What does the Bible really say about heterosexual marriage and homosexuality?
By Hal LaneJul 31, 2007
The evangelical Christian community leads efforts to preserve the traditional definition of marriage and to oppose acceptance of homosexuality for one primary reason—biblical revelation. For those who believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God there is no confusion about the proper definition of marriage or the immorality of homosexuality.
The biblical basis for understanding God’s intention for marriage is found in Genesis 2. The human race began with the creation of a heterosexual couple—Adam and Eve. The creation of Adam and Eve (male and female) was the foundation of human civilization and their union the first marriage. Genesis 2:24 states: This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh. Marriage is an institution of God designed as a lifelong covenant relationship between a man and woman (Matt. 19:1-6).
God’s command to Adam and Eve was “be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth” (Gen. 1:28). God’s design for procreation demanded the union of a man and woman. This is another indication that God’s intention for marriage was exclusively a heterosexual union.
The Bible declares all sexual activity outside of the marriage relationship to be sexual immorality. Homosexuality is first mentioned in biblical history in the story of the angelic visitors who came to Lot in Sodom (Gen. 19:1-25). The principal sin that resulted in the destruction of Sodom was homosexuality (Gen. 19:5-6). Homosexuality is condemned in the Mosaic Law as “detestable” and was punishable by death (Lev. 18:22; 20:13).
The New Testament also clearly identifies homosexuality as immorality. Jesus’ statement, “Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matt. 5:17), indicated His agreement with all moral laws of the Mosaic Law including the laws prohibiting homosexuality. His statements on marriage and divorce in Matthew 5:31-32; 19:1-9 revealed His agreement with the definition of marriage as a lawful bond between a man and woman for life.
The Apostle Paul confronted a secular culture where homosexuality was accepted and endorsed by influential writers and leaders. In contrast to the acceptance of homosexuality by many in the first century A.D., Paul referred to the practice as “sexual impurity,” “unnatural,” “shameless acts,” and “perversion” (Rom. 1:24-27). Paul included “homosexuals” among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10). Homosexuality is also included in a list of sins in 1 Timothy 1:10.
Liberal scholars have attempted at least three forms of attacks upon the biblical condemnation of homosexuality. Some have openly taken issue with the veracity of Scripture and treat the modern acceptance of homosexuality as “new truth” superior to scriptural revelation. Others have attempted to use a distorted definition of “love” to justify homosexual relationships. Still others assert that some people are born with homosexual tendencies and that God is therefore responsible and approving of homosexuality.
People are born with a sin nature that manifests itself in many expressions of rebellion against God. God is not to be blamed for our sinful choices. He sent His Son to deliver us from the penalty and the practice of sin—including homosexuality.
Christians have an opportunity to be salt and light by taking a stand for the biblical definition of marriage and upholding its condemnation of homosexuality.
Hal Lane is pastor of West Side Baptist Church in Greenwood, South Carolina, and chairman of the trustees of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.
This article is reprinted with permission from The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.