Lesbianism Refuted

What does the Holy Bible say about lesbianism?

Contemporary Issues – Bible Study #56

by Nolan McFadden Without a doubt the "new morality" and "sexual revolution" of the late twentieth century have profoundly shaped the thinking and lifestyles of many people. Likewise, pornography, MTV and pro-fornication Hollywood movies have had a very real impact on shaping contemporary views about sex. Emerging from the " sexual revolution" was the propagation of the view that lesbianism and sodomy are "morally acceptable alternative lifestyles."

During recent decades, lesbianism and sodomy have been rationalized, normalized and promoted in television and radio talk shows; in sex education classes; in sex education books; in contemporary music lyrics; in newspapers and magazines; in Hollywood movies; by pro-homosexuality psychologists and by prohomosexuality religious and political leaders. In like manner, homosexual researchers, lobbyists and media people have promoted the gay gene theory in order to justify homosexual lust and conduct. During the same time, we have witnessed the "homosexual rights" movement. There have been many political marches and rallies by many lesbians and sodomites with the aim of establishing homosexual conduct as an inalienable civil right by law.

Yet, proponents of the "sexual revolution" somehow forgot to consult the most knowledgeable, qualified expert on the subject of human sexuality. His name is Jehovah (YHWH). Since He designed mankind, it would seem very sensible for us to obtain God's counsel about sex. But what would happen if the LORD were to step up to a microphone today and declare His view of homosexuality to the American television audience? Would anyone really want to listen to God's perspective about this issue? Would God be ignored, vilified, marginalized and labeled a religious fanatic?

Thankfully, God has already expressed His view about homosexuality. Our Creators perspective regarding lesbianism and sodomy is discovered in His book known as the Holy Bible. II Timothy 3:16 declares that, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." Every person will one day give an account to this same LORD (Hebrews 9:27). Therefore, it is essential that we understand what Jehovah has said about lesbianism in the Scriptures. What does the Holy Bible say about lesbianism?

I. What is lesbianism?

A. Lesbianism is defined as "female homosexuality" in Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary (653). Lesbianism refers to a human female having sex with another human female.

II. Lesbianism is addressed in Romans 1:26.

A. The specific words lesbian or lesbianism are not found in the Bible. However, lesbian activity is referred to in Romans 1:26. Therefore, the Scriptures are not silent regarding the practice of lesbianism. In Romans chapter one the apostle Paul set forth examples of the sinfulness of the human race. In Romans 1:26, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul declared, "For this cause God gave them up into vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature (KJV):" B. The word usage and context of Romans 1:26 clearly demonstrates that Paul is referring to lesbianism. There are several reasons whereby we know this to be a fact.

1. Romans 1:26 is understood in the context of Romans 1:24. The "them" and "their" of verse twenty-six are referring to the same people mentioned in verse twenty-four. "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves (Romans 1:24)." Notice that "them" autous (autous) in verse twenty-four refers also to the women of verse twenty-six. The women's changing "the natural use" is an example of the "vile

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affections" of "them" auroos (autous) in verse twenty-six. They were involved in "uncleanness", "lusts" and "dishonor their own bodies between themselves".

2. The description of "their women did changed the natural use" in verse twenty-six refers to changing the natural sexual use of a woman by a man. This is also clearly indicated in verse twenty-seven.

The words "...the men, leaving the natural use of the woman" refer also to changing the natural sexual use of a woman by a man in verse twenty-seven. Since these women had changed their natural sexual function with men to something different. To what had they changed? The answer is discovered in verse twenty-four. These women were dishonoring "their own bodies between themselves." Since the "themselves" ohnots (autois) were not men when applied to verse twenty-six, it is apparent that these women were dishonoring their own bodies with other females. They were practicing lesbianism.

3. The words "And likewise also" ogotos t scat (Omoios to kai) in verse twenty-seven demonstrate that the action of the women in verse twenty-six is equally condemned along with the actions of the male sodomites in verse twenty-seven. Since male homosexual lust and male homosexual conduct is clearly indicated in verse twentyseven, the word usages of "likewise-else-0:27) irrol;es female___________homosexuality in verse twenty-six.

4. The description "vile affections" from the Kione Greek words na8os =Ina (pathos atimia) in Romans 1:26 refers to dishonorable, physical sexual passions.

5. The word "lust" in Romans 1:27 is translated from the Kione Greek word opets (orexis), which is sexual lust. The words "likewise also" at the beginning of Romans 1:27 indicate that the action of the women in verse twenty-six is "likewise" unnatural sexual passions and a shameful error.

