In Romans 1:18-32 there is an interesting discussion by Paul in describing the depth of sin and perversity of human beings who rejected the evidences of God. As a result, God permitted them to delve into every conceivable sin and depravity. There is, however, an extremely interesting statement made about their sexual preferences that indict many today. Notice, "For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due" (Romans 1:26-27, ASV).
In this text Paul shows one of the basic reasons as to why homosexuality is wrong, His appeal to that which is "natural" and that which is "against nature" is a very strong argument for heterosexuality and against homosexuality. It is important to note the meaning of the word used here translated natural. Thayer's Lexicon defines the word here (fusikos, Gr.) as: (a). Natural; i.e., produced by nature, inborn. (b). Agreeable to nature. (c) Governed by (the instincts of) nature." Arndt and Gingrich concur with this definition in their Lexicon; they simply say "...naturally, by instinct." It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the sexual organs of male and female are made for each other. In addition, it takes both the sperm of the male and egg of the female to produce another life. We see the same arrangement both in the plan life and beasts God created,
(Genesis 1:11, 22, 28).
This passage clearly shows that when people rejected the knowledge of God He gave them up to practice "vile" (disgraceful, dishonorable) passions. Even though some alleged "Bible Scholars" or "Clergymen" may defend homosexuality, the Bible has always considered it wrong and sinful. From the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18, 19) and the giving of the Law by Moses it was wrong and unnatural. In fact the Law of Moses actually proscribed it to the extent that those who practiced it were stone to death (Deuteronomy 22:5, 23:17). In the New Testament it is also clear that it was always considered sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:10) and the verses under consideration above. It is amusing to note those on TV who make statements like "You can't fool mother nature," and praise that which is "natural" but would surely rebel at Paul's usage of "nature" and "natural" in Romans 1:26-27.
The fact is that Paul here appeals to one of the most basic of arguments showing that homosexuality is not natural. Since that is so it is a perversion of that which is right, and so is sinful and wrong. As Christians we must always teach that which is right. We are to love all people, but hate sin.
Edward L. Rodgers,
Bellevue, TX, edanddj@att.net
1 Thayer's Greek Lexicon, PC Study Bible formatted Electronic Database Copyright 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
2 William F. Arndt & F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, pg. 877.
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;" Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools," "And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things." "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:" "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: "And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet." "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;" "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers," "Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents," "Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:" "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind," "Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
"For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;"
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: "And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."
"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God."
