A Little Leaven Leavens the Whole Lump

Are there any specific instructions for the spouse of a homosexual in scripture?

Does the Church have any specific responsibilities pertaining to one who calls himself a brother but is either a fornicator and/or a homosexual?

Does the Bible give specific instructions in such cases?

The subject of homosexuality is a touchy one in our day and age. The topic of marriage, what God requires and expects of us can also be a sensitive subject. But God has not left us without instructions and any time there are scriptures that would seem to contradict, we can be sure that God does not contradict himself. It is time to -

2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

There are dividing lines in the Word of God and far 

 

too often these are not considered, so that people 

 

are left with wrong conceptions.Like the idea that all

 

sin is equal, that is, sin is sin and one is not worse 

 

than another. The Bible says differently. There is


a sin that is unto death and sin that is not unto death.

 

There will be different degrees of punishment, which

 

suggest a difference in trespasses and there are sins 

 

that are 'outside' the body and sins that are against

 

the body, etc. And there are those who have been

 

given over to a reprobate mind and those who have 

 

not.

1John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

1 Cor. 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Scriptures must be rightly divided to be understood.

The Word of God speaks very specifically about both homosexuality and all fornication, showing God's view of them. While people like to refer to God's love and tell us how we should view the homosexual and how we should behave toward him, we do not need people to guide our behavior - outside of God's Word, when it is so very specific. It is common today to be told all sin is equal and that unless we either have no sin in our lives or have never sinned, we have no right to speak out against these or to condemn those who commit specific sins. This is a trick of God's adversary to keep the truth from being made known; that truth that is able to set men truly free. A common scripture reference that is used is -

Mat.7:4+5 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

However taken for what it actually says, these scriptures instruct that first a person should remove the thing that is impairing his own vision, and then he will be able to see clearly to cast out the thing that is in his brother's eye, or impairing his vision. So often this is thought of as sin, and while I do not say that is incorrect still it seems rather to be speaking of 'sight' or perception; should we say 'understanding'. In any case it suggest that you may be able to clear up the other persons 'sight' once you have cleared up your own. It does not say we are never to do so.

What is God's view of homosexuality?

Lev.20:13 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.

2 Peter 2:4 - For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.

5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah ...

6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly; [NOTE : God means for them to be an example for today!]

7 - And delivered just Lot ...

9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment TO BE PUNISHED: ( Note that God removed Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah) 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness ...

These scriptures have referred to Sodom and Gomorrah, said they were to be an example - even for today - and now uses the word 'chiefly' in speaking of them that walk in the lust of uncleanness, which definitely includes homosxuality.

This type of sin is being pointed out as one of particular importance - chiefly (Grk.) malista; most (in the greatest degree) or particularly: - chiefly, most of all, (e-) specially.

The enemy may tell us there are no differences, but the Word is indicating something else. Going on we can see something about those who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness

12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of things they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

While these may seem like harsh words, God has a reason for giving them to us.

13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots are they and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast among you; 14 Having eyes full of adultry, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; a heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.

1 These are spots and blemish - Jesus is coming for a church that is - Eph.5:27 ... a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

2 Their eyes are full of adultry

3 They cannot cease from sin - The only way they could cease from sin is through repentance, regeneration and deliverance - WHY? (Speaking of those practicing homosexuality)-

Rom. 1:28 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;

Now you might think - but - I know homosexuals who do want to have God in their lives and serve him! I know kind, considerate homosexuals who do good things for others! But the truth is that while people want to have God in their lives, and to believe they are accepted by him, the God they actually believe in is one of their own design, who accepts them in their sin and who is not the God whose will and way are so plainly written in His Word. (read all of Rom. chapter one for more info. and clarity)

1 Cor. 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

For a fuller understanding and teaching concerning the truth about homosexuality see - God’s Design and Purpose for the Marital Union – Heterosexuality versus Homosexuality - http://rebeccarbrown.com/

So God's view of homosexuality is that it is an abomination. He showed his view of it in what he did to Sodom and Gomorrah and intended His actions to be a continuing example to those who would live ungodly. He compares them to brute beasts made to be destroyed. He says they are spots and blemishes who sport themselves with their own deceivings (Grk. = apate; delusion: - deceit (-ful, - fulness), deceivableness (-ving).) while they feast among the church; the people of God. They are people He has turned over to a reprobate mind who refuse to acknowledge God and honor God for who and what He really is - and as such - they are UNABLE - to cease from sinning.

So what is the spouse of a homosexual, or any fornicator to do, and what is the church to do?

First there is a specific dividing line that must be acknowledged to obey scriptural instructions correctly. God makes a distinction between the believer and unbeliever and one who is called a brother, or that is 'professes' to be a brother [or perhaps who the church has known to be a brother or to profess to be a brother.].

There is the 'unbeliever' who has not yet received the Savior.

There is the believer who has been born again.

There is the person who has been born again and who has turned back to his sin.

And there is the man who has come into the church claiming to be a brother but who has never truly given Jesus lordship of his life.

Of the man who has been escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of Jesus Christ but who entangles himself in those things again, we are told -

2 Pet.2:20 - 22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, [notice carefully - entangled again in the pullutions of the world] and are overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Keeping these distinctions in mind let us look at the instructions of the Word of God.

1Cor. 6:13-20 ... Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
14 And God hath both raised up the Lord (his body) and will also raise up us by his own power. 15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then make them members of an harlot? God forbid.
16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to a harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Fornication - (4202) pornia; harlotry (including adultry and incest): fig. idolatry: - fornication
Harlot - porne; a strumpet; fig. idolater; - harlot, whore.
So the scriptures are saying that the body is not for adultry or incest but it is for the Lord and the Lord is for the body. This is literally talking about our physical bodies. I used to just think this was talking about someone going out and committing fornication himself. But if a husband or a wife is living as a fornicator, having unlawful sex outside his marriage, and then their spouse has intercourse with him/her, he/she is attaching herself to a fornicator, which is being one flesh, as it says in the scripture above. And the question is asked above "Shall I then make the members of Christ members of an harlot?" The answer is "God forbid."
A harlot is a female prostitute. So a man having sex with a prostitute is being one flesh with her. For some reason people have often only applied this outside of marriage, when in fact the Bible did not say it is only talking about unmarried people. If I join myself to a fornicator, whether he is my husband or not, I am joining myself to a fornicator and making the members of Christ members of a fornicator. What is being shown is that the body is for the Lord and since it is a member of Christ's body should not be made the members of something unclean.
Homosexuality is - unquestionably - an unclean thing and is demonic. A man who is participating in homosexuality has made himself unclean and opened himself to demonic spirits. He is given over to a reprobate mind, no matter how kind or nice he may seem on the surface or how much we love him and want to help him. Remember that in - Peter 2 we are told that such people cannot cease from sin.
If a man is married to a woman but claims to be homosexual; that is his identity, then he is saying 'I desire men. I do not desire women.' He is confessing to having unnatural affections. Rom. 1, speaking of those men who
(verse 27) ...men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly ....
Who God had -
(verse 28) ...God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
It goes on to say in verses 31+32 -
31 ... without natural affection, implacable, ...
32 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 then that do them.
Thus the man confessing to being homosexual is confessing to being without natural affection and is one who is worthy of death. In the Old Testament, according to the Law of Moses they were to be put to death physically. While in the New Testament there is hope for regeneration, this sin is yet 'worthy of death' though some may still have a chance for redemption by the grace of God. God's view and estimation of the sin has not changed. Death is separation. They are separated from God and as such are living in darkness where God has no fellowship. In their condition and mindset these are unable to cease from sinning. God turns them over to a reprobate mind. They think as men desiring men. This is their thought process. In identifying themselves as gay, and not seeking deliverance, but settling on this being who and what they are, they submit themselves to this mindset.
Rom.6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
They then become the servants of death; the servants of the spirits of uncleanness, they are servants of homosexuality. If a man married to a woman says he 'is' homosexual but will not have sex with men, he is saying that he will resist his perverted inclinations, even though he is their servant, even though he is the servant of sin and is ruled by the god of this world. Peter was right, they cannot cease from sin. And even if he were able to not commit homosexual acts physically, - if this is who he is - it will be on his mind. It will be his desire. There will be an abundance of pornography to feed the lust of his heart.
Matt.5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
As a man looking on a woman for the intention of lusting after her commits the sin in his heart, so a man looking on a man to lust after him is committing that sin in his heart.
There is a difference in admitting to having homosexual tendencies or being homosexual, but also agreeing with the Word of God, that this is sin, and coming to God in a broken and contrite spirit and seeking the face of God for forgiveness and deliverance, and accepting such a state as acceptable, without remorse or repentance.
There is also a difference in being an unbeliever and claiming Christianity and still holding to homosexuality at the same time.
Now consider these further instructions given to us in the Word of God.
2 Cor. 6:14 But be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Almighty.
7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
filthiness - molusmos; a stain, that is, (fig.) immorality:- filthiness.
When it says 'touch not' this word 'touch' actually has this meaning - haptomai; to attach oneself to, i.e. touch (in many implied relations ...
So we are not to attach ourselves to the unclean thing. It is saying that God will be a Father to us - if - we do not attach ourselves to the unclean thing. Unclean here is akathartos; ; impure (cer., mor. [lewd] or spec. [daemonic]); fowl, unclean.
1Cor. 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without (external - outside) the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
committeth fornication here is porneuo, to act the harlot, that is, (literally) indulge unlawful lusts (of either sex), or (figuratively) practice idolatry: - commit fornication
There is a difference in sins. Some are outside the body, but committing fornication is a sin against a man's own body -
Eph. 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. he that loveth his wife loveth himself.
When a man commits fornication he is sinning against his wife and defiling her who is part of the body of Christ. Since she is the body of Christ, he defiles the body of Christ, when he then has intercourse with her, because she is joining to an unclean person.
A person might want to say that surely this cannot apply to people who are married because they are supposed to be one flesh. But committing fornication is breaking the marital vow and attaching to another. Fornication is a definite dividing line in scripture. We know it is a grounds for divorce - though it can be forgiven without divorce and a marriage restored - it must come with true repentance. In the case of homosexuality, deliverance is necessary for the fornicator to be able to abandon his sinning. The instructions given in the scriptures above do not say that you can be attached to a fornicator and yield your body to a fornicator - if you are married - and it will not defile the temple of God. It says quite the contrary - it DOES defile the temple of God!
It would seem then, that if a wife were to go along with sexual relations with her husband (or vice versa) who is a fornicator, she would be helping him to defile the temple of the Lord.
1 Cor. 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
All other sins are outside the body - BUT - fornication is a sin against the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit.
In this sense, it appears to be wrong for a woman to continue to have sex with a husband (or vice versa) who is involved in adulterous, unclean sex and who has not repented and in the case of perversion such as homosexuality, it seems they will be unable to cease from their sin without being made new through regeneration in Jesus Christ.
Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Notice 'wife' is included in the verse above. This word 'hate' has to do with preference. Any man who will put his wife above Christ is not worthy to be His disciple. For a godly man, providing for his wife is a part of his obedience to Christ. But he cannot sin for her, refuse to do God's will for her, and it also seems to be saying that he cannot attach himself to a wife who is a harlot and defile the temple of God for her. Nor a wife for her husband.

Notice I have not once said that divorce is required, but the Bible is instructing physical separation from sexual activity and as we will see -

We are to flee fornication. This is so serious that the Bible says - Cor 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
keep company = (Grk)sunanamignumi; to mix up together, that is, associate with: - (have, keep) company (with).
The interesting thing is that it does not say "Except if you are married to the fornicator." In fact it says not to keep company with them or even eat with them.
This goes beyond even the marriage but to the church as well. I know it may not sound loving or kind, but God has laid things out the way He knew was best. I know that God may not always choose divorce when there has been fornication. He may rather choose forgiving and reuniting. But again, this would indicate that this would only be after repentance - true repentance - turning from the sin. If they are washed in the blood of the lamb, He will give them the ability to do what is right. Otherwise how could a wife possibly not associate with a fornicator, if he were her husband - was living in her house and especially sleeping in her bed? Yet the Word is very clear here and I do not see a way to get around this.
In 1 Cor. chapter 5 Paul talks about a man who had slept with his father's wife. It is unclear whether or not she were his mother or step mother. While the instructions he gives about this, that immediately follow his mentioning this specific sin, would - at first glance - seem to only apply to that one sin, in reading that first verse carefully you can see differently.
1Cor 5:1- It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you - (pause here and see that this word fornication is the same one already mentioned above - Fornication - (4202) pornia; harlotry (including adultery and incest): fig. idolatry: - fornication) - and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
Here again is the instruction not to associate with one who is part of the church but is committing fornication. But they had not mourned over what he had done and put him away from them as they should have.
3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed.
4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast. not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators.
Notice that this sin is referred to as leaven, which yeast is. When a little is put into a large batter the whole thing is affected. It does not say that you don't need to worry about it because God will protect you. It says that unless you get rid of the leaven it is going to leaven the whole lump. It is going to make the rest of the body unclean to some degree. Maybe not every one who hangs around a fornicator, which definitely includes homosexuality is going to become one, but as we have seen in our society today, many have not only became desensitized but now accept the lifestyle and come down hard on those who speak out against it. If a fornicator is allowed to remain in fellowship with the body of Christ, the whole body will be affected in a way that Paul is warning about and saying NOT TO DO IT?
This is not saying not to witness to unbelievers who are in this sin. But Paul makes a difference when it is one who is called a brother.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator ...
Here again it is not just someone who has his father's wife but any fornicator who is called a brother. I think it is appropriate that he uses the words "called a brother" because clearly such a person is not living unto the Lord but for his flesh. But this is someone who has known the way, heard the Word and claimed to be a Christian
1 Cor. 4:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Notice that it in the case of the unclean thing (which homosexuality is) it does not instruct a wife (or vice versa) to stay in the house with her husband, stay united with him in every way possible, submitting to his leadership and praying for his salvation. It says that staying in fellowship or company with him is keeping the leaven that WILL leaven the whole lump. She can be an intercessor for his salvation and deliverance, and still purge out the unclean thing. She can look forward to his deliverance and salvation while being in obedience to God.
A woman whose husband does not desire her, but only men, may be tempted by Satan to deny herself her own God given desires and needs in order to be able to survive. While she may not desire women she may consider it 'dying to self' to close off her own natural affections to survive without fulfillment and to keep her focus on the salvation of her spouse. Thus the leaven of the homosexual is leavening the lump. For God has never called us to rid ourselves of the natural affections He gave us nor to die for the sins of another. Jesus died for the sins of all mankind, once and for all. The fornicator may suffer the chastisement of the Lord without her interference, that his soul may be saved in the end.
The dividing line is fornication, because other sins are - outside the body - and one who is called a brother, or that is, has been attached to the body of Christ. A child of God is part of the body of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit. As such he cannot join his members with a fornicator and defile the temple of God. I do not see the scriptures separating married and unmarried in the matter.
While God hates divorce, he sees homosexuality as an abomination. (Hebrew 8441= something disgusting (mor.), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrance ... abominable ... And His view on the temple of God is very serious. 1 Cor. 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. He is holy and will not have his body, which is US to be defiled with that which is unclean. Self denial that another might see Christ in us and be saved is a good thing. But it is wrong to put any man, even a husband before God who is holy and has said "come out from among them and do not attach yourself to the unclean thing. Any woman or man who is a child of God has been separated unto the Lord and so have their children.

Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate (3404 ... by extension to love less) not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

This is not saying you should not love your husband/wife and seek the face of God for him/her. But it is saying you should and must love God more and foremost and must obey what He tells you in putting away the fornicator and turning him over to God and to the way he chooses to go. As hard as it is to receive, in some cases the fornicator is to be turned over to Satan so that after he suffers at his hand that he may come to his senses and be truly delivered. This sounds hard and unloving, but I cannot take part of the Bible out because it is hard to submit to. Remember though -

Heb. 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Isn't that the desired goal? That peaceable fruits of righteousness to come forth; salvation and deliverance?

Even with all of this you might be thinking "But it says - 1 Cor. 7:16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

But remember that scripturally there is a difference in sins. There are those outside the body and the sin which is against the body. There is a difference in scripture between a man who has not been saved and one who is called a brother. The exception to what is said about the unbelieving spouse is fornication. That has always been the exception, the dividing line, in the Word of God. It can be forgiven, but that comes with repentance. When a man is purified and 'born again'; when all things have been made new, then to join to him will not defile the temple of God which you are.

God judges the sinner but he tells us to - 1Cor. 5:13 But them that are without (outside of the body of Christ) God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

God will deal with and judge those that are outside the body of Christ but we are to put away from among us that one who is wicked. It may seem harsh and unjust to call someone we love and who we see so much potential in - wicked. But when one who has claimed to be a Christian, perhaps been involved in ministry, read the Word, heard the Word preached and claimed salvation, but chooses to live in fornication, I am afraid this is what he are classed.

Even in Eph. chapter five and what is taught there concerning husbands and wives is about believers. Just read it carefully and it is evident. It's not a private interpretation. Read each verse carefully and put them together and you can see he is talking about believers and what the marriage is to be 'in' the Lord.

There is an old testament story of Hosea and Gomer. God had Hosea to take a wife who had been a whore. But if the story is read carefully you can see that the purpose was to be a prophetic picture of God taking back Israel again and again after they left him for other gods. Gomer became Hosea's wife and bare him children. Then she left Hosea and went back to her sin. Hosea went and bought her back and said "Thou shalt abide with me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I be for thee, ... and so on. So the sins she committed with other men, were after she left Hosea and when he brought her back she was not to be going to other men. It does not suggest that she stayed at home with Hosea but sneaked out at night, had affairs and slipped back into the house. She left him and sinned after she was gone. God has been longsuffering with Israel. But he did not attach himself to her while she was whoring with other gods. He took her back when she repented. God never fellowships with what is unclean, nor are we to do so.
To obey the Word in these matters requires such trust that you will not be afraid that anyone or anything, no matter what others say or do, will prevent God from working in the way He choses to work in your life and on the behalf of your spouse. Never expect to receive any specific guidance from the Lord that is not according to His Word, nor if you hold onto any portion of your own will in regards to the thing you are seeking about. Give every portion of yourself, including your will over to Him. Having all surrendered to His will, accepting whatever His Word has to say, whether it is easy, appealing, agreeable or disagreeable, you free the hands of God to work in His own and perfect way.

1Cor. 7:15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

The Greek word for 'depart' is choreo, to be in (give) space ... It does not say specifically that this means leaving the house or that it could not include making a space between you relationally. The interesting thing is that is says - if he does it - let him do it. Or you might say - if he has done it- let him (do not prevent him) from doing it. It is to be his choice. This certainly goes along with the fact that God gives every man a free will.

Now a man takes homosexuality as his identity and ceases to have sexual relations with his wife by his own choice or states that he is going to live celibate, he is making a definitive statement. Webster's dictionary 1913 gave this meaning for the word - Celibate Cel"i*bate, n. [L. aelibatus, fr. caelebs unmarried, single.] 1. Celibate state; celibacy.

2. One who is unmarried, esp. a bachelor, or one bound by vows not to marry.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia says - Celibacy refers to a state of being unmarried and, therefore, sexually abstinent, usually in association with the role of a religious official or devotee. In its narrow sense, the term is applied only to those for whom the unmarried state is the result of a sacred vow, act of renunciation, or religious conviction. Celibacy has existed in one form or another throughout history and in virtually all the major religions of the world.

So when a married man, even if not homosexual, states that he is going to live 'celibate' he is saying he is going to live as a single man, which is sexually abstinent. If there were no fornication in the marriage then coming together as man and wife should be a natural and important part of the marriage. For a man to refuse sexual relations with his wife is against the Word of God and is putting a definite space between himself and his wife. He is putting her away while still living in the same house. The Bible says -

1Cor. 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

DEFRAUD (Grk) is apostereo; (to deprive); to despoil:- defraud, destitute, keep back by fraud.

Fraud according to Webster's is 1. Deception deliberately practiced with a view to gaining an

unlawful or unfair advantage; artifice by which the right or interest of another is injured; injurious stratagem; deceit; trick. [1913 Webster] - 2. (Law) An intentional perversion of truth for the purpose

of obtaining some valuable thing or promise from another. [1913 Webster] - 3. A trap or snare. [Obs.]

[1913 Webster]

Notice it says 'unlawful' It certainly is unlawful to separate yourself physically (sexually) from your wife.

So withholding sexual intercourse was considered defrauding your spouse. To defraud your spouse includes the meaning of keeping back by fraud. Obviously this is looked at as being a very serious thing in scripture. It is considered depriving your mate and even to be injurious stratagem (stratagem = An artifice or trick in war for deceiving the enemy; hence, in general, artifice; deceptive device; secret plot; evil machination. [1913 Webster])
Living as single in this way, is breaking the marital contract. It is injurious and evil!
A married man cannot live celibate without putting a space between himself and his wife. He cannot do so without defrauding her, depriving her, in an injurious manner. I notice that the words deceptive device are also given in the meaning of 'stratagem' and in the meaning of the word 'fraud' is deception deliberately practiced with a view to gaining an unlawful or unfair advantage ... deceit; trick.
In God's eyes, to be married is to live as husband and wife, coming together in physical intercourse and being one. When sexual connection is cut off and a spouse says he is going to live celibate, this involves putting a space between himself and his wife.
Gen. 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Cleave (Grk) `dabaq; prop. to impinge, i.e. cling or adhere, ... cleave (fast together)
Mt. 19:6 -Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Mrk 10:9 - What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
LET NO MAN and that includes a spouse!
When God joined them together they were to be one 'flesh' It is a deception to think that there is a real marriage, with no separation from a spouse who has separated himself physically from his wife. He is refusing to be 'one flesh' with her. He has departed, or, that is, put a space between himself and you. To think otherwise is deception.
If a man says he has chosen celibacy, this does not say he will never repent and come back. It does not say he will not change. It does not say it is wrong to desire and pray for a restoration of your marriage and to see it become what God intended marriage to be. It is only saying that at the present - in this moment - he has put a space between himself and his spouse. He has broken his marital vow. He has chosen celibacy, a life of singleness rather than marriage and in the case of homosexuality, he will not cease from sin, he will join himself to another male. He will not live his life denying all his desires forever without the deliverance and help of the Savior.
The Word says if the unbelieving departs (puts a space between) let him depart - let him do so.
If he is an unbeliever and he decides to divorce his wife, who is a child of God, but she refuses to give him the divorce, then it is as if she is holding a trump card, holding a bit of power over him. If he were to divorce and go his own way, does that mean that God could no longer save him, or do whatever he chooses with him? Does that mean he could never come back? It is important that the spouse of a fornicator, and/or one who says he is going to live celibate be willing to abide by the scriptures in every way, if he/she is ever to see God's desired end of the matter. You must give up your control so that God may have it all. It is a mistake to insist on holding on your own way or in your own strength or you may be hindering the work God is to do.
If he is considered a believer or 'called' a brother and commits fornication, then he is to be put away from you. Only when you are willing to let go can God do what He wants to do. If you are the wife of a man claiming to be homosexual and does not want to live as, performing the normal duties of, joining to his wife, then he has separated himself already. He is in sin and needs deliverance. Isn't deliverance and salvation the goal?
Do not sin because your husband/wife is, by remaining joined to him who is a fornicator through sexual intercourse, attachment, or close association. of any sort, but especially a homosexual who is perverting the very image of God,
The wife of a homosexual must not yield her members, which are the members of Christ, to that which is unclean.
Please do not fear nor imagine that God's will has to come to pass in the way you imagine it, but let God work all things according to His will, His way and His Word.
When the Bible speaks of staying with an unbeliever - 1Cor. 7:13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
This cannot nullify or do away with all the other scriptures so clearly written about being joined to a fornicator.
2 Cor. 13:1This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Thus the instructions of 1Cor. 7:13 are with the exception of fornication. It pertains to a mate who is pleased to dwell with you, not one who has put a space between you as a husband, in breaking the marital vow, defiling the marital bed, and to whom if you are joined you make the members of Christ members of a fornicator. Here is the dividing line.
Eph. 5:1 Be ye followers of God as dear children.:
2 And walk in love, as Christ hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor.
3 BUT fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness (aischrotes; shamefulness, i.e. obscenity ...), nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
DOES GOD GET MAD?
7 Be ye not partakers (summetochos; a co-participant:-partaker) with them. ...
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with -
(sugkoinoneo; to share company with ... - communicate (have fellowship with ...)
the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (elegeho; to confute, admonish: - convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove) them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 BUT ALL THINGS THAT ARE REPROVED ARE MADE MANIFEST BY THE LIGHT: FOR WHATSOEVER DOTH MAKE MANIFEST IS LIGHT.

Dt. 23:14 For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of the camp to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee and turn away . and -1Peter 1:1- Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

God's Design and Purpose in the Creation of Man and the Marital Union - Heterosexuality versus Homosexuality

God’S Design and Purpose in the Creation of Man and the Marital Union
                          – Heterosexuality versus Homosexuality
                                                         by: Rebecca R. Brown


God is not haphazard in the things that He does. He acts with purpose and is detailed in His design, leaving nothing to chance. He never threw a bunch of stars or planets into the sky to see where they would go. He made certain things for specific purposes, to fulfill a plan He had before He began the creation of our world. 

What He did do is utterly amazing. Our solar system  is an incredible system created by an incredibly loving God, who saw to it that everything was in perfect order for life on planet Earth before He created man in His own image and placed him here to live in peace.

Peace = … to make an agreement …

A state of quiet or tranquillity, freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose; …

God’s divine plan for all things, is for all to work in harmony – the absence of war, for -

1. mind and will

2. body and soul

3. physical body as opposed to sickness

4. man and life

5 family

6. man and God

7. God and man

The peace that God intended for His man, would be for all things to function after His intended order or arrangement.

Man has caused himself many discomforts and problems by not following God’s plan or obeying His voice.

Consider how beautifully He set our world in order. Before man sinned against God, the atmosphere was different and the vegetation on earth did not even need rain in order to receive the moisture it needed to live and grow.

Gen. 2:5+6 … for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no man to till the ground. 6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

mist = (Strong’s Exhausive Con.) ( in the sense of enveloping); a fog: – mist, vapor

from = (Strong’s) prop. a part of; hence (prep.) from out of in many senses …

One can imagine that with mist, or moisture coming up out of the earth, that the roots of the plants would receive moisture even before it was seen on the surface of the land.Today farmers depend on rain to fall from the sky and hope and pray there will be enough to soak down far enough into the earth so that the plants will be able to live and grow. Imagine what a difference there would be if all things worked according to the original design of Father God!

We know that the earth receives seed, the seed receives nutrition from the soil, the sun shines upon the earth, warming it and the seed below. The seed is watered, it dies and new life  sprouts from it. It is an amazing process, designed by an amazing creator!

We know better than to expect a seed to grow if left unplanted or if planted in water alone, where it will rot. We understand that in nature, that is to say, according to God’s design, there is an order to things and a way that works for good and there is another way that will not.

All upon the earth and the things above it, were arranged for the life of God’s most glorious creation, MAN, and for his good.

Why do I say His most glorious creation? Because there is nothing more glorious than God himself and man was created to be the image of God; a reflection of Him. Scripture tells us that man is the glory of God.

Gen. 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

1 Cor. 11:7 – For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as  he is the image and glory of God: …

And so God set out to create man in His own image; man who would be the glory of God.

What is God like? In what way is man His reflection?

The word ‘God’ in Gen. 1:26 is the word elohiym; el-o-heem.’ It is the plural of the word elowahh, which means ‘God.’ Elohiym then, shows the plurality of God, who is a unit.

Deut. 6:4 Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.

If we look at the original Hebrew words that these were translated from, we can better see the plurality of the one and only, true and living God.

Lord (Strong’s) comes from the word Yehovah, which originally was without vowels and was most sacred. It means – (the) self Existent or Eternal: Jehovah, Jewish national name of God: – Jehovah, the Lord.

God here, is (Strong’s) the word Elohiym, that we have already looked at.

