with Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ. I must also say that God did not write the Bible for perfect people. It was written for IMPERFECT people. I'd also like to add that if we were all so perfect, then God could have chosen anyone of us to die in Jesus place. Because this is not so and this did not happen, we are not perfect and have no choice but to look to Jesus and his father Jehovah as our models. Plus, if we were so perfect, we'd not even need the Bible and its teachings. We wouldn't even need to pray because we'd already have all the answers. After all, isn't that what would constitute us as perfect? Perfect people wouldn't need any help. Here is another illustration.

There is a physician in his office. Patients are coming in to see him. Are these sick people or well people? No doubt, they are sick. So all in the same, do we talk to the righteous or the unrighteous about God's word? I believe that we are to witness to those who are not believers so they can have an opportunity to be saved. We should not shun them, damn them, or treat them with disgust. While we may not appreciate their behavior, we have to view things on a grand scale. It is their life we are saving, and the way we treat them will depend on whether or not they'll heed our message.

Jesus gave this same illustration when talking to the Pharisees after they were disgusted with him for eating in the company of sinners. The account at Matthew 9:10-13 reads;

¹⁰ Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. ¹¹ But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" ¹² When Jesus heard this, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor-sick people do." ¹³ Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

Therefore, we should be doing the same along with having the same attitude toward individuals who we may think undesirable-even homosexuals.

Onto the Subject of Homosexuality

The subject of homosexuality is one that is of a very touchy nature. Hence, when asked about my stance on the matter, I always say that I hold the Bible's view. I never give my opinion, as there is no weight to it. Not to mention, if I'm using the Bible as my defense and as the basis of my argument, I'm not doing the judging. God is doing it through his word.

When you look into the pages of his word, it clearly says that homosexuality is not approved by God. Verses can be found throughout the entire Bible to prove this point. Take for example what is stated at Romans 1:24-27. It reads;

²⁴ So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. ²⁵ They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. ²⁶ That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. ²⁷ And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.

Why did God abandon them to their own desires? Well, it is just like a child who is eighteen years of age. Their parents can try as hard as possible to advise them against what is wrong. They can outline what would happen if the child should disobey. But, because of the child's legal age, they cannot force them to do what they ask. Hence, they leave the child to doing what he wants in hopes he'll come home to his senses and realize he was wrong. This is also the case with extremely rebellious children. Parents can try to a point. After that, it is up to the child to see for himself. God does things the same way. He provides his instruction, as well as gives us free will to choose our course. It is up to us as to what we'll do.

Sodom and Gomorrah were also destroyed because of this lifestyle. This story can be found in Genesis chapter 19. This goes to show that there is penalty for not obeying God. You may think this is harsh: but, isn't there a penalty for not obeying the laws of our society and its government? Do people not pay a price for their wrongdoings? Doesn't it not come back on them? Since we can answer "yes" to all of these questions, just ask yourself, if people can punish us for doing wrong, couldn't the creator punish us the same? He can, and he makes no exceptions for any sins, not even for homosexuality.

On a happier note, the Bible gives all sinners hope to win God's favor. To homosexuals, his word states that these people have a chance to turn from this just as any other sin, and they will be loved by God into his open arms and sanctified.--1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

Now that this proof has been spelled out, there is no disputing it. It is clearly saying that it is wrong. There is no way around it. We may have members of our families who live such lifestyles, and they may be the nicest people: but, this doesn't make it right. We can reason all that we want to justify our acceptance of the lifestyle: however, it is plainly written, and it would do no good for us to misconstrued the message of the Living God to make it say what we wish it to in order to validate what we are in denial of and want not to change. If we want to truly say that we love God and wish to be his followers, then we'll do what is necessary to please him. We'll shun the things he hates. Homosexuality is one of them. After all, we respect our friends in the same. If they dislike something, or if something bothers them, we do what is necessary to modify our behavior so as to not lose their friendship more their favor, especially ore so if they are a very close friend that we cherish very much. The same goes even more so for our creator. If we love and cherish him, we'll do whatever necessary to keep his favor and his friendship.

This does not mean, however, that we should put such ones down, make fun of them, or be hateful, as many of the clergy do. We all are sinners. We all have struggles. We just have to fight to do what is right. We have to lovingly help one another.

The way the clergy deal with people of these sorts is quite contrary to how the Bible tells us to. It makes them not even want to change. So many horrible things are committed in the name of religion that it is not funny. It makes people want to shy away.

Homosexuality is not different from any other sin. If anything, they have it harder than most, as such a thing is biological and not by choice. This just means that they have a greater fight to fight to remain loyal to God. You may ask how God could do this. You might even reason with yourself that he is setting ones up to fail if this is a biological disposition. You'll be very happy to know that this isn't so.

Just think of it this way. Some people's personalities make them prone to sin more than others. Some may have a personality that causes them to be too outspoken thus they not think before they speak and fail to use tact. God warns against abusive or harsh speech.-Ephesians 4:31. Practically all of James chapter 3 covers the use of our tongue and how it can play a role in contributing to our sinful nature. Some have very hot tempers that cause them to have violent natures. And, God hates violence, as his word says at Psalm 11:5 that "The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence." These are biological traits inherited due to imperfection and are just as sinful as homosexuality. They all have one thing in common. They are detestable to Jehovah God, and they can hinder our progress in our relationship with him, as well as bar us from receiving the reward of everlasting life. No matter our sins, we have to constantly work on ourselves because whether we'd like to believe it or not, we sin every single day.

No, I do not have a degree in theology. It isn't necessary to be a learned person to be close to God. As a matter of fact, having an education and credentials was a requirement of the Pharisees, and the apostles were from all different backgrounds. Some of them did not even have much of an education, as they were farmers, tax collectors, and fishermen. So, it would not really be fair to questions someone's credential background if they are showing what they believe. Because, if they can prove it from the Bible and are prepared to give an answer for their faith, their values, and their beliefs, as it says in 1 Peter 3:15 that "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain It.", then that is all that is needed. The Bible also states that we must explain our faith with kindness and gentleness as verse 16 of this chapter says, "But do this in a gentle and respectful way." So, if we are really and truly following the course of life the Bible prescribes for us, we'd not be nasty and judgmental to people living such lifestyles. We know it is wrong: however, if we are mean and nasty to them, do you seriously think they'll really be inspired to listen to us? Sure not. They'll actually turn a deaf ear and not care about the next word spoken. Worse yet, they may even have a bad taste in their mouths based on how we treated them thus not giving them much of an opportunity to have a relationship with God or gain everlasting life. And should they die because of our negligence, the blood is on our heads, which could be dangerous for us. So to not put ourselves in such a compromising situation, we can lovingly show them from God's word that this is, indeed, unacceptable in the Eyes of the Lord.