HOMOSEXUALITY VERSUS SCRIPTURE - PART II
Let us re-examine the context to see if perhaps we have overlooked the context of Molech and the cult prostitution: 24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:
25 And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.
26 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
27 "For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;" What abominations? The sexual perversions listed at the first twenty verses of the chapter. No Idolatry in any of it, just family sexual perversions.
28 That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. 29 For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. 29 Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed
before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.
The keyword is "defiled," not "abominations." The fact that the practices were forbidden, makes it wrong, whether the thing practiced is proven to be bad of itself, or not. There was NO justification for the children of Israel to be practicing those forbidden behaviours, under any guise or pretense of "it's ONLY idolatry."
Verse 22 "Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind..."
Verse 24 "DEFILE not yourselves in any of these things..." "In all these things the nations are DEFILED" "WHICH I CAST OUT before you..."
Verse 25 "And the LAND IS DEFILED..." "THEREFORE I do visit the INIQUITY thereof upon it." "And the LAND ITSELF VOMMITETH OUT HER INHABITANTS."
This whole context shows; 1st that God found the practices rampant in the land; 2nd He cast out the nations thereof BECAUSE OF SUCH PRACTICES. 3rd a follow-up study will show that God also cast out Israel from the same land for doing exactly the same things, and He DID NOT TOLERATE it in them, either.
Why would He then tolerate it in his Saints today?
UFMCC POSITION: 1Corinthians 6:9 and 1Timothy 1:10 - At issue are two words: malakee (found only in 1 Corinthians) and Arsenokeeteh, which is in both verses. Tradition assumes a homosexual meaning of the words.
Actual study reveals that in its use there, malakee means "morally weak" or, perhaps, "immoral persons" - (The translation "effeminate" in the King James Version was an archaic one and, in any case, did not imply homosexuality in Greek--as it does not today.)
Arsenokeeteh means to refer directly to cult prostitution, again. Such practices were common both in Corinth and Ephesus (where Timothy was). It clearly refers, in this use and later uses in other writings, to prostitutes who engaged in both homosexual and heterosexual cult practice.
Neither of these words can possible be translated to mean "homosexual" or any similar distortion of their meaning.
THEO'S Response: Greek (arseen) = male, "And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them MALE and female, [Mat 19:4] "But from the beginning of the creation God made them MALE and female." [Mark 10:6]
"As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every MALE that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;" [Luke 2:23]
"And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men (Greek = males among males) working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet." [Rom 1:27]
Paul, in the Galatian letter, addresses an issue common to humanity, that of mingling with people who turn on our desires to a high degree. Paul says that if we have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ [Gal 3:27] Then Paul says we as males will not see females, but Sisters in Christ; and females will not see males, but Brothers in Christ. And Slaves will not see Masters, but Brethren; and Masters do not see Slaves, but Brethren. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither MALE nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." [Gal 3:28]
The relationship between brethren certainly cannot be a male seeing a male with sexual lust in his heart. That defies description for perversity.
Now consider another Greek word; (arsenokoitees) A man who lies with a male, a Sodomite - Paul says a male who lies with a male is deceived if he thinks to inherit the kingdom of God. "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of THEMSELVES WITH MANKIND, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you; but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God." [I Cor 6:9-11]
And Paul tells Timothy that the law prohibiting such practices was made expressely because such practices were going on, contrary to sound doctrine. "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that DEFILE THEM- SELVES WITH MANKIND, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; [I Tim 1:8-10]
UFMCC POSITION: Romans 1:26-27 This is the only passage in Scripture which, apparently, talks about homosexual behaviour among women as well as men.
The dangerous, traditional interpretation come from failure to relate it TO THE WHOLE CHAPTER (emphasis mine T. Book) Paul talks about idolatrous people who put things or concerns before their devotion to God.
As an example, he refers to fertility cult worship prevalent in Rome. The homosexual activity to which he refers is idolatrous. He implies that all of the cult worshippers engaged in it. (The interpretation that he is writing about homosexual behaviour in general would force this to say that all idolatrous people become homosexual- -an obviously spurious interpretation.) The final sentence referring to their just reward is a reference to the venereal disease which was epidemic among such cults. This specific reference to fertility cult worship cannot be construed to condemn homosexual behaviour in general.