The word ‘one’ is (Strong’s) echad; a numeral from achad, prop. united, that is, one; or (as an ordinal) first …

Considering the meanings of the words in this verse, we might see it as saying, Hear O Israel, our self Existent, plural God, is united, is (one) Yehovah.

While such a God may be hard to fathom, can you imagine what it would be like to creat a reflection of this God? But He did so when He created man!

Gen. 1:27 So God created man (a human being [Strong’s]) in his own image, in the image of God (elohiym) created he him, male and female created he them.

created he him (Strong’s) bara; to create … – eth; in the demonstr. sense of entity …

Now go with me to look at how God did this.

Gen. 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

First God formed man out of the dust of the ground. Before He breathed into his nostrils, he was man! But he was a man without life. He was an amazing body, consisting of everything he needed but with no life with which to activate or motivate him.

Look at the awesomeness of the human body with a heart only slightly larger than a human fist that beats some 80,000 – 100,000 times a day and pumps about 2,000 gallons every day. There is a small intestine, coiled in the center of the abdominal cavity that is approx. 20 feet long, not to mention the large intestine. According to the Franklin Institute, “a single drop of blood contains millions of red blood cells which are constantly traveling through your body delivering oxygen and removing waste.”

There is the brain, that is like a magnificent computer.  There are all of the organs and so much more. Yet we understand that none of the internal organs would have operated without the breath of God bringing Adam’s body to life and setting it in motion.

When God breathed His very own breath, the breath of life, into Adam, this man became a living soul. Notice it does not say that he was not a man before God breathed into him. It does not say that the soul was the real person and the body just a house for him to live in. It does not say that there was a soul waiting for a body to live in. Though many such ideas have been considered and some believed, it is not what the Word of God says. We are told here in Gen. that when God breathed into the man’s nostrils, he became a living soul.

living = (Strong’s) chay; alive, hence raw (flesh; flesh …)

soul = (Strong’s) nephesh; prop. a breathing creature

The man that God had created became a living, breathing creature, the moment he received God’s breath of life! His flesh came to life as well as his mind. This was the the man, created in the image of Father God, in that he was created with the ability to ‘father’. But the image of Elohiym was not yet complete.

The Word of God went on to say “male and female created he them.”

God, being a plural unit, His image would also require the same.

Now let’s look at how this took place.

Gen. 2:20 … but for Adam there was not found a help meet for him.

There has been great misunderstanding based on this word ‘found’. It was translated from the Hebrew – matsa; mean. prop. to come forth to, that is, appear or exist …

It is not suggesting that God and Adam looked all over the place and just couldn’t find a help meet that was suitable or that would please and satisfy Adam. It is telling us that a help mate for Adam did not yet exist. She had not yet ‘come forth’, for God had a plan to create her from Adam’s own body. God already knew what He had planned to do, before He ever began and in fact, before He ever began creating the Earth.

Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Heb. 4:3 … although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Keep in mind that God’s intention was to create His own image. So He began the process which He had planned from the beginning; to create His image that would be a reflection of Him on the earth.

Gen. 2:21 – 25 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and He slept: and he took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man made he a woman, and brought her to the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother. and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

The first thing we are told that God did, was to put the man to sleep. So Adam had to submit himself into the hands of God, trusting himself and his life to God, in order to receive his bride.

One day, in the future, Jesus would submit himself into the hands of His Father and be put to death, in order to receive His bride. Interestingly, in the New Testament, Christians who died were referred to as being asleep; those who sleep in Christ. When a child of God dies, it is known that he will get up again, so sleep is a good description of their condition. I think we can see many representations of the work of our Lord and Savior, in the process of creating the woman, including Adam’s sleep, as representative of the death Christ would suffer in order to receive a bride.

While Adam slept, God opened his side and took out a rib. It does not say a piece of a rib, but a rib. While Jesus was on the cross, His side was opened and he shed blood. Not one of His bones were broken. As far as we know, not one of Adam’s bones were broken on the process of the creation of his bride, but one was removed.

Adam would say, after he was awakened, that the woman was both bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh. Apparently some of Adam’s flesh was taken to be used in making the woman. Verse 21 tells us that God “closed up the flesh instead thereof.”

In Hebrew the words ‘closed up” is the word – ‘cagar’, meaning to shut up; figuratively – to surrender: close up, deliver (up) … The meaning suggests that God actually opened Adam’s flesh. He did not supernaturally remove it, without an operation. Rather He put him to sleep and opened him up.

If we took the meaning “to surrender up or to deliver up” He might then be saying that Adam surrenderd a piece of his flesh to the Lord to be used in creating his bride.

The blood is in the flesh. The life of the flesh is in the blood. (Lev. 17:14) So Adam shed blood in order to receive a bride that would truly be a part of himself. He gave lifeblood, or flesh with life in it.

Jesus would one day shed His blood in order to receive a bride for himself. I believe this was a serious blood covenant. Adam first shed blood. After this, women would shed blood when the hymen was broken in intercourse. Intercourse was never to happen without the covenant of marriage.

flesh 1320 basar; flesh (from it’s freshness); by exten. body, person; also (by euphemism) the pudenda of a man: – …

Pudenda n. pl. ["., from pudendus that which one ought to be ashamed.] (Anat.) The external organs of generation. [1913 Webster]

instead 8478 – tachath; the bottom (as depressed); only adv. below (often with prep. pref.  underneath), in lieu of, etc:- as, beneath, …

(Just a thought – If God took flesh from beneath, and since one of the meanings for ‘flesh’ can be a euphemism, for the pudenda, or the genitals of man, could the flesh God took have been the foreskin? If it was, then Adam would have shed blood from that which would be joined to his wife, as woman  later would shed blood when first receiving her husband. This could also be a clue as to why circumcision was chosen as the sign of the covenant between God and His people, Israel. This could be a symbol of two becoming one flesh. –  Something to consider!)

When Adam saw his wife for the first time, he was looking at his own rib, his own flesh. His own blood likely flowed through that flesh, because of the blood that was in the flesh God had used in creating her. While woman was indeed an individual, yet at the same time, she was a very real part of her husband. They truly were one flesh. Now Adam, being created by God, had never seen a marriage before. He had never seen a human father and mother together, nor witnessed human birth. Yet with knowledge and understanding, he made this statement, upon seeing the woman.

” … This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

When Adam first saw Eve, he knew what had taken place while he slept. He also knew that after this, God would not be putting every individual male to sleep to perform the same operation on them in order for him to have a wife. He knew that children would come by means of the marital union of man and wife and that in due time a man should leave his parents and, by choice, join himself to one woman. He was to cleave to his wife and the two of them were to be considered literally one flesh.

To cleave, according to the Hebrew, is to – impinge, that is, cling or adhere …

There was a reason for this. Adam said  ”… Therefore shall a man …”

Therefore or because of the way God had created Eve of Adam’s own bone and flesh, that is to say, because God made the two of them to be one, which is in the likeness and image of God, every man after this, is to view himself and his wife in the same manner.

It had not been good for the man to be alone, or that is, incomplete.

