27 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.
Homosexuality in Greco-Roman society was common and commonly accepted. This was true in Plato (Symposium) and Plutarch (Lycurgus). The gods and emperors participated in it. Nero seduced boys. Fourteen out of the first 15 Roman emperors were homosexuals.
Likewise also the men,
Man also violated God’s natural order for creation.
leaving the natural use of the woman,
These homosexual men left natural intercourse with women for sodomy.
Le 18:22, You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.
Le 20:13, If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.
burned in their lust for one another,
The word “burned” is literally to set on fire (sexually). Their sexual desires were intense; there was a rage to their lusts for one another. This passion towards one another consumed, dominated, and drove them. Sexual perversion runs uninhibited when God is not honored.
men [males] with men
This is male homosexual relationship.
committing what is shameful,
These men committed indecent acts. They did not merely burn in their lusts towards one another in a sexual-orientation sense, but they participated in actual genital sex.
And receiving in themselves the penalty of their error
Unnatural sexual practice receives its own penalty. They took vengeance upon themselves.
“Error” is a wandering, roving; thus it is a deviation from God’s norms.
Which was due.
These practices of departing from God have their own natural outcome. The sin pays the sinner back for what he does. He gets what he deserves.
PRINCIPLE:
Homosexuality produces its own negative outcomes.
APPLICATION:
Modern homosexuals try to twist verses 26 and 27 to mean that it is perverse for heterosexuals to engage in homosexuality. There is no basis for this interpretation in these verses. It was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah. God’s norm for sex in the Bible is heterosexual relations.
What are the negative outcomes that homosexuality produce? I’m not sure I understand – “Unnatural sexual practice receives its own penalty. They took vengeance upon themselves.” what is the penalty and how is the vengeance manifested?
Thank you very much.
Great explaination! Thanks!
Your exposition on homosexuality is clear and in line with my faith and beliefs as a pastor. One issue I need clarification on is if Christian couples can engage in oral sex.
Samuel, the Bible does not specifically speak to that issue. You may want to look at my extensive study on sex: http://versebyversecommentary.com/articles/theology-of-sex/
Thanks for the exposition
Thank you Ernest.
I have dealt with this ALL of my life. My earliest recollection was my attraction to the same sex. As I grew older the attraction became more and more intense. I did have one homosexual relationship when I was in my early twenties (I’m now 58) I new then it was wrong but it was the happiest time in my life. I later married and had a child. I married to try and “fix” myself. It didn’t work, it only added to my pain and suffering. I’m now divorced and alone and lonely. For those who say that I “chose” this lifestyle I can only say that I wish you could walk in my shoes just one hour and you would see what my life has and is like with dealing with this EVERY SINGLE DAY of my life. As a result I am an alcoholic (now recovering.) I have tried EVERYTHING that I can to not be gay. It simply does not work. Am I saved? I know that I am, I’ve seen too much in my own life that confirms this. Why, if it is not okay, does God leave me this way after so many years of prayer to not be gay. I hope to hear a response (although I don’t believe that I will.)
Gordon, thanks for your candid approach to addressing your issue. Your problem is beyond the scope of a blog such as this, however, I suggest that you ask a knowledgable local pastor where you can find the answers that you need. Getting to the heart of the issues involved would take significant counseling with a knowledgeable person with the problems you are facing.
Re your salvation. Again, if you have claimed the promises of Christ’s forgiveness by the cross by faith, then you may be a Christian. This again is too difficult to determine from afar.
Re “why does God leave me this way.” In God’s economy, there is a symbiotic relationship between our responsibility and God’s. It is not enough to pray, which would throw the responsibility entirely back to God if you did not seek a proper solution. There are ministries that help people recover from the gay lifestyle. Have you sought their help?
I really believe I can help Gordon with answers and wisdom from the scriptures as well as through experience. Gordon please respond if you want me to go into depth to try to help. Thanks.
I wonder if one of the natural “penalties” is the manifestation of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
Nia, that appears to be the implication of this verse.
Is it possible the “penalty” is a physical or mental trait that gets passed on to posterity that creates this homosexual drive.
John, yes, the “penalty” in any self-induced effect of their sin. It includes mental, physical, and an array of effects upon their person.