Did Jesus condemn homosexuality?

[sportfisher]

By Carl Gallups

It would appear to be indisputable that same-sex marriage and the open celebration of homosexuality is quickly becoming a part of the global cultural agenda – and corresponding to the rise of the activist homosexual agenda is a teaching that is permeating the Christian world: “Since Jesus never mentions homosexuality nor does He specifically condemn it, homosexuality must be legitimate in Jesus’ eyes.”

Let me address these issues from the biblical worldview. As a matter of fact, I include an entire chapter in my new book, “The Magic Man in the Sky: Effectively Defending The Christian Faith,” on the importance and relevance of various worldviews upon cultures and civilizations.

This is a foundationally important issue. For if there is no God or accountability to God, our Creator, as the secular worldview would have us to believe, then homosexual marriage is a completely legitimate issue. Pedophilia and bestiality would not be out of the question either, should the prevailing secular worldview “deem” the lifestyles to be acceptable and the “new norm.” The biblical worldview, however, is grounded in the unchanging tenets of the Word of God. This is where the loudest cultural clash occurs … when two worlds collide.

So, did Jesus condemn, speak of, or even mention homosexuality? The one who espouses this false teaching usually begins by saying that he discounts both the Old Testament and the writings of Paul and adheres only to the four Gospels. In so doing, they think they have found a convenient way to justify the homosexual lifestyle. First, the gyrations one must use to reach this illogical conclusion are astounding and ought to be the first dead giveaway of the falsehood of the proposition. But, secondly, let’s simply examine the question on its face – did Jesus ever say anything in the four Gospels that would condemn the homosexual lifestyle or homosexual marriage?

As it turns out, yes, He did. As a matter of fact, He spoke very clearly and directly about the issue. Let me begin with Matthew 19:4. Here Jesus is answering a question from the Pharisees regarding divorce. However, his answer is very telling concerning the entire issue of sexuality, the purpose of sexuality, marriage and the proper form of marriage. Here are the words of Jesus:

“And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”?’” (Matthew 19:4)

Here Jesus upholds creation, male and female sexual relationships (in marriage), male and female marriage, procreation as a part of male and female marriage, and the sanctity of male and female marriage and sexual relationships. His answer is a blanket ignoring (thus condemnation as perversion) of anything outside God’s standard for sexuality and marriage. This truth cannot be legitimately explained away.

But, Jesus gets even more direct concerning the issue of homosexuality. In John 5:46-47, Jesus tells his detractors that unless one holds to the writings of Moses (the first five books of the Bible), one cannot fully know or understand truth or Jesus Himself. “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” (John 5:46-47) Of course, in the first five books of the Bible we read of the days of Noah and Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis) and the blanket condemnation of homosexuality as perversion (Leviticus). Oh well, so much for throwing out the Old Testament to legitimize homosexuality. But wait – Jesus gets even more direct with the matter.

Jesus also spoke of the destruction of the Sodomite (openly celebrating homosexuality) cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Luke 17:28-32; Matthew 10:15; 11:24; Mark 6:11.) The presenting sin that brought about the destruction of those cultures was homosexuality. Consider these words found in the book of Jude:

“Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” (Jude 1:7-8)

Three of the four gospels contain quotes from Jesus about the sinful condition of Sodom and Gomorrah and the destruction that the celebration of the presenting sin of homosexuality wrought upon them. One of those quotes equates the sins of Sodom (homosexuality) to the same type of pervasive perversion of Noah’s day (Luke 17:26-30). So, as it turns out … YES, Jesus did speak rather forthrightly, and often, about the sin of homosexuality and the judgment that it brings upon societies that celebrate it.

But, most important to the issue is the matter of the person of Jesus. Who is He? Well, He claimed to be God with us. The Scriptures claim that He is God with us (Matthew 1:24). Even his enemies knew that Jesus was making this claim (John 10:33). So, if Jesus is “God with us,” then we have to ask, “Does God condemn homosexuality?” The answer is obvious. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s Word, homosexuality is condemned as perversion and a certain sign that God’s judgment is on the way to the culture that openly celebrates it as “normal.”

Now for the good news. Once we understand the correct and contextual biblical position in this matter, we also discover that homosexuality is not the unforgivable sin. There is hope, healing, forgiveness and salvation for anyone caught in the grips of any sinful lifestyle. Jesus extends his love and forgiveness to anyone, the Bible says, if one would repent (turn from) their sin and call upon Jesus Christ as Lord. Just like the woman caught in the act of adultery, you can hear Jesus say, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”

http://www.wnd.com/2012/08/did-jesus-condemn-homosexuality/

Edited August 8, 2012 by sportfisher

[blue42colts]

Amen!!!!!!!!!!

