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BY TONY HOSS
Today’s article will conclude a series of articles relevant to homosexuality. The object of these articles has been to remind us of what God has done to bring and keep mankind in a proper relationship with Him.
All men should know that the first thing God did to help protect mankind was the institution of marriage which occurred in Genesis 2:18-25. Marriage was and is for the benefit of mankind in several ways. The first benefit of the marriage of a man and woman as described in the Bible, is the obvious built-in benefit of sexual relations between the husband and his wife. In Genesis 2:24, we read “the two shall become one flesh.” There is no doubt as we consider this and other references throughout the Bible that this statement is a direct reference to the marital relationship of the man and woman. The sexual relationship between a man and woman involves the most intimate relationship that a husband and his wife can have.
The result of this relationship fulfills the sexual desires that humanity has, and it helps to prevent mankind from venturing into sinful activities. From this relationship humanity’s future is secured as we procreate. However, it is often the case that people become unsatisfied with what God has provided and venture into sexual situations that God has condemned. In mankind’s defiance to what God had given, they abuse and pervert what once was wholesome and pure. As we conclude our thoughts on this important topic, we should seriously consider the Word of God as we ask, is same sex marriage authorized by God?
The term “homosexual” is defined as “(of a person) sexually attracted to people of one’s own sex. Women that practice homosexuality are often referred to as “lesbians” while men practicing homosexuality are referred to as “gay.” Homosexuality is not something new, it has been around nearly as long as man himself.
There are many types of sexual relationships that people often involve themselves in. Whether for good or for evil, these relationships include heterosexual relationships, homosexual relationships, bestial relationships and a myriad of other sexual activities that stand opposed to the Word of God. There is only one question that we must ask, which of the previous relationships does God approve? When it comes to such important questions, we should allow the Word of God to speak for itself and to guide us in our actions.
There can be no doubt that in the beginning God created man and also a woman (Genesis 2:7, 18-25; Matthew 19: 4-5). As we study God’s Word, we also discover that God instituted marriage in which the man (husband) and the woman (wife) were to be united in marriage and thus constituting the family unit which was God’s desire and plan. If God had planned an alternate to this plan, He would have informed us of that decision. Furthermore, we learn in Genesis 2:24, that the man was to leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife.
The Hebrew word for wife in this verse only has reference to a woman, a female. In 1 Corinthians 7:1-2, Paul said of marriage: “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” It is plain to see that if God had intended same-sex marriages, He would have allowed so in his written Word. To the contrary, God never allowed a man to have his man or a woman to have her own woman. If we are to be honest with ourselves, we must conclude that marriage is between one man and one woman without exception.
The evidence against homosexual activity within God’s Word is overwhelming. To be honest, nowhere in the Bible does God approve of anything other than heterosexual relationships between a man and his wife. The writer of the book of Hebrews makes it very clear for us when he said, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).
According to the Bible, marriage is to be between a husband (man) and a wife (woman). According to Hebrews 13:4 any sexual relationship outside of that union is “adultery” or “fornication” (which is sin – Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10). It is sin regardless of whether it is heterosexual, homosexual, bestial or other form of sexual activity. It is clear. The Bible gives us sufficient evidence to settle the issue. The question is, will we surrender to the will of God on this important topic?
(Tony Hoss is minister of the Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton)