HOMOSEXUALITY -- A SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE

Whilst there may be some cases where there is a genetic or physical cause for deviance from sexual normality, we will endeavour to show that homosexuality has a spiritual basis, and its originator is Satan. It is for this reason that it is universally condemned throughout the bible.

When examining homosexuality from a spiritual point of view, we should find out what the bible says about it, for that expresses God’s attitude to it. We see this first in Leviticus, where God is giving instructions to Moses. Remember, this is God Himself speaking.

“I am the Lord . You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” Lev 18:21-23.

Homosexuality is similarly condemned in the New Testament:

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Cor 6:9-11.

Where the reading from Corinthians says that they “will not inherit the kingdom of God,” it does not necessarily imply that they will lose their salvation. The kingdom of God is where God is reigning. If God is not reigning in a person’s life, that person is not a part of His kingdom. He may not have lost his salvation, but will not experience God’s reign in his life – His victory over sin and Satan, or be able to have personal fellowship with Him.

The most informative passage in the bible concerning the origin and nature of homosexuality is found in the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans. The main argument used by homosexuals and their supporters is that they were born with their particular sexual makeup, and that they are merely being true to their natural sexuality. However Paul’s letter to the Romans points to Satan as its originator. The passage opens by revealing that it was the sin of idolatry that turned people’s hearts away from obedience to God’s commands so that they could satisfy the lusts of the flesh.

The Nature of Idolatry

The essence of idolatry is to worship or give allegiance to created things rather than God the Creator. In the case of homosexuality, the natural use of the male and female bodies God created, has been replaced by an unnatural alternative, initiated by the perverted lusts of man. The commandments of God have been rejected and replaced by the precepts of man. The holy Scriptures have been made second to the opinions of modern society.

Paul starts his discourse by saying that the natural truths of God’s creation of man are clearly evident, but have been suppressed by the ungodly lusts of the unrighteous.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” Rom 1:18-23.

Although man was created in the image of God, they were unthankful, changing the glory of His creation into an image of corrupted man. The nature of God’s creation of man and woman was clearly seen, and His purposes for each were clearly shown, but they despised His creation by defiling it to satisfy their ungodly lusts. The reading goes on to say that because of their consistent idolatry, God gave them up.

“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Rom 1:24-25.

What is the Significance of the Phrase “God gave them up”?

Because of their continual disobedience to His will, and dishonouring His creation by using it unnaturally for their pleasure, God gave them up, or let them go, allowing them to pursue the course their hearts were set on.

“I, the Lord, search the heart,

I test the mind,

Even to give every man according to his ways,

According to the fruit of his doings.” Jer 17:10.

Being disobedient, they were no longer part of His kingdom. They were no longer under His reign, nor were they under His protection. Having been let go from God’s nurture and covering, they became prey to Satan’s intervention, and were enticed into submitting to vile passions and perversion.

“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” Rom 1:26-27.

They had forsaken the natural laws of God’s creation, and the laws of morality He presented to them through Moses, to follow the perverted lusts of their bodies. When God “gave them up,” He removed His protective covering, and let them submit to the control of Satan, who was the source of their vile passions.

Paul warned that practicing homosexuality exposed participants into “receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” We are reminded of the link between homosexuality and the epidemic of aids that has spread throughout the world.

Paul now reveals the further result of being released into the power of Satan. He presents a most extensive list of mankind’s sinful practices inspired by Satan.

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving,” Rom 1:28-31.

The next part of Paul’s message is often skimmed over, or ignored altogether. However it is a dire warning about the compliant or liberal attitudes of those who observe, and accept these practices as normal and acceptable.

“…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Rom 1:32.

THE CHOICE THAT CONFRONTS US AS CHRISTIANS

From Leviticus, where God spoke directly to Moses, to writers of the New Testament, homosexuality is condemned as being sinful. Although Jesus did not speak directly concerning homosexuality, He assented to God’s righteous judgment of Sodom, which was known for it’s homosexuality.

Many in the world today have chosen to ignore the bible on the grounds of it being outdated, and have thrown their support behind worldly opinion that says homosexuality is a natural and acceptable way of life. The choice that confronts Christians is whether to steadfastly believe the bible’s assessment of homosexuality, or to accept world opinion. God warns us that those who approve of evil practices must also face His judgment.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;” Isa 5:20.

What are the Consequences of Approving Evil Practices?

A tide of approval of homosexuality has swept over the whole land. The misguided embracing of causes like equal rights and social justice has prevailed over adherence to God’s word. Those who dare to criticise homosexuality are branded as bigots controlled by homophobia. The demand for political and social correctness has silenced much Christian opposition. The extent of the acceptance of homosexuality seems to have persuaded many people that it must have God’s approval.

Satan is the originator and generator of evil practice. When society in general approves a practice like homosexuality, Satan has a legal right to direct spirits associated with it into its midst to further generate its occurrence. God allows society to receive “the fruit of his doings.”

As a consequence of a widespread approval of homosexuality, Satan has been enabled to overshadow the land with a cloud of homosexual spirits that has settled as a curse over all who have signified their approval. These spirits act on people’s minds, entrenching their approval of homosexuality, to the extent that they feel compelled to participate in the gay movement by verbally stating their support, or even participating in their marches and rallies. Through these activities the curse of public approval contaminates our Christian moral ethics.

History warns us that the fall of nations and empires has usually been preceded by a degeneration of morality, and acceptance of evil practices expressly forbidden by God. On the other hand, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” Ps 33:12.

On an individual level, these spirits prey on the vulnerable, enticing them to question their sexuality. When they seek help, often their councillors may have also been affected by the homosexual spirit, and may advise them to accept and walk in their new sexuality. Once a person enters into their new lifestyle, Satan has a further claim on his life, and the homosexual spirit is able to dwell within him, furthering its control over his life. The homosexual spirit may be accompanied by additional spirits, like lust, perversion, femininity, or deception.

Why has Satan Mustered his Forces Behind Homosexuality?

1. It Weakens the Authority of Christ in the Church

Christ’s authority in the Church is exercised through ministries He has prepared and gifted to the Church. E.g. apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. (Eph 4:11).The Scriptures declare that homosexuals have no part in the kingdom of God, which means that they are not entitled to hold any authoritative position in the Church. Where this takes place, there is no anointing, and Christ’s authority in the Church is usurped.

2. It is an Attack on the Family

The family unit is of paramount importance because it provides the foundation for a Christian life of obedience and righteousness. It requires the nurture of both father and mother and the headship of the Lord to produce “…godly offspring...” Mal 2:15.

Paul outlines an authority structure that if adhered to, provides a covering of protection over the whole family.

“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” 1 Cor 11:3. Here, the authority chain is completed: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Eph 6:1-2.

Obviously God is head, then Jesus, then the husband, then the wife, and finally the children, who are to obey their parents. The importance of this chain of authority is that each link is responsible for the oversight of the ones below it, and when there is obedience throughout the chain, it has the oversight and protection of God, who is its ultimate head. A most important role of a father as a Christian is his headship, under Christ, of his family, because he is upholding Christ’s authority. Obviously there is no such authority structure or covering in a homosexual ‘family.’

The last words of Malachi, (the last prophecy of the Old Testament), are a warning concerning the role of the father, and the disintegration of the family unit.

"Remember the Law of Moses, My servant,

Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel,

With the statutes and judgments.

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet

Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord .

And he will turn

The hearts of the fathers to the children,

And the hearts of the children to their fathers,

Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." Mal 4:4-6.

Moses symbolises the word of God, and Elijah the voice of prophecy. They are the ‘two witnesses’ of Revelation 11. Together they represent the ministry of prophetic teaching. The curse of family disintegration and lawlessness pervades the whole world.

There is a pertinent sidelight concerning the two witnesses in Revelation.

“When they finish their testimony, the beast [Antichrist] that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” Rev 11:7-9.

The city where our Lord was crucified is Jerusalem, which in this case represents the end time Church. The characteristics associated with her are symbolised by ‘Sodom,’ and ‘Egypt.’ Sodom was renowned for her rejection of God’s ordinances, in favour of all manner of evil practices, with homosexuality at the forefront. Egypt symbolises the world, because God consistently warned the Israelites to trust Him for their help rather than Egypt. Together they suggest that the end-time Church will be plagued by worldliness, and the liberalisation of evil practices like homosexuality, that are against God’s will.

3. It is an Attack on the Sacrament of Christian Marriage

In this reading Jesus tells us that Christian marriage instigated by God is between man and woman.

“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? Matt 19:4-5.

The term ‘marriage’ is not applicable to the union of same sex partners. Homosexuals have the right to enter into a legal partnership if the laws of the land permit it, but the Christian term marriage’ should not be given to it, because that denigrates the sanctity of the Christian marriage sacrament.

4. It Undermines the Authority of the Bible

The acceptance of the world’s opinion on homosexuality as being more enlightened than that of the bible, is an attack on the veracity of the Scriptures as the unalterable word of God. Those who pick and choose what passages they will accept or reject, undermine the authority of the bible, which is the timeless, perfect, and complete word of God. It is not only an attack on the word of God, it is an attack on His divine character.

PERSONALLY ENTERING INTO HOMOSEXUALITY

Before proceeding further, we should reiterate that homosexuality is a sin that is precipitated by Satan, and that he deceives people into thinking that it is a natural state into which they were born.

Satan has initiated and used circumstances to precondition those he has targeted to accept the lie, to the end that they question their sexuality. By creating further circumstances, they are led to believe that they are homosexuals, and then are directed into the practice of it. These are some of the preconditioning circumstances:

o Homosexual spirits are acting on people’s minds to pave the way for the most vulnerable to be deceived, and directed into practicing homosexuality.

o A traumatic lifestyle resulting from such things as abusive or overbearing parents, bullying, belittling, ridiculing, etc. causes frustration and dissatisfaction, and a desire for a new kind of lifestyle. Satan may prey on their weakness and desire for compensatory companionship, directing them to a relationship with a homosexual.

o Molestation - homosexual spirits are transferred from the paedophile to the victim, where they may be dormant until an opportune time for their manifestation.

o Obsession with celebrities -- Vulnerable young people may become infatuated with famous homosexual personalities like sportsmen, movie and TV personalities, and are opened to accept a homosexual spirit that entices them to follow their lifestyle.

o Drugs -- Satan is able to precondition people with the use of drugs and alcohol to make them vulnerable to homosexual approaches.

DELIVERANCE FROM HOMOSEXUALITY

There has been a lot of negative publicity about attempts to deliver people from bondage to homosexuality, declaring them to be dangerous, and even suggesting that it is impossible. The following Scripture declares that many who had been held in bondage had been set free.

“Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such WERE some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor 6:9-11.

The fact that Christ is willing and able to deliver those who have a heart’s desire to be free from bondage to homosexuality is illustrated by the many positive testimonies posted on the internet. Having said that, it should be pointed out that this is not an easy ministry, and those undertaking it should be experienced in the deliverance ministry, be equipped with the gifts of the Spirit, and above all, know the love, patience and power of the Lord in their ministry.

Being completely delivered may take a considerable time because every chink in a person’s armour must be closed to prevent spirits returning. Sexuality is an idol not easily let go, and Satan can tinker with minds and imaginations to foster thoughts of returning to the former lifestyle. In some cases deliverance may have to be repeated.

Where is this Study directed?

This study is not an attempt to change world opinion because that is out of the question. “…the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor 2:14-16.

This study is directed to faithful Christians, who are being besieged with hostile claims of homophobia, of denying equal rights, and lacking the love of God. This study urges you to stay firm in your Christian convictions and belief in God’s word.