State representative Alvin Holmes (D–Montgomery, Ala.) is putting his money where his worldview is. He is offering $5000 to anyone who can prove the Bible actually condemns homosexual marriage. Of course, it’s quite easy to prove the Bible does not support homosexual marriage, so why would a man make such a preposterous wager? No matter what evidence you put before him, he will explain it away, because he wants to support homosexual marriage. We’ve seen this same type of “reasoning” on the abortion issue. No matter how you go about showing that abortion kills a preborn child, there are those who still support abortion. There are some who even recognize that abortion kills a proborn baby, and they still support baby killing for “high social reasons.” The same is true on the homosexual issue. If homosexuality is explained away when it is self-evident in the Bible, then so much else can be explained away, including adultery and other sexual sins. The Bible becomes no more authoritative than Aesop’s Fables.
The nature of unbelieving thought is to interpret evidences in terms of a pre-constructed worldview. The resurrection of Jesus is denied because skeptics begin with the premise that resurrections can’t happen. When evidence is shown to the contrary, the evidence is explained away. The rich man appealed to Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers to warn them of the consequences of their lifestyle choices. They would certainly listen to a man risen from the dead. Abraham’s response is not what the rich man wanted to hear: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them. . . . If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:19-31). The Bible is plain enough on these issues. Rep. Holmes doesn’t want to listen.
The creation account sets the standard for proper sexual relationships, including marriage. Adam was incomplete until God created someone “suitable” (KJV: “meet” not “mate”) for him. God did not create a man and a woman, thereby giving Adam a choice. God created a woman, setting a standard. Even if the Bible never condemned homosexual behavior, the creation account alone would be enough to establish what God wants in marital and sexual relationships. Even the physical makeup of men and women is a rational defense of heterosexual relationships. The command to be “fruitful and multiply” can only apply to heterosexual relationships. The NT supports the one man, one woman standard: “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh” (Mark 10:6–8). The Bible couldn’t be any more clear. In any normal world, Rep. Holmes would be $5000 poorer.
Then there are the direct prohibitions of homosexual behavior found in the OT and NT. If homosexual behavior is prohibited, then it follows that a marriage that is built on homosexual marriage has to be wrong as well. The story of Sodom should be enough to convince anyone that homosexuality is prohibited by the Bible (Gen. 18-19). But if this detailed and irrefutable story isn’t enough, there are the stated prohibitions in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.
- Leviticus 18:22 “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.”
- Leviticus 20:13 “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act.”
Pro-homosexual advocates argue that these laws are found among “purity laws,” therefore, they no longer apply. The same purity laws found in Leviticus that prohibit homosexuality also prohibit rape, theft, putting obstacles in front of blind people, sex with animals, and murder. Why haven’t these laws been abrogated under the new covenant?
Paul describes homosexual behavior as “degrading,” “unnatural,” and “indecent” (Rom. 1:26–27). If homosexual behavior is described using these terms, it’s hard to see how marriage makes the behavior Paul condemns legitimate. If two murderers marry, does this mean that now they are married, murder somehow becomes legitimate? Rep. Holmes is living in a world of his own making. The Bible condemns him because he “gives hearty approval to those who practice” homosexuality (Rom. 1:32). The leadership of Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church should discipline him for his rejection of God’s Word, and the people of Montgomery, Alabama, should vote him out of office.
Gary is a graduate of Western Michigan University (1973) and earned his M.Div. at Reformed Theological Seminary in 1979. Author of countless essays, news articles, and more than 27 book titles, he also hosts The Gary DeMar Show, and History Unwrapped—both broadcasted and podcasted. Gary has lived in the Atlanta area since 1979 with his wife, Carol. They have two married sons and are enjoying being grandparents to their grandsons, Calvin and Paul. Gary and Carol are members of Midway Presbyterian Church (PCA).
Huh so lets change that one Christa:"And even if you don't agree with murder/theft/rape, imagine the suffering that could be avoided if the church could say this to their murderers,thieves,rapists: "We don't understand your views about sexual orientation, but we love and trust you. As long as you love God and seek God's will in your life, you are welcome here."
so your reasoning is we should accept sinners continuing to sin in Gods house, because they say they they believe yet deny.
Hmm not very sound reasoning.
an ABOMINATION as the bible calls it is still and abomination, and so yet is still a sin. continuing to sin is not a walk with God.