[jonjon]

[wpsmit]

As any card-carrying Liberal knows, these passages have merely been taken "out of context" for thousand of years. Now the passages in the Bible which can be twisted to suit the libs agenda, are of course the "True Word of God"

[skinz]

Jesus just wanted everyone to love each other in my opinion. He was constantly promoting nothing but peace and understanding wherever he preached. Anyone who dissects the bible's stories and twists his teachings into anything other than "loving thy neighbor" is just completely misguided. Love thy neighbor and help others whenever possible... Why can't we just leave it at that?

[kliklok00]

Jesus just wanted everyone to love each other in my opinion. He was constantly promoting nothing but peace and understanding wherever he preached. Anyone who dissects the bible's stories and twists his teachings into anything other than "loving thy neighbor" is just completely misguided. Love thy neighbor and help others whenever possible... Why can't we just leave it at that?

Let me start by saying I constantly struggle with my faith (a personal matter)...so my statements are not intended to correct or chastise anyone. They are more of a reflection of what goes on in my mind when I ponder things spiritual. With that said, if we "just leave it at that" as you suggest, what do we do with the rest of the Bible? If one agrees that the Bible is The Word of God, aren't all of His Words important? Yes, we need to love one another and help out whenever possible...but we also need to know what is "right" and what is "wrong" from God's perspective so we can attempt to live a life that is "right." To me, this is how one honors the God they claim to believe in and love---by living a life that reflects the things He is pleased with. He is not pleased with sin...and if the Bible says homosexuality is sinful, does that mean we reject God's view on it? I don't see how that is possible, no matter how much you love your neighbor. I can disagree with the homosexual lifestyle and still love my neighbor (even if he or she is ***).

[bamagirl]

Let me start by saying I constantly struggle with my faith (a personal matter)...so my statements are not intended to correct or chastise anyone. They are more of a reflection of what goes on in my mind when I ponder things spiritual. With that said, if we "just leave it at that" as you suggest, what do we do with the rest of the Bible? If one agrees that the Bible is The Word of God, aren't all of His Words important? Yes, we need to love one another and help out whenever possible...but we also need to know what is "right" and what is "wrong" from God's perspective so we can attempt to live a life that is "right." To me, this is how one honors the God they claim to believe in and love---by living a life that reflects the things He is pleased with. He is not pleased with sin...and if the Bible says homosexuality is sinful, does that mean we reject God's view on it? I don't see how that is possible, no matter how much you love your neighbor. I can disagree with the homosexual lifestyle and still love my neighbor (even if he or she is ***).

Very well said...

[Heavyduty053]

All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God at one point or another and with this comes either repentence or condemnation if we do not except Jesus. The only sin that is not forgiven is Blasphemy. God with except true repentence up until we draw our last breath and then some time after. He can speak to us even after death . All things are possible thru him. Paul spoke in the scripture that Homosexuality is wrong and there will be consequences for its action if death comes before repentence. The scriptures also say that he will leave us in a debased state of mind if we are so hard hearted that change will not come. Jesus and the Father wishes no one to pass from this earth in a sinful state because their eternity would be dark torment away from Christ.

Man has grown to be lovers of themselves over the years and Gods word says that a man must not lay with another man nor a woman and a woman, this is an abomination until the lord of hosts. Satan has stepped his attack on those who have let their guard down causing one to change their thinking about whats right or wrong. In the New Testament you will find where his teachings says that there will come a day when.......right will become wrong, and wrong will become right and it is becoming an epidemic being authorized by our leaders sanctioned by the ACLU and other orginizations. This world and our nation is quickly heading back to the days that brought condemnation and correction by Gods anger. Free will of choice came from the cross to everyone of his creation but along with it comes accountability for our actions. Those who continuously make excuses comdemn themselves through misunderstandings or putting themselves above Gods commandments.

[littlesam]

[kcw]

Jesus just wanted everyone to love each other in my opinion. He was constantly promoting nothing but peace and understanding wherever he preached. Anyone who dissects the bible's stories and twists his teachings into anything other than "loving thy neighbor" is just completely misguided. Love thy neighbor and help others whenever possible... Why can't we just leave it at that?

