WWUTT: Does the Bible Really Say Homosexuality Is Sin?

WWUTT: Does the Bible Really Say Homosexuality Is Sin? September 23, 2016

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1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God.

Many critics claim that passages like this one and 1 Timothy 1:9-10…

Understand this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.

…passages that label homosexuality as sin are poorly translated. They say the Greek word that appears there, Arsenokoitai, isn’t actually a word at all. In fact, there is no Greek word for homosexual. But, in understanding the text, it becomes evident that by inventing the word Arsenokoitai, the Apostle Paul is calling to attention commands from Leviticus which condemn a man (arseno), from lying with (koitai) another man (arseno) as one would lay with a woman.

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death. Their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)

In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the words arseno and koitai lay next one another (no pun intended). So, arsenokoitai is the joining of two words to make one new one.

The Bible – Old Testament and New Testament – strictly forbids homoerotic behavior. Yet a number of churches have come forward to approve such practices, believing that it’s unloving not to.

But do not be deceived, Christian… To encourage someone in sin that the Bible says will keep them from eternal life is not loving. You should know the Bible also says that those who approve of such behaviors are just as guilty as those who practice them.

Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give their approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:32)

James 5:19 says:

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

We all want to live out the passions of the flesh…

But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

This happens when we repent and believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ… when we understand the text.

(Many of the Bible stories and verses we think we know, we don’t! When We Understand the Text is an internet-based video ministry committed to righting some of the wrong understanding of scripture, all while advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Check out more at WWUTT.com!)

And, For more engaging and encouraging videos and podcasts, check out the E-Squared Media Network!


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