Alone = (Greek, Strong’s) – bad; prop. separation; by impl. a part of the body …

So, since it was not good for Adam to be only a part of the body, but not yet completed -

Gen. 1:27 So God created man in his image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

In the creation of Adam is the evidence that God knew before he created him, that he would be creating a help that was suitable for him, who would complete him and the image of God. Adam was in the image of Father God, in that he was made with the ability to ‘father.’ He had all of his reproduction organs and was wired to respond to a woman, before he had even laid eyes on one. How do we know that it was woman he was meant to respond to? Because it was specifically a woman who God created to be his help meet and receive his seed.

Adam had the ability to give seed, but there was no one to receive it and no garden for it to be planted in. He had all of his reproduction organs. The muscles, nerves and blood vessels were all in working order to produce penile erection and the giving of seeds, capable of beginning new life when absorbed by a female ovum. All this was a part of Adam before his help mate appeared on the scene, because God had His plan set, before he made Adam. He had known the end from the beginning.

When Adam did see the mate that God had created for him, out of his own body, he saw the vessel for which these things were created; the vessel to carry his seed; the garden for it to be planted in; the incubator to hold it and the vessel to nurture and protect it until it came forth as new life!

1 Thes. 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.

1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife … that your prayers be not hindered.

God prepared this vessel perfectly, including every minute detail. Even the entrance to man’s garden was prepared with specific care and honor for both the man and the woman, who were one. The woman was created with a vagina that is self cleansing, which will self lubricate during sexual arousal, in order to reduce friction, when she reseives the male penis. It cleanses itself to receive the man and his seed.

According to www.atihealth.net.com – “During sexual excitement, droplets of fluid appear along the vaginal walls and eventually cover the sides of the vagina completely. The vaginal tissue does not contain any secretory glands itself, but is loaded with blood vessels, which when engorged as a result of sexual arousal, press against the tissue, forcing natural tissue fluids through the walls of the vagina.”

What amazing design by a loving and perfect God!

Yes every detail was planned and set in order for the union of the male and female, when God created man! Adam’s help mate was created perfectly to receive and unite with him! Nothing was left to chance!

When Adam woke from sleep and saw his help mate, he knew what God had done, the purpose of what had been done and what it was to mean in the future.

Gen. 2:23+24 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Notice that there was no question in Adam’s mind as to what was to take place from that time on. He stated as fact, that after this a man ‘shall’  - not might want to, or might make the choice to, or might like the idea of, but ‘SHALL’ leave his father and mother and cleave, or that is, glue to or attach himself to his wife and the two; the man and his wife, the male and the female, would be one flesh.

It was not necessary for God to tell us that He does not mean for animal and man, male and male or female and female to become one flesh, for He clearly stated what was to be. He was very clear when he stated that a man and his wife were to be joined together and become one flesh. If He has said how it is to be, it is enough!

Matt. 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.


                              What did God join together?

                            Male and female, man and wife!

Notice it says “no more” and these are not hard words to understand –not ever again.

Do you notice that the union of the man and woman is said here to be something that God has done? It was He who joined them together.  Again it is shown, that this was God’s own design and plan and that He takes it very seriously.

                                                Why?

Well for one very good reason, this was HIS image; HIS reflection on the earth. When God created man in his image, male and female created he them! He was not going to approve a breaking up or distortion of His own image. Take a look at Gen.5:1+2

This is the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God (Elohiym) made he him. 2. Male and female created he them, and blessed them and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

On the day that God created man, He created them male and female and called both of them by one name – Adam! Some Bible translations have left out the words “called their name” and just said something like ” called them man, or human or mankind. But I consider this a dangerous error.
In the Hebrew the word for ‘name’ is shem; a prim. word [perh. rather (siym) through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; ...]; an appellation, as a mark of individuality; by impl. honor, …

According to the dictionary, appellation is – 1. The act of appealing; appeal 2. The act of calling by name 3. the word by which a particular person or thing is called and known; name; title; designation.  [1913 Webster]

It seems that God was not just speaking of human kind in general, but was calling the man and the woman by a particular name and that name was Adam. In other words God called them both, who were one flesh, by only one name. It was a mark of individuality, as God saw them as one.

This word ‘name’ is the same word used in Gen. 16: 15, when Abram called his son’s name Ishmael. It is important to see the truth of this and to understand the extent that God considered the man and his wife to be one.

I am not making too much of too little. Too often people have made too little of much. It is not wise to always skim over what is written in the Word of God. We need to take time to look closely at what is being said. It was after the woman sinned that we read that Adam called her by a name separate from his own.

Gen. 3:20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

Again in Mark, God’s intention is made known.

Mark 10:8 And they twain (two) shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

This agrees with what is written in Eph. 5:28+29 – “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh …”

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are one.

John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

First God created man in His image, the two to be one, as God the Father and Jesus Christ are one. Later, after salvation was brought by Jesus, God called all those who were redeemed, his body and called for a oneness, or that is, to be unified; -  each member as being part of the body of Christ; individual members, a part of each other in Christ. Both were to have the Holy Spirit in their lives.
The truth of the Godhead; single, plural unit that makes up the one and only true and living God, can be seen reflected in all of creation, but especially in the way He created man; male and female created He them!

Am I saying then, that God is both male and female? Not in the sense that we know it. Remember we are a reflection, not an exact duplicate. There are things in the make up of feminine man that reflect certain aspects of God and His character and things in the make up of the male that reflects other aspects of God. One alone is an incomplete image.

There is blessing and peace in following God, honoring Him, His Word and His will. His will is seen when we look at what He did in the beginning; how and what He created. Walking in His Spirit, and his will, according to His plan and design, brings peace, for we are not at war with how He set things in motion.

Can you imagine, however, how Satan must have felt upon seeing God create an image of Himself and then to give them dominion over all the earth? Satan had tried to lift himself above God, but failed. Now this position of authority and power is handed to the man without any effort on his part. Satan desires to rule, without see the image of God at every turn; having to watch him have what Satan wants! It is no wonder he set about quickly to put a stop to both, the image and the dominion!

He is still working hard to keep mankind from understanding God or man’s purpose and power.
Many have turned from God’s plan to live their own way, rejecting God’s. Some do not even understand what they are doing, why it is wrong, nor the insult it is to God. But consider what happens when a man goes against the plan of God.

Romans 1:7, 16-28 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

You may not be in Rome, but are you beloved of God? Are you called to be a saint of God? Grace to you! Peace to you!

This grace is, in the Greek, charis; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstr. or concr.; lit. or fig. or especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude.

May you have the peace of God and His divine influence upon your heart and may His influence be reflected in your life!

16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and to the Greek.

17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written. The just shall live by faith.
(Note; - The righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ!)
18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.

The wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness and ungodliness.

wrath  = (Greek) orge, or-gay’; prop desire (as reaching forth or excitement of the mind), that is, (by anal.) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorance); by impl. punishment:- anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.

ungodliness = asebeia, as-eb’-i-a; impiety, that is, (by impl.) wickedness: – ungodly (-ness).

impiety = 1. The quality of being impious; irreverence toward the Supreme Being; ungodliness; wickedness. [1913 Webster]

hold = katecho, kat-ekh’-o; to hold down (fast), in various applications (lit. or fig.): – … possess, retain, … withhold.

