Same-sex Marriage from a Biblical Perspective

Same-sex Marriage from a Biblical Stance - The Bible does not explicitly address same-sex marriage. The Bible has many references to homosexuality. The Bible condemns homosexuality as an immoral and unnatural sin. Leviticus 18:22 identifies homosexual sex as an abomination, a detestable sin. Romans 1:26-27 declares homosexual desires and actions to be shameful, unnatural, lustful, and indecent. First Corinthians 6:9 states that homosexuals are unrighteous and will not inherit the kingdom of God. Since both homosexual desires and actions are condemned in the Bible, it is clear that homosexuals “marrying” is not God’s will, and would be, in fact, sinful.

Whenever the Bible mentions marriage, it is between a male and a female. The first mention of marriage, Genesis 2:24, describes it as a man leaving his parents and being united to his wife. In passages that contain instructions regarding marriage (such as 1 Corinthians 7:2-16 and Ephesians 5:23-33), the Bible clearly identifies marriage as being between a man and a woman. Marriage is the lifetime union of a man and a woman—primarily for the purpose of building a family and providing a stable environment for that family.

The biblical viewpoint of marriage has been the universal understanding of marriage in every human civilization in world history. History argues against gay marriage. Modern secular psychology recognizes that men and women are psychologically and emotionally designed to complement one another.

Psychologists contend that a union between a man and woman is best. Both spouses serve as good gender role models. This is the best environment in which to raise well-adjusted children. Psychology argues against gay marriage. Men and women were designed to fit together sexually. Nature argues against gay marriage.

The Bible, history, psychology, and nature all argue for marriage being between a man and a woman. Why, then, is there such a controversy today? Why are those opposed to same-sex marriage labeled as hateful? intolerant bigots? Why is the gay rights movement so aggressively pushing for same-sex marriage?

The answer is found in the Bible: Everyone inherently knows that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural, and the only way to suppress this inherent knowledge is by normalizing homosexuality and attacking any and all opposition to it.

The best way to normalize homosexuality is by placing same-sex marriage on an equal plane with traditional (opposite-sex) marriage. Romans 1:18-32 illustrates this. God has made it very clear. The truth is rejected and replaced with a lie. The lie is then promoted, and the truth is suppressed and attacked. The vehemence and anger expressed by many in the gay-rights movement to any who oppose them is, in fact, an indication that they know their position is indefensible. Trying to overcome a weak position by raising your voice is the oldest trick in the debating book. There is perhaps no more accurate description of the modern gay rights agenda than Romans 1:31, "...they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless."

To give sanction to same-sex marriage would be to give approval to the homosexual lifestyle, and the Bible clearly and consistently condemns such a lifestyle as sinful.

Christians should stand firmly against the idea of same-sex marriage. Additionally, there are strong and logical arguments against same-sex marriage from contexts completely separated from the Bible. One need not have to be an evangelical Christian to recognize that marriage is between a man and a woman.

According to the Bible, marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:21-24;Matthew 19:4-6). Same-sex marriage is a perversion of the institution of marriage and an offense to the God who created marriage. As Christians, we are not to condone or ignore sin. Rather, we are to share the love of God and the forgiveness of sins that is available to all, including homosexuals, through Jesus Christ.

We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and contend for truth with "gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). As Christians, when we stand for truth and the result is personal attacks, insults, and persecution, we should remember the words of Jesus: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:18-19).