What’s wrong in having a faithful homosexual relationship?


The topic of homosexuality and its compatibility with biblical teachings has been a subject of debate and discussion among religious scholars, theologians, and individuals of faith. While some advocate for the acceptance of faithful homosexual relationships, citing love, commitment, and fidelity, others maintain that the Bible unequivocally condemns homosexual behavior regardless of the context. In this exploration, we will delve into the biblical perspective on homosexuality, the concept of faithfulness, and the transformative power of God’s grace, drawing insights from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.

Biblical View on Homosexual Behavior

The Bible addresses the issue of homosexuality in several passages, portraying it as contrary to God’s design for human relationships and sexuality. These passages condemn homosexual behavior as sinful and incompatible with God’s moral standards.

a. Leviticus 18:22 (NKJV): “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” This verse from Leviticus categorically prohibits homosexual conduct, declaring it an abomination in the eyes of God. The language used emphasizes the severity of this prohibition within the context of the Old Testament law.

b. “But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers (Honor your father and your mother), for manslayers (You shall not murder), for fornicators, for sodomites (You shall not commit adultery), for kidnappers (You shall not steal), for liars, for perjurers (You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor), and if there is any other thing (You shall not covet…anything that is your neighbor’s) that is contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:8-10).

One should rightly ask the question regarding homosexual behavior, “What commandment is being broken?”  Note the commandment being referred to is placed in parentheses. Sodomy, or homosexuality, is mentioned along side with fornication.  These encompass sexual immorality, which falls under the seventh commandment “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20: 14).

The reason for this is that the principle of the seventh commandment is about correct relationships.  It isn’t simply about agreement or monogamy.  It is about relationships as defined by God from Eden.  So, for example, when you read in the Mosaic law about all the prohibitions for various sexual relationships, including incest, beastiality and homosexuality, these are given as an expansion of the seventh commandment. Therefore, according to the Bible, a faithful relationship in a homosexual partnership is still a violation of the commandment to not commit adultery.

c. Romans 1:26-27 (NKJV): “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”

d. “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 [a]homosexuals, nor [b]sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were [c]sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul reaffirms the condemnation of homosexual behavior, describing it as unnatural and contrary to God’s intended design for human sexuality. These passages underscore the consequences of indulging in sinful desires and the abandonment of God’s moral standards.

Understanding God’s Design for Human Sexuality

Central to the biblical perspective on sexuality is the affirmation of God’s design for human relationships, which is rooted in the complementary nature of male and female. The institution of marriage, as defined in Scripture, is between one man and one woman, reflecting the divine order established by God.

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV): “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This foundational verse from Genesis establishes the blueprint for marriage as a union between a man and a woman, forming a covenantal bond that mirrors the unity and complementarity of God’s creation.

The Concept of Faithfulness

Faithfulness is a central virtue emphasized throughout the Bible, characterized by loyalty, commitment, and integrity in one’s relationships and actions. While proponents of faithful homosexual relationships argue for the presence of love and commitment, biblical teachings on sexuality uphold the standard of sexual morality established by God which is between a man and a woman.

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV): “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” This verse from 1 Corinthians admonishes believers to flee from sexual immorality, recognizing it as a sin that defiles the body. Sexual immorality encompasses any behavior that deviates from God’s ordained standards for human sexuality, including homosexual conduct.

Transformation and Victory Through God’s Grace

While the Bible unequivocally condemns homosexual behavior, it also offers hope and redemption through the transformative power of God’s grace. God’s love extends to all individuals, regardless of their struggles or sins, and He offers forgiveness and healing to those who repent and turn to Him.

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through [a]Christ who strengthens me.” This passage acknowledges the reality of past sins, including homosexuality, among believers in the Corinthian church. However, it also highlights the transformative work of God in their lives, emphasizing their new identity as washed, sanctified, and justified through faith in Jesus Christ.

Upholding Biblical Truth with Love and Compassion

While maintaining biblical fidelity on issues of sexuality, it is imperative for believers to demonstrate love, compassion, and empathy towards individuals struggling with same-sex attraction. The church is called to be a place of refuge and healing, offering support and encouragement to those seeking to align their lives with God’s truth and righteousness.

Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV): “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—” This verse underscores the importance of speaking the truth in love, balancing uncompromising adherence to biblical teachings with compassion and empathy towards those in need of God’s grace and redemption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while proponents of faithful homosexual relationships may emphasize love and commitment, the Bible unequivocally condemns homosexual behavior as sinful and contrary to God’s moral standards. The concept of faithfulness, while commendable, must be understood within the framework of God’s design for human relationships and sexuality. However, the transformative power of God’s grace offers hope and redemption to all individuals, including those struggling with same-sex attraction. As believers, let us uphold biblical truth with love and compassion, extending God’s grace to all who seek forgiveness, healing, and restoration in Christ.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team

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