C. Regarding Romans 1:26-27, John Witmer pointed out in The Bible Knowledge Commentary (J. Walvood and R. Zuck), "The words translated women and men in these verses are the sexual words "females" and "males". Contemporary homosexuals insist that these verses mean that it is perverse for a heterosexual male or female to engage in homosexual relations but it is not perverse for a homosexual male or female to do so since homosexuality is such a person's natural preference. This is strained exegesis unsupported by the Bible. The only natural sexual relationship the Bible recognizes is a heterosexual one (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6) within marriage. All homosexual relations constitute sexual perversion and are subject to God's judgment. Such lustful and indecent acts have within them the seeds of punishment (due penalty) (4443-444)."

Lesbian sex is fornication. The Scriptures clearly indicate that female homosexuality, also known as “the spirit of whoredoms,” is a type of “fornication.” In the Bible lesbianism is clearly regarded as a sin against God. In Romans chapter one lesbianism is referred to as: 1) “vile affections” (Romans 1:26), 2) “fornication” (Romans 1:29, Jude 7), 3) “uncleanness” (Romans 1:24), 4) “against nature” (Romans 1:26) and 5) “unrighteousness” (Romans 1:29).

Moreover, in the Scriptures the only kind of sexual activity recognized as acceptable to God is sex within a heterosexual marriage union. Whereas, fornication is regarded as a sin against the LORD and is prohibited

by God in Leviticus 18, Deuteronomy 22 and I Thessalonians 4.

B. Since lesbianism is equally condemned along with sodomy among men in Romans 1:2627, it should be regarded as an act of fornication lust as sodomite behavior is in Leviticus 18:22. In fact, Jehovah lists sodomite conduct as a kind of fornication in the same category with incest and beastiality in Leviticus 18.

Subsequently, Romans chapter one reveals lesbianism among females to be unnatural lust and just as morally wrong as sodomy among males.

Lesbianism is both a perversion and a rebellion against the LORD'S design for women, marriage and the family.

A. In Genesis chapter two we find that the LORD God created the first woman. Her name was Eve. She was created to be a companion and helper to Adam (Genesis 2:18-24). The first woman was created by God to be a wife and mother. Eve was Adam's soul mate, lover and helper. She wasn't created to despise and reject Adam. Unlike contemporary lesbians, Eve accepted her God-given, created purpose to be a wife to Adam and a mother to her children. Moreover, Jesus based his teachings about

3 marriage and divorce on this same Genesis chapter two model of the heterosexual marriage of Adam and Eve. B. Notice that God created one woman (Eve) for the purpose of being the wife, companion and helper of one man (Adam) in a heterosexual marriage. God didn't create a man to be Adam's marriage partner and soul mate. Likewise, God didn't create a woman to be Eve's marriage partner and life companion. The LORD didn't create wives for Adam. He created one wife. The LORD didn't have husbands for Eve. God created Eve to be the wife of one husband. *Deviations from the LORD's model of marriage presented in Genesis chapter two are in reality perversions and rebellion against God's original purpose for marriage and the family.

B. Since God's plan for marriage and the family is clear, we might ask why there are so many perversions of God's plan in our time. The answer is discovered in Genesis chapter three-sin. Satan deceived Eve and the fall of mankind followed (Genesis 3:1-6, Romans 5:12). Both Adam and Eve sinned against God by disobeying His command (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:6-7). As a result, there was broken fellowship with God and with each other (Genesis 3:8-13). The curse of sin, guilt and death had come (Romans 5:12). By deceiving Eve through the serpent, Satan had helped bring about the falland corruption of the human race (II Corinthians 11:3, Revelation 12:9).

V. Lesbianism is spiritually energized by the demonic realm (Genesis 3:4-6, I Corinthians 11:10).

A. Throughout history, the Devil has been the spiritual source of rebellion against God's Word and purposes.

Likewise, Satan seeks to pervert the purposes of the LORD. This is apparent as it relates to God's plan for women, marriage and the family unit. Just as Satan sought to deceive and corrupt Eve in Eden, so today the Devil aims to deceive, corrupt and destroy women. By doing so, he will destroy marriages, families and nations (John 10:10). Tragically, lesbianism is one of Satan's perverse substitutes for being a heterosexual wife and mother.

B. Usually, lesbians resent and reject Scriptures such as I Corinthians 11:9-12, I Timothy 2:9-15, Titus 2:4-5, Ephesians 5:22-24 and I Peter 3:1-6. In fact, many lesbians view being married to a man and having children as slavery and repulsive. Likewise, lesbians generally resist being under biblical, male authority in marriage and family life. Whv? The answer is revealed in I Corinthians 11:10. *When a woman is not under God-ordained authority, she opens herself up to the attacks and deceptions of fallen angels. When a woman yields her thought life and imaginations to the deceiver, she allows Satan to develop a stronghold in her mind (Genesis 3:4-6, II Corinthians 10:4-5, Ephesians 4:2627). In many cases the result is "lesbian orientation (lesbian lust)."

