A Statement on Homosexuality and
Lesbianism
August
1992
This
statement is a result of a discussion paper by the National Executive
Presbytery.
Homosexual
is defined by Webster as ‘one who has
sexual feelings for persons of the same sex’. Lesbian is defined as a ‘female
homosexual’. Homosexuality is referred to directly and specifically
in the scriptures.
New Testament In
Romans 1:26-27 Paul says, ‘Because of
this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations
for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations
with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent
acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.’
Paul also lists homosexuality as a sin in: 1
Corinthians 6:9-10, ‘Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually
immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual
offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
will inherit the kingdom
of God. And that is what
some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified
in the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God’. and 1 Timothy
1:8-11, ‘We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know
that the law is made not for righteousness but for lawbreakers and rebels, the
ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their
fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders
and liars and perjurers – and for whatever else is contrary to the sound
doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blesses God, which he
entrusted to me.’
Old Testament The
Old Testament also explicitly prohibited homosexuality, Leviticus 18:22 says,
‘Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman, that is detestable.’ and
Leviticus 20:13 adds, ‘If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both
of them have done what is detestable.They
must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.’
The
scripture also condemns Sodom
for its homosexual practices in Genesis 19:1-13.
Chosen Behaviour The
scripture teaches that sex is to be practised only within a heterosexual
marriage. Genesis 2:18 tells us God provided woman as a companion for a man and
he clearly encouraged them to be fruitful and multiply. In doing so, God
provide the family for the conception, nurturing and development of offspring,
Homosexuality violates God’s plan and provision of the family.
Biologically
God did not create the human body for homosexual activity. Homosexuality abuses
the body, often causing physical injury and trauma. Homosexual activity is
unhygienic as can beseen
in the high rates of infection with, and the transmission of AIDS amongst those
who practice homosexuality.
Homosexuality
is a chosen behaviour. It is a choice not a natural, biological, hormonal or genetically governed behaviour.
Despite
a multitude of theories attempting to associate homosexual behaviour with
genetics or the composition of the brain, no conclusive evidence has yet been
presented.
We
conclude that the scripture clearly forbids the Christian to engage in or practise
any form of homosexuality or lesbianism, and we oppose the legalisation of
homosexuality.
Christian Attitude What should be our
attitude to homosexuals?
1.
God loves the homosexual despite their sin and he is willing to forgive the
homosexual and change them. The gospel is particularly relevant to the
homosexual and lesbian.
2.
We advocate counseling of homosexuals to help them abandon then practice of
homosexuality and accept Christ.
3.
We advocate a compassionate ministry to those who suffer AIDS as we attempt to
show them God’s love, his message of salvation, his healing and our concern for
their suffering.
Labels: Assemblies of God, bible and homosexuality