This study discusses the various aspects of homosexuality, transvestitism, transgenderism and the role of marriage. It also looks at the hypocritical nature of Christian views of same gender relationships.
Physiological and/or psychological p1 – transgender, intergender, androgyne.
Immorality p2 – homosexual p2, transvestism p3, promiscurity p3.
Why is immorality is so highly criticised? p4.
Marriage: what it is and how the definition is culturally defined p4.
‘Christian’ hypocritical paradigm p5.
Nature or Nurture p6.
Promiscurity consequences p6.
What must be done? p7.
Conclusion p7.
References p9.
Homosexuality
Important
This study would like to and must draw a very clear distinction between a person who is physiologically and/or psychologically nonbinary gender as opposed to those people who for sexual gratification and immorality are attracted to a person of their own gender.
Transgenderism
Transgenderism (transsexualism) is where a physiological, binary gender is assigned to a child, but with the child growing up with an increasing awareness of having the opposite psychological, binary gender.
It is not to be associated with homosexuality and transvestism.
Transgenderism can be explained by one of two causes:
i) Physiological/psychiatrical: according to Prof. L.J.G. Gooren there are several factors that can determine the gender of a foetus. After Week 6 of gestation, the gender is determined. It is a this stage that complications can develop that may lead to the medical model known as “Transgenderism” (transgenderzone.com) ;
ii) It is my opinion that Transgenderism can also be a form of demon possession. Documentary and anecdotal evidence describes how a male is “trapped” in a female body and vice versa and that body dysmorphic disorder is a common symptom. This is the abject hatred of the body of the person to such an extent that the person seeks surgery to alter or to physically maim the body (cf Mark 5:1-20) (wikipedia.org). As such, it is not a sin in itself. That is not to say that the person is not a sinner, but that the possession is not a sin as much as having a broken leg or cancer is a sin.
Intergender
This is a gender identity that is between binary genders (wholly male or wholly female) and
have the physiology of both or neither binary genders (www.nonbinary.org/wiki/Intergender). One of the most distressing results of intergenderism is that, at a very early age, parents may have the child put through a series of invasive operations to ascribe a binary gender identity to their child.
Androgyne
This is an identity whereby a person usually has no discernable physiological and/or psychological characteristics of either binary gender (www.nonbinary.org/wiki/Androgyne). This may result in the person undergoing procedures that highlight or emphasise certain binary gender attributes.
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Homosexuality
Homosexual – a feeling or involving sexual attraction to people of one’s own sex (sic) (www.askoxford.com). This is the Oxford Dictionary’s definition.
The term homosexual in this study will include gay, lesbian and bi-sexual behaviour. These are considered to be acts of sexual immorality and, as will be shown above, are contrary to יְהֹוָה’s perfect plan for mankind. These lifestyle choices are sins according to the Word of יְהֹוָה and are in contra-distinction to physiological and/or psychological nonbinary gender.
“יְהֹוָה said, ‘Because the cry of S`dom and `Amorah is great, and because their sin is very grievous… יְהֹוָה Then rained on S`dom and on `Amorah sulphur and fire from יְהֹוָה out of the sky.” (Gen. 18:20-19:24). This is the account of the sinfulness of Sodom. It is from this passage that the first account of male-to-male sexual activity is found. יְהֹוָה knew of the evil that was going on in S`dom and `Amorah and had already passed judgement upon the cities. Avraham pleads to save the cities on behalf of the righteous but is not successful. It is not the attempted rape that יְהֹוָה had passed judgement upon, but the general sexual activity. The account is called ‘a wicked thing’. “Even as S`dom and `Amorah, and the cities around them, having, in the same way as these, given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.” (Jude 7). The punishment of S`dom and `Amorah is a warning for all who indulge in sexual immorality.
“יְהֹוָה said to Moshe…Therefore you shall keep my charge, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs, which were practiced before you, and that you do not defile yourselves with them: I am יְהֹוָה your `Elohiym.” (Lev. 18:1-30). In this passage, יְהֹוָה gives Moshe a list of forbidden sexual practices. Homosexual activity is listed amongst other sexual activities that יְהֹוָה has called an abomination (v22). Not only are the persons condemned, but the land is defiled by the activity/disobedience (Gen. 3:17).
“If a man lies with a male, as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” (Lev. 20:13). Homosexual activity is classed amongst other sexual activities that are punishable by death (Lev. 20:1-27), such is the abhorrence placed upon it by יְהֹוָה.
“For the wrath of יְהֹוָה is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Therefore יְהֹוָה also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonoured among themselves, who, knowing the ordinance of יְהֹוָה, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.” (Rom. 1:18, 24, 32). This passage describes how sin and evil prevents יְהֹוָה’s truth being known and that the perpetrators do not honour יְהֹוָה. Their punishment is that יְהֹוָה leaves them alone bringing upon them their deserved punishment.
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“Or don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of יְהֹוָה? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals,” (1 Cor. 6:9). Here homosexual activity is classed along with other forms of immoral life styles, all of which prevent entry into the Kingdom of יְהֹוָה. This includes adultery (more of which later). “Flee sexual immorality! ‘Every sin that a man does is outside the body,’ but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” (1 Cor.6:18). It is here that sexual sin is shown to affect the body, but it is not our body but the body of Messiah; a Temple of the Set Apart Spirit; a body given to us by יְהֹוָה; bought at a Price.
Transvestism
“A woman shall not wear men’s clothing, neither shall a man put on women’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the יְהֹוָה your `Elohiym.” (Deut. 22:5). Men and women are commanded not to wear clothing of the other gender. This may be so that they are not attractive to others of the same gender. It is the appeal to the eye that is the beginning of immorality.
Promiscuity
Sexual Immorality – not conforming to the accepted standard of sexual conduct (www.askoxford.com). The operative word here is ‘accepted’. To whose standard does the ‘accepted’ refer? It is יְהֹוָה’s standard and it is to Him that we must look for acceptance. His Word leaves no doubt about what he considers as the ‘accepted standard’. There has been an accelerated deterioration in the world’s ‘accepted standard’ with fornication, homosexuality and pornography becoming acceptable in the 21st.Century.
“יְהֹוָה `Elohiym said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him. Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.” (Gen. 2:18, 24). יְהֹוָה created man and then created woman to be man’s companion where they then became united to fulfil יְהֹוָה’s purpose to be fruitful and multiply. The union is to be between one man and one woman. This is יְהֹוָה’s perfect standard for mankind. However, where this standard has been broken (Avraham, Dawid and Shlomo and their wives etc.) there has been sin involved and long lasting consequences.
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favour of יְהֹוָה. (Prov. 18:22). From this it can be seen that יְהֹוָה’s intention for man is to have a wife. The joining in love of a man and his wife should prevent a either falling into the sin of fornication. Likewise, a man must not withhold sexual relations with his wife in order that she should not fall into the sin of fornication.
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“For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts… All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21, 23). “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’ but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matt. 5:27, 28). Immoral deeds start from a person’s heart (considered the centre for thoughts and passions). When the Master warned against looking at a woman lustfully, He was putting a ‘fence’ around adultery. This is a method that the Jewish sages arrived at that was used to warn someone that their actions were close to violating יְהֹוָה’s laws. This was part of the Oral Torah that became to be considered as though it was the Written Torah. However, it is only the latter that is יְהֹוָה’s law. The Master not only condemns adultery but even warns against a man looking lustfully at a woman which is the equivalent of committing adultery in his heart. “Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.” (Jam. 1.15). “Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,” (Gal. 5:19). Man’s base nature is apparent in its indecent actions.
“The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, even he who commits adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” (Lev. 20:10). Sexual immorality, including adultery, is classed as a capital offence.
Why sexual immorality is so highly criticised?
“יְהֹוָה `Elohiym created man in His own image. In יְהֹוָה `Elohiym’s image He created him; male and female He created them.” (Gen. 1:27).
“But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for יְהֹוָה; and יְהֹוָה for the body.” (1 Cor. 6:13b). The body was not meant for sin but for the יְהֹוָה who ‘purchased’ it from death. Immorality is unlike any other sin in that it is against one’s body that is no longer ours. One is told to flee from fornication. The body is not for fornication but for the יְהֹוָה. Fornication is a sin against the body unlike other sins that are against יְהֹוָה or someone else. The body no longer belongs to us because the Yehshuah HaMashiach paid the ultimate Price for it. “yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you set apart and without blemish and blameless before Him,” (Col. 1:22). The Price that the Yehshuah paid was His own death so that He can present us acceptable to יְהֹוָה.
“For this is the will of יְהֹוָה: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality …For יְהֹוָה called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.” (1 Thess. 4-7). יְהֹוָה wants us to be set apart for Himself.
“Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth : sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;” (Col. 3:5). The whole Book of Hosea is a picture of how adultery is likened to idolatry.
“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exod. 20:3). The Bible has many references of idolatry/adultery where one person leaves the one that they loved to follow another. However, adultery can only take place if the man and woman are married.
Marriage –the formal union of a man and woman by which they become husband and wife (www.oxforddictionaries.com). This is one of יְהֹוָה’s three ordained sacraments (along with baptism and communion) that is an outward declaration of an inward state of heart.
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“For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Messiah.” (2 Cor.11:2). יְהֹוָה has betrothed mankind to His Son, Yehshuah HaMashiach. All mankind is involved with this, but not all mankind will attend the wedding. “Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to Him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” (Rev. 19:7).
“If a woman herself divorces her husband, and marries another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:12). Only the death of the husband or his unfaithfulness can release a woman from a marriage, including the period of betrothal. As Yehshuah HaMashiach can not die again nor commit adultery, mankind commits adultery when they go after false gods (other faiths or cults, humanism, money etc.). “For יְהֹוָה `Elohiym of Israel says, that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence,” (Mal. 2:16a). It is not possible that Yehshuah would send away His Beloved, therefore, it would be Mankind that would turn its back on יְהֹוָה; adultery is the rejection of יְהֹוָה.
“If a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall both of them die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman: so shall you put away the evil from Yisra’el.” (Deut. 22:22). The punishment for adultery appears excessive but it defiles both the body and is considered contagious in that the spirit of adultery tends to spread from household to household.
It is important to develop the idea of marriage. Consider the question “What is marriage?” The answer will depend upon the community to whom the question was asked. However, generally this would involve an official (religious, tribal or governmental) and a couple publically declaring their commitment to one another. Historically the couple would be one man and one woman, but recently this has involved same gender couples. The ceremonies will be of all different types but do not require and official document.
“When a man takes a wife, and marries her, then it shall be, if she find no favor in his eyes, because he has found some unseemly thing in her, that he shall write her a bill of divorce, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.” (Deut. 24:1). Does יְהֹוָה like the idea of and want people to divorce? Of course not. Does יְהֹוָה know it will happen? Of course He does. Therefore He sets down conditions under which He allows it to happen but safeguards both parties.
“But if a priest buys a slave, purchased by his money, he shall eat of it; and such as are born in his house, they shall eat of his bread.” (Lev. 22:11). Does יְהֹוָה like the idea of and want people to own slaves? Of course not. Does יְהֹוָה know it will happen? Again, of course He does. As with divorce, יְהֹוָה sets down regulations to ensure the slave is well treated.
Does יְהֹוָה like the idea of same gender couples? Of course not. However, surely it is preferable that the same gender couple declare their commitment publically rather than having a loose and promiscuous relationship. Too many so called ‘Christians’ are
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outraged by homosexual activity but in turn ignore heterosexual promiscuous activity that the Bible calls fornication. “But woe to you, Sofrim and Perushim, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you don’t enter in yourselves, neither do you allow those who are entering in to enter.” (Matt. 23:14). Throughout this chapter (Matt. 23) the Master condemns the Scribes and Pharisees, not as groups of people, but because of their hypocritical views. These people were ultra-religious but their attitude towards other people was excluding them from attending their meetings. How often does the hypocritical and superior attitude of ‘Christians’ deter non-Believers from attending meetings at the risk of the people shunning all contact with true Believers?
Nature, nurture or neither
Nature: Is there a single recessive gene that accounts for homosexual activity? It would have to be recessive otherwise the trait would be more widespread.
If so, is there a recessive gene for each type of sin?
If not, is there a single dominant gene that accounts for the desire to sin? This would be a dominant gene because everyone has the capability to sin. Could this be the medical explanation of “original sin”? Could this single dominant gene be associated with “free will”?
I doubt any of the above because I am positive that of all the genetic research in the past few years would have found these genes. With the vast number of sins available for recessive genes or the dominant gene at least one would have been isolated, producing further research.
Nurture: The majority of homosexuals are from heterosexual households, ether from a marriage or from partners living together. However, with the increase in homosexual partnerships having or raising children, the nurture factor should become more prevalent.
Neither: A person may smoke although none of the parents smoke. Therefore, it can only be caused by someone suggesting or leading the person to sin, either in schools, peer groups or as a result in watching television or movies.
What is the outcome of promiscuity?
“Therefore יְהֹוָה also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonoured among themselves… For this reason, יְהֹוָה gave them up to vile passions… For their women changed the natural function… Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error… who, knowing the ordinance of יְהֹוָה, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.” (Rom. 1:24-28). Vile lusts will receive the penalty appropriate to the sin. “and turning the cities of S`dom and `Amorah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly… and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment;” (2 Peter 2:6, 9b). Sinners will be punished both in this world and the next. It is my belief that many of the world’s diseases can be directly attributed to life-style choices and the associated punishment; sexually transmitted infections the punishment for sexual immorality.
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“But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Rev. 21.8). The punishment that is allocated in the next world for unrepentant sinners will be everlasting.
What must be done?
Gen. 2:18-25 יְהֹוָה’s ideal is for one man to be joined with one woman in marriage.
Prov. 18:22 Finding a wife and win favour with the Lord.
“Thus also consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to יְהֹוָה in Messiah Yehshuah our Master.” (Rom. 6:11). Put away the desires of the flesh. “Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.” (Rom. 13:13). “Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth : sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Messiah forgave you, so you also do.” (Col. 3:5). Putting to death desires by having a heart ready to forgive others as יְהֹוָה forgives us, knowing יְהֹוָה’s Word and in all things giving thanks to יְהֹוָה. “Flee fornication…” (1 Cor. 6:18a) rather than succumbing to temptation, it is better to run away from it.
“If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehinnom of fire.” (Matt. 18:9). