What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

Part 1

The subject of homosexuality has become one of the big topics for this present generation. There are court cases, protest, demonstration, and news reports all the time in regards to the subject. There are many different views concerning this topic by both Christians as well as non-Christians alike. In these lessons we will look at what God’s word has to say about the topic of homosexuality.

The simple answer :

When looking at the word of God it is plain to see that homosexuality is a sin. It was forbidden under the Old Testament Law (Leviticus 18:22) and it is spoken of as a sin being practiced by those who have changed the word of God into a lie, worshipped the creature more than the creator, have been given up to vile affection, did not like to retain God in their knowledge and given over to a reprobate mind (Romans 1:24-28).

With both of these verses speaking so plainly against the sin why it such a controversial topic even for Christians today. The problem is that for the past 20 to 30 years society has been saying that it is not a sin and perfectly normal. It has become a part of most all movies and television until people have just accepted it has the norm. For those who are older, they can remember other sins such as fornication and adultery which were shamed in society at one time, where as now it is the other way around. Many are made fun of today if they will not have sex outside of marriage.

So where does this leave us? God’s word says it is a sin. But I think it is important to note in Jeremiah 23:14 God compares prophets in Jerusalem who have committed adultery, walked in lies and strengthen the hands of evil doers to those in Sodom and Gomorrah. When people are lost and in sin whether it is the sin of adultery or homosexuality or whatever sin they are doing they need to be told that they are sinning against God and that he died for their sins and is willing to save them (Romans 10:9-13). If there are saved people who have been led astray into believing that this sin is not a sin they also should be told and should repent before God and get it right just as they would any other sin that is in their life.

The Origins :

As Solomon said “there is nothing new under the sun”, this sin has been around for a long time. Many might argue that since it has been going on since the beginning that God made people that way. But the first person ever born on this earth (Cain) was a murderer and murder had been going on since then but that does not mean that God makes people murderers.

One of the most famous passages concerning the sin of homosexuality is found in Genesis 19:1-24 and it deals with Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot had chosen the land near Sodom and by the time we get to Genesis 19 he is living in Sodom. God sends two angels to Sodom because of the wickedness of the city. The men of the city came to lot and desired the two men who had come to the city. It is important to note that the men of the city included both young and old. This was a generational thing that had obliviously been going on for some time. Lot offers the men his two virgin daughters if they will leave the men alone and they refuse. This shows you the depravity of the men of that city. The angels smite the men of Sodom with blindness and then remove Lot with his wife and daughters the next day out of Sodom. God then destroys Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone.

Some interesting things to note concerning the region of Sodom and Gomorrah:

1)  The first time the word sinners occurs in a King James Bible is found in Genesis 13:13 and it is connected with the men of Sodom being sinners exceedingly.

2)  The descendants of Ham through Canaan had settled this region (Genesis 10:15-19).

3)  Remember that Canaan had been cursed as a result of Ham’s sin with Noah (Genesis 9:20-27).

4)  Ham’s sin with Noah was of a sexual nature (Genesis 9:20-27 with Leviticus 18:6-24)

• It seems clear that there was more than just seeing his father naked when you read the commandments given under the Law concerning having sex with immediate relatives.

We are not saying that homosexuality started with Ham. Most likely Ham was influenced with this practice before the flood. This will lead us to the next part of the lesson which will deal with Satan being the one to influence man toward homosexuality as an attack on man’s first commandment and purpose as well as a way to rebel against God.

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

Part 1 : Handout

1)  List two passages that show us homosexuality is a sin.

2)  What is one of the most famous passages in the Bible dealing with the sin of homosexuality?

3)  Where is the first time the word sinners is used in the word of God and what is it connected with?

4)  List some of the verses that show us the descendants of Ham and Canaan are connected with Sodom and Gomorrah.