                                                WHY?

19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them.
20. 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:

manifest = (Greek) phaneroo, fan-er-o’-o;to render apparent (lit. or fig.):- appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self).

When a person does not show reverence and respect to God, this is ungodliness. Such an attitude and behavior results in the wrath of God.
Wrath is more than being a little displeased, but bespeaks of violent passion, abhorrence, vengeance and punishment. What is it that stirs God so? It is the fact that man has the evidence of God and His power, manifest or made known ‘in’ him and yet lives ungodly and unrighteously. 

            Yes the truth of God is right there inside of each of us!

It is in our make up. God and His eternal power; the things of God that we cannot see with our eyes, can be clearly seen and understood, by the very things God has made; even the things from the creation of the world! So there is no excuse to be irreverent toward God and to live with disrespect toward Him!

The invisible things of God are clearly seen and understood by the things that He made! We have already seen how God made man in His image in the beginning, and now we are told that what may be known of God is ‘in’ man. God wrote a story of himself in us!

21. 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.
22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.
23. And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like unto corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Notice it does not say that they had no understanding from the start, but contrariwise, they did know, but their heart became darkened. The truth of God is written within us, even if we have been told a lie that seemed very persuasive! Even if we search for reasons to believe something contrary to His truth.

24 Wherefore God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:

uncleanness = (Greek) akatharsia, ak-ath-ar-see’-ah; impurity (the quality) phys. or mor.: uncleaness.

Man changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like unto corruptible man.

We have seen in 1 Cor. 11:7 that man is the glory of God. The eternal power and Godhead is to be seen in what God has made and He has made man in His image!

Man is a reflection, an image, not an exact duplicate. When man is seen, a reflection of God is to be seen. If you change the image, you cause a distorted and untrue picture to be seen. But man took it upon himself to change the glory of the incorruptible God.

 What foolish pride to try to change the glory of the incorruptible God  - into something on man’s level and of his own making, rather than to recognize the image of God that He has placed in us and to glorify Him for the magnificence of what He has done and for WHO He is!

1:25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

                      Who changed the truth of God into a lie!

Do you hear the scripture? Some may say that homosexual behavior is a private matter and hurts no one - or - no one but the participants. But this is a matter between God and the man He created. These actions are calling God a liar! It is serving self - man creating his own gods; worshiping what was created rather than God himself! 

Of course the truth will always be the truth. We have heard it said that someone has twisted our words or changed what we have said. What was said, was said. This cannot really be changed. But it can be misrepresented or lied about.

Man has taken it upon himself to turn away from the true image of God, seen in the marital union of man and woman and to proclaim that it is just as acceptable; that it is justifiable to have union, man with man or woman with woman, thus changing the truth; perverting the image, - CHANGING THE TRUTH OF GOD INTO A LIE! This is giving oneself a position above God and His divine plan, will and purpose!

If you had a beautiful portrait of your late mother hanging in your house; a picture that expressed, not only her physical beauty, but also seemed to reflect the loving, caring person she had been, you would not appreciate someone coming in and altering the picture. If someone were to paint a bottle of whiskey in her hand, a cigarette hanging from he lip, rips in her dress and hair in her face, you would likely be furious! Not only had the picture been destroyed, but the character and heart of your mother slandered. Her image was perverted.

But for man, the image of God is to be reflected in himself. To pervert that image is serving self over God. And it has been done in worship to other gods, as well,  destroying God’s true image while worshiping another and serving self.

According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, concerning homosexuality in ancient Greece – In classic antiquity writers such as Herodotus, Plato, Xenophon, Athenaeus and many others explored aspects of same-sex love in ancient Greece. The wide spread and socially significant form of same-sex sexual relations in ancient Greece was between adult men and pubescent or adolescent boys, known as pederasty. (However marriages in Ancient Greece between men and women were also age structured, with men in their 30s commonly taking wives in their early teens.) Though homosexual relationships between adult men did exist, at least one member of each of these relationships flouted social conventions by assuming a passive sexual role. It is unclear how such relations between women were regarded in general society, but examples do exist as far back as the time of Sappho.

An article on connelodonovan.com says this – The worship of Horned Apollo includes ecstatic naked dancing and feats of acrobatics (including an early form of two-man ritual volleyball with a bright purple ball!) followed by sex performed by young men.

Rom. 1:26. For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

change = (Greek) metallasso, met-al-las’-so; to exchange: – change.

natural = (Greek) phusikos, foo-see-kos’; “physical”, that is (by impl.) instinctive: – natural.

use = (Greek) cabak; chersis, Khray’-sis; employment, that is (specially) sexual intercourse (as an occupation of the body): – use

nature = (Greek) phusis, foo’-sis; growth (by germination or expansion), that is, (by impl.) natural production (lineal descent); by extens. a genus or sort; fig. native disposition, constitution or usage: – ([man-]) kind, nature ([-al]).

Here a person might be quick to say that natural use would be that which is natural or instinctive to an individual. So then, if homosexuality is natural to a person, it is acceptable. But in truth, the scripture is saying quite the opposite, for it is speaking of women – exchanging - a natural use for something that is against nature. What should have been natural to them is rejected and they have embraced an alternative lifestyle.

It must always be accepted, when speaking of ‘nature’ - scripturally - that God is the basis for the truth. Nature must be understood to be (as seen in the definition) the natural, or that is, God given production: what God himself produced, that is, designed and created. Otherwise there is no foundation for truth at all.

A serial rapist can say that raping victims comes natural to him. Whatever a person gives himself over to and makes a habit of doing may come to seem natural to him. This can be especially so if it was developed as a child. If a tiny child learns to lie and gets by with it, after he is grown he may never remember a time when he did not lie and so say that it is natural to him. But God did not create us to lie.

If a person is abused at a very young age, when he is older, he may not be able to remember what he was like before this happened to him. Though he may become shy and fearful, he may have once been light hearted and confident before the abuse took place. However he may not be able to remember ever feeling joyful or confident.

God is obviously speaking of an exchange. There was something that was natural, or  according to the design of God in the woman’s very body, but she decided to exchange that for something that was not.

God created the woman to receive the seed of the man and He stated that her union was to be with man; that they were to cease being two and become one. Her body naturally produces ovum that are ready to unite with the sperm of the man, then be planted in her womb, thus treasuring and valuing the seed of man and life itself. This is the design of God and so it is natural and fitting to her design. If she exchanges this natural use, for something else, turning away from the male to find sexual pleasure in another way, she is going against nature, or, that is to say, against God’s own design and purpose.

There are Lesbians who desire to carry a child in their womb and have children of their own, even though they have rejected the natural use of the man. It is a part of their natural makeup. Some will get with a man just for the purpose of receiving his seed and having a child.

The result of women leaving the natural use of the man was that God gave them up to vile affections.
God gave them over = (Greek) paradidomi; to surrender, that is, yield up, … autos; [ ... through the idea as a baffling wind] (backward); reflex. pron. self, used.

vile (Greek) atimia; infamy, that is comparative indignity, (obj.) disgrace: – dishonour, reproach, shame, vile.

affections = (Greek) pathos; prop. suffering, (“pathos”), that is (subj.) a passion (espec. concupiscence): – (inordinate) affection, lust.

