Does Homosexuality Matter? 1

Introduction “A majority of young people in America under 25 accept homosexuality as a ‘legitimate lifestyle’….” Stan Mitchell 2

Men and women are not born homosexuals or lesbians Some people suggest that some are born with homosexual desires and “cannot help it” Science has never proven this to be true 3

Those born heterosexual are obligated not to act on their desires outside of marriage 4

Mt. 5:27-28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 5

Phil. 4:8 (We must control our thoughts) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 6

Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 7

I. What the Scriptures teach 8

Lev. 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. 9

Lev. 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. 10

Rom. 1:26-27 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: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another;… 11

men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 12

1 Cor. 6:9-11 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,… 13

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God…. 14

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 15

1 Cor. 6:9 (NKJV) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 16

1 Cor. 6:9 (NASV) Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals 17

Mt. 19:4-6 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife:… 18

and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 19

II. How are Christians to treat homosexuals? 20

1 Cor. 6:9-11 teaches that sinful lifestyles can be changed The one who repents can be “washed” and “sanctified” and “justified” 21

Washed = when they were baptized in water for the remission of sins Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. 22

Sanctified = when they were baptized the Lord added them to his church – being set apart from the world they were able to serve the Lord acceptably 23

Justified = The same process of gospel obedience resulted in their justification “To be justified is to be considered to be utterly free from any wrong doing” 24

Rom. 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 25

1 Pet. 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 26

“Christians have the right to defend their convictions” We need to study and then be willing to defend the truth The defense is to be made with gentleness and respect 27

As Christians we need to be just as aware of the soul of the homosexual as we are the soul of the fornicator, adulterer, alcoholic, liar, busy-body, thief, gossip, etc. 28

Conclusion Have you been washed, sanctified and justified? Obey now while there is time and opportunity! 29

References Adapted from article by Stan Mitchell in the Spiritual Sword, Vol. 43 #3 30