The debate surrounding
marriage is as old as Moses (Deut. 24). Homosexuality as well has had historic implications since Old Testament times
(Gen. 19; Lev. 18:22, 20:13). Michael Brown contributes to the debate with a
biblical response to the homosexual agenda in light of the institution of
marriage (Gen. 3:18-24; Mat. 19:8; Deut. 24) and the argument of silence that
supposedly supports tolerance of homosexual relationships in light of Matthew
19:11-12. If this were the times of the apostle Paul, he would say that any
claim that the Bible favors homosexuality is not only false doctrine, but the discipline
of homosexual theology is biblically incompatible.
From a historic-biblical
perspective, the Bible calls out any sexual act outside of marriage as
sin/unclean (Mk. 7:21-22; and homosexuality as an abomination (Lev. 18:22,
20:13; Gen 18, 19; 1 Cor 6: 9-10; Rom. 1:26-27). Like many other opinions,
people everywhere and throughout time have proof-texted the Bible to suit their
agendas. The homosexual community is no different. Their argument is from a
position of silence in that Jesus did not condemn the lifestyle, as well as
suggesting he acknowledged some people were born gay (Mat. 19:11-12). This
argument is totally false. From as far back as the Pentateuch, the practice of
homosexuality was both known and condemned. When the divine law was given in
the Sinai desert, God was explicit with respect to certain behaviors:
“You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and
you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you.
You shall not follow their statutes” (Lev. 18:3)
“You
shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination”
(Lev. 18:22).
“If
a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an
abomination; they shall be put to death” (Lev. 20:13).
God’s thoughts
on the matter were set in stone at the onset of his covenantal relationship
with the Jews. His views did not change by first century AD, when Jesus engaged
his audience. If anything he provided them with a fuller meaning of the texts. It
was unnecessary for Jesus to speak to the practice of homosexual marriage to
that audience as it was already presupposed that marriage was heterosexual, and
sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage was condemned. Besides, there
was no such thing as “gay-marriage or a gay agenda” in Jesus’ time. Considering
the law put forth the penalty for homosexual practices, one would say that
community kept it together. Jesus however, acknowledged that some people would
(1) “lack the capacity to have sexual relations from birth,” (2) be castrated
and therefore lack the ability for sexual relations, and (3) for the sake of
the kingdom, become celibate.”[1] He was in no way speaking
about being born gay as often referenced in Matthew 19:11-12).
Furthermore,
marriage is an institution between a man and a woman (Mat. 19:4-6). It is
important to establish this. “From the beginning, the plan was male and female,”
(Gen. 2:24) not male and male. Suggesting that marriage should extend to gays
is a complete disregard for God’s original plan. “For Jesus, male-female
distinctions expressed aspects of the image of God and were the foundation of
God’s order and basis for marriage.”[2]
Lastly,
consider the continuity of Christ’s commands throughout redemptive history: To
the Jews God explicitly said, “You shall not do…” (Lev. 18:1-6). To the New
Testament audience Jesus affirmed his authority as God (Jn. 14:9), later
delivering explicit commands on sexual acts outside of marriage (Mk. 7:21-22;
Mat. 15:18-20). Different times, same message. The word on homosexuality has
not changed; it is still a sin. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul encouraged
heterosexual marriage, but acknowledged that some would chose/be assigned a
different path (not born gay) and that for those who are married, they can expect
challenges (Mat. 19:10; 1 Cor. 7). But just in case anyone should miss both the
Old Testament commands and Jesus’ words, the apostle Paul posits that the
practice of homosexuality is un-natural, leading to depraved minds (Rom.
1:26-32). It is within this depraved context that the gay community attempt to
justify their actions.
[1] Michael
L. Brown, Can You Be Gay And Christian:
Responding With Love And Truth to Questions About Homosexuality, (Lake
Mary, FL: Frontline, 2014), 134-136.
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