God surrendered them over to passions, lust, suffering and inordinate affection, that were vile, or that is, shameful.

Inordinate In-or-di-nate. a [L. inordinatus dosordered. See In-not, and Ordinate.] Not limited to rules prescribed, or to usual bounds; irregular; excessive; immoderate; as, an inordinate love of the world.

[1913 Webster]

Merriam-Webster – definition of inordinate = 1. archaic: disorderly, unregulated 2. exceeding reasonable limits: immoderate

These affections that God gave them up to were ‘inordinate’, that is they were not limited to prescribed rules or bounds, which God himself had put in place. They did not honor God or respect His image; the reflection of himself on earth! They were irregular, excessive and immoderate, all of which are opposite of God

27. And likewise also their 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 the recompense of their error which was meet.

Here again we have the leaving of the God given natural use, designed into man’s being, for something other than God’s intention. “Likewise” or that is, similarly to what the women did, men (Greek arrhen= male) were leaving (Greek aphiemi= … forsake, to lay aside, leave) the natural use of the woman.

It would seem that a person must have a strong need to change the truth of God, or a fear of facing their own true condition, to deny what is clearly written in Gen. about the natural use of the woman, or to deny nature; that which her body is clearly designed for. No reasoning will change the fact of the woman’s body and even her hormones. Any medical doctor can tell us what the womb, vagina and ovaries etc. are for.

To deny these facts is to let your foolish heart be darkened. But the men being spoken of in these scriptures had chosen to forsake the God given use of the woman and do something else instead that they had chosen. They burned in their lust, man for man.

Burned (Greek) = to inflame deeply: – burn lust (Greek) = excitement of the mind, thatis, longing after: lust.

If this was not God’s intended use, then it is an idea that comes from His adversary, who surely must hate the idea of seeing the image of God spread across the earth. Whether through divorce, heterosexual or homosexual fornication or worse, he has worked hard at destroying that image; keeping it from ever being seen or understood, and/or perverting it completely. Through assaults on children that confuse their understanding of who they are and what their bodies are meant for, through lies and deception, by pornography and it’s shocking effect on the human psyche, playing havoc with the emotions, hormones and mental understanding etc. He has worked diligently to keep the image of God from being known and God himself from being honored.

1Cor. 6:13, 18 +20 … Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 18. Flee fornication … 20. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

These men burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working that which is unseemly and not glorifying God in their bodies, which are supposed to belong to the Lord.

working (Greek) = to work fully, that is, accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion: – cause, do (deed), perform, work (out).

unseemly (Greek) aschemosune = an indecency; by implication the pudenda: – shame, that which is unseemly.

Merriam-Webster – definition of PUDENDUM - the external genital organs as a human being and especially of a woman – usually used in plural Pudenda.

Pu-den-da, n. pl. [L., from pudendus that of which one ought to be ashamed, fr. pudere to be ashamed.] (Anat.) The external organs of generation. [1913 Webster]

It is interesting to see that in the definition of the word ‘unseemly’ is the word pudenda, which is the external genital organs, or organs of generation. They performed, with their pudenda, that which was indeed indecent; that which was against ‘nature’ ; the design of God.

There is no use for the sperm, in the homosexual act. God’s purpose is set aside, forsaken, left. The life giving sperm that should be appreciated and respected, for which God had prepared a place, a garden in which to be planted, is, in the homosexual act, discarded as so much waste. God even prepared a self cleansing place for the male penis to enter and give his seed, but in the homosexual act, it is thrust into a place God prepared for dung to pass through and be discarded.
What a fitting insult to God the creator. It is as if to say, I reject the image that was to be reflected in me, your image. I reject my ability to father. I reject your purpose. I not only disrespect and disregard the life giving flow you supplied my body with but I cast it into the place of uncleanness made for dung! I will never honour you or your image with it! No! I will not retain the knowledge of my creator and reflect Him in my body or be the image He created me to be!

Having worked that which is unseemly, or that is, shameful with the pudenda, these man receive in themselves the recompense (Compensation) of their error which was meet. They received the compensation that is as it should be.

28. 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.

Notice it does not say that God gave them a reprobate mind. Rather that He surrendered them to, or yielded them up to that which they had chosen.

                                 What is a reprobate mind?

reprobate = (Greek) unapproved, that is, rejected; by impl. worthless (lit. or moral): – cast away, rejected, reprobate.

mind = (Grek) nous; the intellect, that is, mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning – mind, understanding.

They did not like to retain God in their knowledge. Knowledge here means (Gr.); recognition, that is, (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgment: – (ac) knowledge (-ing – ment).

They did not like to retain God in their full discernment. Remember that the invisible things of God can be clearly seen by that which is made and God is manifest ‘in’ us. But these did not like to retain a clear image of God, who and what He is, as represented in the creation of His image – MAN. So He yielded them up to those things that were not convenient.

There are those who desire to be Christian and to praise and worship God in various ways, while retaining a homosexual identity, or while living in heterosexual fornication. We cannot truly worship and honor a creator, who we refuse to acknowledge for who and what He is. He is light and light has no fellowship with darkness.

Those who have done and lived in the actions described in Romans chapter one, have dishonored God and not been willing, and/or not known how to fully retain Him in their knowledge and have dishonored themselves as well.

It is no wonder that it is hard for a homosexual to grasp and fully accept the words of scripture as given here, if they have been given over to a mind that is separated from God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Yet anyone who will come into agreement with the Word of God, whether fully understood or not; who will say “Let God be truth and every man a liar” has the opportunity of being healed from unnatural ways they have gone against God. Whether this was a conscious decision or not, to pervert God’s creation, His purpose and image, is to go against God.

First we must agree with God, acknowledge the error of our ways and repent. Then and only then can we be delivered and healed.

I am not saying that all who have lived in error have done so with a conscious intention to go against God, or that they even know how their condition came about. Still it is vital to come into agreement with God and His Word and humble ones self before Him, in order to receive forgiveness and deliverance.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come in the presence of the Lord;

The lifestyle a person has lived may have been the results of things done to them at such a young age, they cannot even clearly recall the immediate effect of the act; including the fear, confusion and pain.

When Satan attacks a person, he desires to hurt or win a victory over God. He knows how God loves His creation and he wants to keep them from comprehending God as He is, or seeing God’s reflection in themselves and others on the earth.

But God is a supernatural God. It doesn’t matter how much you think you have tried to change, or to the contrary, how much you have attempted to convince yourself that the thoughts and lusts you have, that go against the Word of God, are really acceptable to Him, God remains unchanged and His Word will endure forever. He is still able to heal, change, and deliver you; to help you become the person you were meant to be, to come to know the real you, you have never yet known.

Many have never known who they were really meant to be or how to live free from the bondages they cannot shake and that have been there for as long as they can remember. Still God’s ability to restore you has never diminished. He is willing and able to save to the uttermost and to give you the peace of God that passes all understanding.

Heb. 7:25 Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing that he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar, as it is written, That thou mightest be jusitified in thy sayings and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

                   AMEN! SO BE IT! PRAISE GOD FOR ALL TIME!