The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent David H. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Research - Homosexuality
Homosexuality is no longer looked upon with disdain, but rather it is an accepted practice in many circles today. Once famously described as "the love that dares not speak its name," homosexuality is now openly discussed and debated throughout American society.
Even in the long ago days of Sodom and Gomorrah, homosexuality has occurred. Much of the world today acknowledges the union of same-sex couples but some Muslim nations condemn homosexual acts with death.
The debate continues to rage in the Christian church whether or not to except the practice. While most of the Christian church agrees that homosexuality is wrong, a growing minority believes that homosexuals can still worship God while yet continuing in this conduct. Where does the Bible stand on this issue?
As with every case, the Bible is clear where a true Christian should stand. Many "so called" Christians do not see the clearness marked out in Scripture on this highly controversial issue. The foundation for marriage is found in Genesis 1 and 2. When Jesus was questioned about marriage, he referred back to these chapters. Genesis teaches that "male and female created He them."
Man and woman were created with a purpose as is brought out in Mark 10:6-9: "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And the twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." God didn’t create two men or two women. Instead he created Adam and Eve that they might encourage, strengthen, and love one another.
There are reasons why God instituted and designed marriage between a man and a woman instead of a homosexual relationship. First, complementary structure of the male and female anatomy is obviously designed for the normal husband-wife relationships. Second, The combination of male and female enables man to produce and nurture offspring as commanded in Genesis 1:28: "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:" And thirdly, God gave man and woman complementary roles in order to strengthen the family unit.
The Bible also clearly prohibits the exercise of this grotesque practice. In Leviticus 18:22 we read, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." Leviticus 20:13 sentences the punishment of guilt: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."
Besides the commandments of God in Heaven, there are many undesirable consequences attached to homosexual behavior. Many diseases such as HIV/AIDS are closely linked with the practice of homosexuality. Studies have shown that homosexuals have a life expectancy of 8-21 years less then others.
In addition to describing homosexual behavior as detestable, the Bible also calls for the punishment of those involved as seen already in Leviticus 20:13. Thankfully there is hope for every sinner. God’s grace and mercy calls even the worst sinner to repentance. Prior homosexual actions should not be a bar to a church membership or ministry if repentance and reform are genuine. All true Christians are reformed sinners.
