Hi Roy, Sodom and Gomorrah was judged by God for homosexuality and for inhospitality (Gen 19:24-28). I am sure there were likely some religious leaders of that day which endorsed homosexuality. The very fact that scriptures calls homosexual sex – grievous sin, an abomination and shameful means we as a nation should not endorse it and thus open our nation up to the judgement, wrath of God.
“and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;” (2 Pe 2:6)
“And they called to Lot and said to him, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.’” (Gen 19:5)
“know” as used here is often a euphemism for sexual relations
The next statement by Lot expresses his concept of hospitality in that he was willing to suffer personal loss rather than allow it to happen to his guests…
“See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.” (Gen 19:8)
“as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 7)
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” (Lev 18:22)
“If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.” (Lev 20:13)
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Co 6:9-10)
In this passage, Paul uses two terms that are translated above as “homosexuals” and “sodomites.” The first term, translated “homosexuals” (“effeminate” in the KJV) is “malakos”, and is defined as:
“effeminate, of a catamite, a male who submits his body to unnatural lewdness” (THAYER)
The word translated as “sodomites” (“abusers of themselves with mankind” in the KJV) is arsenokoitai, and is defined as:
“one who lies with a male as with a female, a sodomite” (THAYER)
Paul’s warning not to be deceived is very appropriate even today, for some homosexual theologians would have us believe that Paul was only condemning male prostitution. Whereas the first word (malakos) does properly speak of a male prostitute, the second word (arsenokoitai) describes any sort of homosexual conduct. Despite such efforts to twist the Scriptures and deceive many, the Word of God is clear: those who continue to engage in homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God!
Paul also uses the word “arsenokoitai” (the generic term for homosexual conduct) as an example of that which is:
“…contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” (1 Ti 1:10-11)
Since the “sound doctrine” of the gospel of Christ condemns even sexual relations between unmarried heterosexuals, it should not be hard to understand that sex between unmarried homosexuals is wrong as well! As for “married” homosexuals, the institution of marriage which was begun and defined by God only allows for sex between a man and a woman (cf. Gen 2:24; Mt 19:4-6).
The “classic” passage which deals with the sin of homosexual conduct is that of Ro 1:18-28. In this passage, Paul discusses the wrath of God which is directed toward those who do not honor God:
“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.” (Ro 1:26)
“Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Ro 1:27)
“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;” (Ro 1:28)
ccel.org/contrib/exec_outlines/hom/hom_03.htm
Isaiah 1:10,11
Jeremiah 23:13, 14
Ezekiel 16:49, 50
Matthew 10:9-15
mcfarland.co.uk/andrew/testimony_articles/2004-01-01