THEO'S RESPONSE: Let us examine the "WHOLE CHAPTER" then, and look for this connection that you stipulate is there. I don't see it in the first seven verses: Rom 1:1-7 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 Which he had promised afore
by his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I don't see it in verses 8 thru 12: Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my
prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
Still missing in verses 13 thru 15: Rom 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Paul finally enters a NEW CONTEXT in which he introduces the effect of the power of God, which he calls the Gospel: Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For
therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
And he introduces the antithesis to the Gospel, the wrath of God: 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who HOLD THE TRUTH IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
So far, Paul forgoes idolatry and its currupting influences to focus on the real problem, EGO: 21 Because that, when they knew God they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but BECAME VAIN IN THEIR IMAGINATIONS, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 PROFESSING
THEMSELVES TO BE WISE, they became fools,
Finally Paul mentions that which RESULTS from the sins of EGO; rather than being the CAUSE, it is the EFFECT. It is Idolatry: 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. And when they continued to pursue their road to depravity, God gave them up: 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to DISHONOUR THEIR OWN BODIES BETWEEN THEMSELVES: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.
This "dishonoring" with their bodies, between "men among men" is NOT cult prostitution. It is SOCIETAL ABOMINATION. This does NOT describe a Worship service gone awry, it describes a society become depraved.
Rom 1:26 "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men (GREEK; MEN AMONG MEN) working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."
28 "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who KNOWING THE JUDGMENT OF GOD, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, NOT ONLY DO THE SAME, but have pleasure in them that do them."
If anyone makes any claim that the scriptures of God teach that homosexuality is "O.K." he is either new to the scriptures, or a liar. I shall challenge him on every front. The word of God condemns homosexuality, lying, stealing, murder, and a whole lot of other things. To deny such is to fail to understand anything at all about God or his teachings.
And God condemns calling evil Good. [Isa 5:20]
Paul said before he was a Christian, he was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; "but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly, and in unbelief." All who are ignorant of the scriptures prior to this occasion need seek God's mercy and grace, through Godly sorrow which works repentance, and obedience to the gospel of Christ. Henceforth, to continue in such sin, only makes turning to God that much harder, for the heart is hardened, not so much by the deed, as by the will to continue the deed.
"But" say some, "I cannot quit being who I am." How does one "quit" being who one is? Paul says that "the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion." [I Cor 14;31-32]
This remarkable statement was made with reference to those who would disrupt the worship service at Corinth with tongue speaking, interrupting each other, and causing general havoc. Paul gave them instruction about how to bring the situation, and the worship service, under control. "Your spirits are not in charge" is the message of his words. "You are."
Remember, if you "have put on Christ" you are living to the spirit, not to the flesh, for the flesh is dead to sin, with the crucified Christ, but alive to God to bear fruit in the spirit. We have died to sin, therefore are no longer subject to the flesh and its requirements; it has become a matter of choice alone. We choose to serve God in the Spirit, or sin in the flesh. [Rom 6:2-18]
God "condemned sin in the flesh" Paul says, "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk NOT after the FLESH, but after the Spirit, for they that are after the fleah do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the spirit, the things of the spirit." [Rom 8:3-5]
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh CANNOT PLEASE GOD." [Rom 8:6-8]
"But YE ARE NOT IN THE FLESH, but in the spirit, if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness." [Rom 8:9-10]
"But if the spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore brethren, we are debtors NOT to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die. but if ye, through the spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God." [Rom 8:11-14]
God looks at the deeds of the flesh second to the intent of the Spirit: "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits." [Prov 16:2]
Isaiah warns of a people who allow their own spirits to rule in covering up sin with greater sin. "Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:" [Isa 30:1]
But God also reveals how to break out of the trap the flesh sets for our spirit; "For Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death." [II Cor 7:10]
Godly sorrow is that sorrow which we express because we have discovered, or learned, that our actions or words are contrary to what God expects of his children. We have offended our God, and are sorry for it. This kind of sorrow will lead one to repent, or turn away from such behaviour.
Worldly sorrow is a sorrow we feel when the constable knocks at the door and says "gottcha" when we are caught in violation of some law or other. We are sorry we have been caught, but not sorry for the deed; because we go right back to doing the deed, but this time, keep a better lookout for the cop.
Godly sorrow reflects how we truly feel about our relationship with God. He knows when we are truly sorrowful for who and what we have become, and he weighs the spirit. [Pro 16:2] And "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." [Psa 34:18]
Our prayer to God should be "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." [Psa 51;10]
God will never turn away a humble contrite spirit seeking to kindle his mercy: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." [Psa 51;17]
How do you learn to control your rebellious, flesh driven spirit? Get rid of that "cheerful heart" and be sorrowful of spirit: "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." [Prov 15:13]
We are told that a man who rules his spirit is greater than a man who can take a city: "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." [Pro 16:32]
Conversely, a man who does not control his spirit is like a city with no walls, therefore, having no defense in time of attack: "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." [Pro 25:28]
We are at war with the flesh, and there is no discharge from this service - When it comes our time to die, we will not command the spirit to stay so we can have time to repent: "There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it." [Ecc 8:8]
Do the scriptures truly teach that Homosexuality is "alright?" Do you still think God will dwell in the temple that is devoted to such behaviour?
END OF PART II Copyright © 2000 Theophilus Book