VI. Lesbianism is a manifestation of "a spirit of fomications" (Hosea 4:11-14; 5:4).

A. It is a fact that most lesbians have had a plurality of sex partners. Why? The answer is found in the book of Hosea.

A. In the days of King Jeroboam, the LORD sent a prophet named Hosea to preach against the sins of Israel and Judah. The Hebrews had forsaken Jehovah and rejected the counsels of His Word. It was the LORD'S desire that they repent, turn from their sinful ways and serve Him with all their hearts. Instead, they continued in their rebellion, perversion and idolatry. God's judgment was on them. One of the consequences of their sins was that "a spirit of whoredoms" was among them (Hosea 4:11-14; 5:4). Subsequently, their daughters would practice fornication and their spouses would commit adultery (Hosea 4:13).

VII. Lesbianism is not only a sin against God; it is a judgment from God (Romans 1:18-32).

A. Romans 1:26 declares, "For this cause God gave them up into vile affections..." Who gave these people up to the vile affections? God did. The act of giving them up was an act of God's judgment. The cause of this judgment from the LORD of verse twenty-six is found in the context of verses eighteen through twentyfive.

1. They were guilty of changing the truth of God into a lie (1:25).

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They were suppressing the truth in unrighteousness (1:18).

They chose not to glorify God (1:21) They were unthankful (1:21).

They became vain in their imaginations (1:21).

Their foolish heart was darkened (1:21).

They professed to be wise, as many lesbians do, but in reality they had become fools (1:22).

They engaged in idolatry (1:23). What about contemporary self-worship?

B. Tragically, another aspect of the LORD'S judgment is revealed in Romans 1:28. Those engaging in the male and female homosexual actions of Romans 1:26-27 are literally given over to "a reprobate mind" according to verse twenty-eight. This is a frightful judgment when it is observed that Romans 1:29-32 is linked to verse twenty-eight with a semi-colon.

VIII. It is clear from Romans 1:26 that lesbianism is morally wrong.

A. In the context of surrounding verses, both the "vile affections" and the women changing "the natural use" in verse twenty-six are regarded as morally wrong and deserving of the LORD'S judgment in Romans 1:32; 2:2:— A. The lesbian activity in Romans 1:26 is presented by Paul as an example of the "ungodliness and unrighteousness of men� (mankind) in the context of Romans 1:18. The word "men" in this verse means mankind in general since it is translated from anthropos in its generic usage. Thus, mankind (anthropos) would include lesbians in verse eighteen.

IX. Lesbian fornication and lesbian lust can be forgiven and overcome along with any other sin holding a woman in bondage (John 8:31-36, I Corinthians 6:9-11, II Corinthians 10:4-5).

A. Jehovah didn't create human females to practice lesbianism, adultery, pre-marital sex, incest or beastiality. All these actions are morally wrong and sins against a holy God. We must recognize that sexual behavior is a choice except in the case of rape. Moreover, a moral wrong is not an inalienable civil right.

Therefore, lesbians are without excuse before God. Without true repentance and spiritual regeneration, lesbians will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire along with other unrepentant fornicators (I Corinthians 6:9-11, Revelation 9:21; 21:8; 22:15).

B. The good news is that there is hope in Jesus and His Word for lesbians who are willing to repent (Luke 7:38-50, II Peter 3:9). If you are a lesbian, you can exchange your fear, anger, confusion and perverse thoughts for a new life with Jesus. Jehovah can cleanse you and forgive your sins (Proverbs 28:13). The LORD can deliver you from the power of Satan and bring you healing and forgiveness(Acts 26:18). He can give you a truly new life and a transformed mind (Romans 12:1-2). Jehovah can lead you in a path of righteousness (Psalm 23:3; 25:4-5, II Corinthians 5:17). There's real hope for any lesbian who wants to repent of her "lifestyle" and, instead, choose God's marvelous plan for her life. At the apostle Paul's conversion, Jesus gave him a new life, mission and purpose. It was, "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." Acts 26:18 C. In I Corinthians 6:11 the apostle wrote, "And such were some of you..." I Corinthians 6:911 reveals that some of the Christians at Corinth were fornicators, who had repented and converted to Christ. They were no longer practicing fornication, which indicates that, they had been delivered by Christ from the fornication lifestyles. Jesus can do the same today for anyone who is willing to become his disciple. Look to Jesus. Š 2003 Nolan McFadden