When sins are approved by culture, people sometimes claim that Christians have misunderstood biblical passages for thousands of years.(1)
That’s why false teachings about homosexuality are gaining ground.
One of these teachings claims the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah wasn't related to homosexuality.
They point out that Ezekiel 16:48-50 lists Sodom and Gomorrah's sins as arrogance, selfishness, and other “detestable” things, but doesn't specifically mention homosexuality.(2)
Using eisegesis,(3) they attempt to explain away:
2. Multiple New Testament passages listing homosexuality as a serious sin (Romans 1:26-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:8-11).
3. God’s clear design for sex between a man and woman married to each other (Genesis 2:18-25; Mark 10:6-9; 1 Corinthians 7:2).
4. Jude 1:7: "In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire."
God's commands are loving and wise. When we share them graciously, we express God's love (Colossians 4:6).(4)
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(1) To believe this new doctrine about homosexuality, we must accept that God allowed His children to believe a false view of human sexuality for thousands of years despite the humble, honest Bible research done by Christians throughout history. Whenever doctrine is changed to accommodate culture, we can be confident it is not the Bible that has been misunderstood.
(2) This quote from GotQuestion.org explains Ezekiel 16:48-50: "The Hebrew word translated 'detestable' refers to something that is morally disgusting and is the exact same word used in Leviticus 18:22 that refers to homosexuality as an 'abomination.' Similarly, Jude 7 declares, '...Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion.' So, again, while homosexuality was not the only sin in which the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah indulged, it does appear to be the primary reason for the destruction of the cities."
(3) Eisegesis is a method of Bible study where a person begins with a belief and seeks to find Scriptures that support that belief while ignoring Scriptures that refute it. See What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis? and What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah?
(4) There are individuals and groups who do rude, mean-spirited things against homosexuals. Even if these people claim to be Christian, they are not representing the gospel. Genuine believers are neither harsh nor permissive about sin. Being salt and light means loving people as God loves them - not being afraid to address sins that damage people's hearts and souls but doing so with kindness and grace. Going with the flow is popular, but it's not loving.
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To read what Scripture says about homosexual behavior, see: Biblical Teaching on Homosexuality.
To read specifically about Gay Revisionist Theology, check out the links below:
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
Bible Love Notes
Homosexuality misses completely the absolute joy of God’s plan: sex within the bounds of marriage.
ReplyDeleteExcellent!
ReplyDeleteThe purpose of the word of The Lord in Ezekiel concerning this matter is to explain....HOW Sodom and Gomorrah got where they ended up. Please understand that it had become OVERRUN with homosexuality. Male on male public sex, AND RAPE....WERE LEGAL in this region. Law enforcement and governmental leadership were in approval of these acts. Every male, including young children, were complicit in these acts. We see the foundation of this spirit taking shape before or eyes today. However, THE PROSPERITY of the land is a major player in the building toward this end. We want for nothing. We have so many material goods, food, property, etc. that we are looking for more things to satiate the human desire for pleasure. We have to understand that Satan is far from stupid. He accomplished his objective in the Garden of Eden (of getting Adam and Eve to disobey God's commandment) by expert cunning and well-planned execution. Today is no different. People in positions of power are contriving laws. putting them in place and demanding compliance to these notions if one is to continue in employment, business transactions, political office and increasingly, evangelical charter. Homosexuality is being woven into the fabric of this nation, its educational system, the court system, the media, the church, corporate America and all other sectors,under the guise of 'love'. Pride, fullness of bread, and an abundance of idleness'......has also taken a grip on the church and we are no longer vigilant in God's holiness and living a life free from sin. God's righteousness is no longer stressed, taught or considered. Instead, we stress blessing, happiness, peace, satisfaction, inclusion, diversity and the like. When the church departs from God, the world no longer has any light concerning what is right or wrong.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your insights, Isaac.
DeleteHi Gail, i had a discussion about 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 'homosexuals cannot enter Gods kingdom' . The reply was this: some people today have a homosexual identity and seek a loving relationship. The bible speaks in these cases only about heterosexual men with homosexual behavior, they seek sexual perversion instead of a loving relationship.
ReplyDeleteHow would you answer that?
Hi JV,
DeleteYes, that's part of the Gay Revisionist theology, all of which greatly misuses and distorts Scripture. Click the link above titled "Don't Overlook Verse 11" and it will explain why that is not a biblical teaching.
JV,
DeleteActually, while that post helps in understanding this concept. "Natural and Unnatural Interpretations" speaks to it more specifically. See it above in this collection as well.
Hi Gail, thanks a lot! Your bible love notes are really good and very helpful to have a biblical understanding of the influences of our culture.
DeleteI'm blessed to know that, JV.
Delete