Could you please define LOVE? I do not understand the context. If we truley love others, wouldn't we love them enough to speak the truth, or is the love you are talking about, letting them do what feels right? A starving man would eat a poison plant because it would feel right.... would you stop him?

[mrref]

This will make it simple to understand how God feels about homosexuality... God created Adam and Eve not Eve and Eve or Adam and Adam... How hard is that to understand???

[umbertino]

This will make it simple to understand how God feels about homosexuality... God created Adam and Eve not Eve and Eve or Adam and Adam... How hard is that to understand???

Ok.. Then the question rises spontaneously... What would you do if you had a son, daughter, brother, sister, dear friend who happen to be homosexual? Would you hate them and despise them and think they do not deserve to give and receive love ( not only family love but also relationship love)?

[bamagirl]

Ok.. Then the question rises spontaneously... What would you do if you had a son, daughter, brother, sister, dear friend who happen to be homosexual? Would you hate them and despise them and think they do not deserve to give and receive love ( not only family love but also relationship love)?

No, never hate.... would still love them as much as ever but I still wouldn't approve their lifestyle choices... A Christian does NOT hate the sinner (we are all sinners), we just hate the sin... Much love to ya Umb!

Ok.. Then the question rises spontaneously... What would you do if you had a son, daughter, brother, sister, dear friend who happen to be homosexual? Would you hate them and despise them and think they do not deserve to give and receive love ( not only family love but also relationship love)?

No, never hate.... would still love them as much as ever but I still wouldn't approve their lifestyle choices... A Christian does NOT hate the sinner (we are all sinners), we just hate the sin... Much love to ya Umb!

Could you please define LOVE? I do not understand the context. If we truley love others, wouldn't we love them enough to speak the truth, or is the love you are talking about, letting them do what feels right? A starving man would eat a poison plant because it would feel right.... would you stop him?

Well said also...

Could you please define LOVE? I do not understand the context. If we truley love others, wouldn't we love them enough to speak the truth, or is the love you are talking about, letting them do what feels right? A starving man would eat a poison plant because it would feel right.... would you stop him?

Well said also...

[Linda]

Thanks Sportfisher...good writing....

[sportfisher]

This will make it simple to understand how God feels about homosexuality... God created Adam and Eve not Eve and Eve or Adam and Adam... How hard is that to understand???

nor was it Adam & Steve

Ok.. Then the question rises spontaneously... What would you do if you had a son, daughter, brother, sister, dear friend who happen to be homosexual? Would you hate them and despise them and think they do not deserve to give and receive love ( not only family love but also relationship love)?

why have you introduced hate into this???

We love the person, but hate the sin, but do not condone any sinful destructive relationship. All that we can do is love them, and tell them the truth. The biggest mistake people make is to approve of the behavior out of fear, but to approve of something that is wrong is a disservice to the one getting the approval.

[umbertino]

nor was it Adam & Steve

why have you introduced hate into this???

We love the person, but hate the sin, but do not condone any sinful destructive relationship. All that we can do is love them, and tell them the truth. The biggest mistake people make is to approve of the behavior out of fear, but to approve of something that is wrong is a disservice to the one getting the approval.

Sport.. I simply asked a question based on some of the responses here about this issue....

Quote

No, never hate.... would still love them as much as ever but I still wouldn't approve their lifestyle choices... A Christian does NOT hate the sinner (we are all sinners), we just hate the sin... Much love to ya Umb!

End Quote

Bama....Ok...You ( and everybody else) are of course fully entitled to not approve this particular or any other behavior you may deem "improper"....and / or sinful.

But about "lifestyle choices"....I'm not sure it's a matter of choice... For instance... I am a male who happens to be attracted to women and that is not a choice I made.. I was born like that....So , as an example...Why then should I fight that and try to be attracted to males ( in my case being a heterosexual).....Why try and fight my own nature and inclination?

I think same holds true for homosexuals..... It's not a choice for them...Why should they try to fight their sexual inclination and nature and try to be attracted to the other gender if they are attracted to their same sex and not the other one? What sense would it make for anyone to go against their own sexual inclination?

Much love to you.

Edited August 8, 2012 by umbertino

[parmenio]

Jesus just wanted everyone to love each other in my opinion. He was constantly promoting nothing but peace and understanding wherever he preached. Anyone who dissects the bible's stories and twists his teachings into anything other than "loving thy neighbor" is just completely misguided. Love thy neighbor and help others whenever possible... Why can't we just leave it at that?

Love everyone..., YES! But when it comes to the issue of marriage Jesus was quite explicite. Matthew 19:5 sums it!

and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?

New Living Translation (©2007)

And he said, 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.'

English Standard Version (©2001)

and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?

New American Standard Bible (©1995)

and said, 'FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH '?

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

International Standard Version (©2008)

and said, 'That is why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)

And he said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife and the two of them shall be one flesh.”

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)

and that he said, 'That's why a man will leave his father and mother and will remain united with his wife, and the two will be one'?

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they two shall be one flesh?

American King James Version

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall join to his wife: and they two shall be one flesh?

American Standard Version

and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?

Douay-Rheims Bible

For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they two shall be in one flesh.

Darby Bible Translation

and said, On account of this a man shall leave father and mother, and shall be united to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh?

Can this be any clearer?

[skitealwedrop]

Sport.. I simply asked a question based on some of the responses here about this issue....

Quote

No, never hate.... would still love them as much as ever but I still wouldn't approve their lifestyle choices... A Christian does NOT hate the sinner (we are all sinners), we just hate the sin... Much love to ya Umb!

End Quote

Bama....Ok...You ( and everybody else) are of course fully entitled to not approve this particular or any other behavior you may deem "improper"....and / or sinful.

But about "lifestyle choices"....I'm not sure it's a matter of choice... For instance... I am a male who happens to be attracted to women and that is not a choice I made.. I was born like that....So , as an example...Why then should I fight that and try to be attracted to males ( in my case being a heterosexual).....Why try and fight my own nature and inclination?

I think same holds true for homosexuals..... It's not a choice for them...Why should they try to fight their sexual inclination and nature and try to be attracted to the other gender if they are attracted to their same sex and not the other one? What sense would it make for anyone to go against their own sexual inclination?

Much love to you.

Nice argument U. One's TRUE sexual orientation has nothing to do with their religious beliefs. We are predisposed genetically as to our preference. That's my opinion.

I really don't understand why the *** topic is a constant debate on this site. The topic is mute, as it should be.

Do any of you fine members have new information regarding our investment that you wish to share?

I love you too U. Thanks for going out on a limb regarding this topic. Someone needed to.

[sportfisher]

Sport.. I simply asked a question based on some of the responses here about this issue....

I might be missing something, but it looks like you were the 1st person in this thread to use the word hate, let me know if I am wrong.

We are predisposed genetically as to our preference. That's my opinion.

you're right, that is your opinion, and it is based on a lack of any evidence or fact.

technically, you have been influenced by a lie. Sexual preference is a choice that is made in ones mind, it is not a genetic programming.

The topic is mute

the topic is forced into our lives daily as something we should all accept, tolerate, even embrace.

ain't gonna be forced down my throat or into my children's minds as something that is good, loving, caring or any of the other lies

that it is presented with. The only real truth about homosexuality is that it is SIN and it is destuctive.

I really don't understand why the *** topic is a constant debate on this site. The topic is mute, as it should be.

Do any of you fine members have new information regarding our investment that you wish to share?

hey, this is an off topic post, if you don't like it then don't read "off topic" threads.

[sportfisher]

Do any of you fine members have new information regarding our investment that you wish to share?

nope, the RV-O-meter hasn't changed since May 29th 2012

[Muleslayer]

Do any of you fine members have new information regarding our investment that you wish to share?

Can I get an Amen?!

[skitealwedrop]

nope, the RV-O-meter hasn't changed since May 29th 2012

Hey Sport,

Why do care about one's sexual preference? How does the *** population effect your life, in general, and in a negative way? Please share, I'm curious.

Just sayin,

Ski

[Markinsa]

Hey Sport,

Why do care about one's sexual preference? How does the *** population effect your life, in general, and in a negative way? Please share, I'm curious.

Just sayin,

Ski

Its called HIV/AIDs...

-

[skitealwedrop]

Its called HIV/AIDs...

-

Are you serious Mark. Is that the best reply you could come up with?

[Markinsa]

Are you serious Mark. Is that the best reply you could come up with?

That's not enough for you? How about walking down the street and having a man dressed as woman grabbing your ass? How about at 19 yrs old laying in your bed and having your superior of the same sex trying to seduce you? How about bending over working on something and having your supervisor of the same sex grab your ass? Do I need to go on?

1 Corinthians 6:17-20

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁷ But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

¹⁸ Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. ¹⁹ Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, ²⁰ for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.