An interesting article: http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bi…
It's quite well researched, read it thoroughly. Even if you don't agree with his views, he has some good things to consider.
And even if you don't agree with homosexuality, imagine the suffering that could be avoided if the church could say this to their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children: "We don't understand your views about sexual orientation, but we love and trust you. As long as you love God and seek God's will in your life, you are welcome here."
Consider it.
I'm a lesbian. in your eyes I'm sinning, but I love my partner. we've been together 8 years. we're getting married soon :]
What about your eyes Beth……how do you see sin…what is it's definition? What matters is what you "Believe" to be "Truth"…..Is there "good" verses "evil" in this world? Is there a difference? also, " Love" how do we measure it….define it… and how do we know how to love? There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily." George Washington! Know the "Truth" and the "Truth will set you free" ! What about a lie? How do we know the difference? What about the law? Do we need laws? Why? Are we born knowing how to do good and knowing to do what is right or wrong? How do we know what is right or wrong….good or evil? Seek and you will find the answer to all "Truth" Do you want to know the author of all "Truth" ? If yes, just ask and it will be revealed to you!
I have asked. and I haven't really gotten an answer, and I've been trying for years. I grew up as a Christian. and if she breaks my heart, then I might admit that you're right. though I sincerely doubt that will happen. we've been together since high school. and she helped me a lot more than any of the "Christians". :]
Ohh, I’m so happy for you <3 I hope you have many more happy years together.
Also, Suzannah-I went to an interview at WashU in St.Louis and one of their projects was the human genome project- in fact I was near the lab. The person that interviewed me said they found no homosexual gene and that they get asked this all the time. These gay activists want to justify their lifestyle.
search " love one out"
Patricia, it is a lie to say, once a Homosexual always a Homosexual. Their are many who have left this sick and perverted life style. Christ did not come to earth to save us in our sins, but, from our sins. To be saved, we need to repent and turn away from our sins. God did not creat Homosexuals. Satan did. He is the father of all lies. I, like all others need to repent and seek his forgiveness. Yes, Christ loves all, but that does not mean all will make it to Heaven. If, that was true, then even Hitler would be waiting for you in Heaven. But, I will say this. With Christs help, then, even Homosexuals can change and live a Christ like life style. Through Christ all things are possible. But, you must seek, with real intent, nothing wavering and Christ will help.
Excellent article! Homosexuality is a mental disorder and can be corrected if a person is willing. The good news is that literally hundreds if not thousands of young men and woman that choose to follow Christ turn away from this sin. There are many testimonies from such people on the Exodus website. What we all seem to forget in this age of gratification is that the gift from the Holy Spirit is Self-Control.
TO Patricia: Jesus died on the cross for our sins. The only way to Heaven is that we repent our OWN sins and ask for forgiveness–and trust in Him alone. With you saying that God will have Mercy on the SIN….then why did he die for our sins in the first place?? God will judge everyone's sins…It's the people who come to Christ and have a personal relationship that will receive His gift of everlasting life. Not Mercy for unbelievers.
Living for some years in San Francisco it was difficult, if not impossible, not to encounter homosexuals, both male and female. Some of them I liked and some I disliked intensely. However, I feel the judgment is not up to me…it is up to God. They owe me no answer and I believe that for whatever reason God put them here they are what they are…born that way and unable to change in the same way some are born blind or without limbs. The ways of God should not/cannot be questioned by us. We must except fact as fact and deal with it. All we can do is pray for them and hope that God dispenses mercy to them at the end.
God creates nothing but perfection. It is because of sin that the enemy enters in. There is no homosexual that is "born" that way. It is the enemy, plain and simple. Just as no one is born with the tendency to steal. Sin is sin is sin. It is temptation and up to us to overcome. Satan is a deceiver. He lies and counterfeits everything that the Lord created. To say anything different, in itself is deception. Yes, there are people born with birth defects. God allows it, but did not cause it. There is a reason for everything that He allows for it is in weakness that we are made strong. It is in weakness and trials, when we are closest to Him because that is when we pray without ceasing. Just like the "thorn" in Paul's side. Gods grace was sufficient for Him and should be sufficient for us through our infirmities. If God allowed us and all our circumstances to be perfect, we would never have need to seek Him. So, until this world is ridden of sin, we continue to remain…imperfect! I`m sorry if I have offended, but I speak the truth.
thank you for truth
this woman knows nothing of truth and claims to be a christian woman to get what she wants.