Expert: Phillip Senn - 9/15/2004

Question
Can you explain what these verses are saying? And what are thier weak & strong points? Is there any related verses in Psalms?

Answer
I was unable to find any verses in the Psalms that related to the abominable act of "man lying with man" or "woman lying with woman" (that which is commonly referred to as homosexual conduct). There are passages that refer to abominable acts within the book of the Psalms. The term abominable, as used in the passages to which you referred, relates to a detestable, abhorable and disgusting thing. It appears that the Apostle Paul, in referencing this action in Romans 1:27, also found it to be "unseemly". The usage of this term indicates more than just shame, but rather the type of severe shame that most people would sense when standing completely naked (their "privates" showing) before many people.

There have been many attempts at whitewashing these passages to which you referred, but the passages still stand strong against the tide of those that would discount them.

But let's look at these "laws" for their intended purpose. Romans 7:12-13 says, "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it  might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful." Paul states that the law shows our sin to be "exceeding sinful". Not any worse than the homosexual perversion of some, but just as bad. All sin is an abomination before God, for it violates the relationship between God and man(kind). God's purpose in showing us our sin is not to belittle or demean us, but to show us that sin has already caused a division between us (as well as condemned us), and that He sent His only begotten Son to deliver us from the penalty of the sins (death) that we deserve.

No Scripture has any weak points. Men who interpret Scripture usually have a lot of weak points, myself included. These Scriptures, as well as any Scriptures, should always be taken in their proper context. I believe these two passages, that you referenced, are presented as God's instructions to each individual to honor the Lord in every relationship. I further believe that God clearly indicates that none of these types of actions can be done to glorify the Lord.

I hope this has been helpful to you. I would appreciate if you would rate my answer, so that I may know how I am doing, and also, that I might know of areas in which I need to improve.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn