“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” – Leviticus 18:22
God’s Design for Relationships
As we explore the scriptures, we can see that God’s design for relationships is intended to be clear. The relationships that fulfill His purpose are those between a man and a woman. God created marriage to reflect His covenant love, a bond that is unique and precious. Understanding God’s design is crucial for us as we navigate our own relationships and strive to embody His love and truth in our lives.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Malachi 2:15
“But did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.” – Malachi 2:15
Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31
1 Corinthians 7:2
“Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:2
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22
Sin and Consequences
When we look into the Old Testament, we encounter the reality of sin and the consequences that follow. God is just and holy, and He calls us to repentance. The scriptures remind us that sin leads to separation from Him. Understanding this concept helps us realize the urgency of turning away from any behavior that strays from His commandments, including those relating to human sexuality, and helps us understand the importance of aligning our lives with God’s will.
Leviticus 20:13
“If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” – Leviticus 20:13
Romans 1:26-27
“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 shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.” – Romans 1:26-27
Deuteronomy 22:5
“A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.” – Deuteronomy 22:5
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
Proverbs 14:34
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” – Proverbs 14:34
God’s Unchanging Nature
In a time where change may seem constant, we find strength in knowing that God’s nature remains steadfast. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This unchanging nature provides us with stability in our lives. By understanding the depth of His character, we deepen our relationship with Him and remain grounded as we face temptation and the challenges of our society regarding human sexuality.
Malachi 3:6
“For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” – Malachi 3:6
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
Psalm 119:89
“Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” – Psalm 119:89
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” – James 1:17
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” – Isaiah 40:8
Call to Holiness
As believers, we are called to be holy as God is holy. This call is a reminder of our identity in Christ. We should strive to reflect His goodness and righteousness in all aspects of our lives, including our relationships. Embracing this call helps us live lives that honor God and encourage those around us to do the same. When we remain focused on our purpose, we influence others positively in how they view human sexuality.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” – 1 Peter 1:15-16
Leviticus 11:44
“For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.” – Leviticus 11:44
Leviticus 20:26
“And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.” – Leviticus 20:26
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” – 2 Corinthians 7:1
Ephesians 5:3
“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” – Ephesians 5:3
Righteous Living
When we embrace the call for holiness, we are also called to live righteously in every aspect of our lives. Righteous living is an expression of our faith and commitment to God. By living righteously, we reflect Christ’s love to others and offer them a glimpse of His grace and truth. Our lives become testimonies to others of how God desires our sexuality to align with His will.
Proverbs 21:3
“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3
Psalm 37:30
“The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.” – Psalm 37:30
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Romans 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1
Philippians 1:11
“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” – Philippians 1:11
Reconciliation and Grace
While the Bible addresses sin, it also highlights the beauty of reconciliation and grace. God desires that none should perish but that we all come to repentance. There is always hope, forgiveness, and the opportunity for redemption. By sharing this message of grace, we can reach out to those affected by the topic of human sexuality and extend God’s love to them. God’s desire for reconciliation encompasses everyone.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these verses, we can see the importance of aligning ourselves to God’s intentions regarding human sexuality. He calls us to live according to His design, understanding that sin carries consequences, and that His nature remains unchanging. Holiness and righteousness are not just standards to be upheld, but also the essence of our relationship with Him.
At the same time, we are reminded that grace and reconciliation are at the heart of God’s character. He welcomes all who turn to Him. Our journey toward understanding His ways can be a beacon of hope for those around us. Let us support one another in striving to live in accordance with His will while extending His grace to everyone.
If you want to read more about the topic of homosexuality from a biblical standpoint, consider checking out Bible verses about gay being wrong or Bible verses about gay being a sin.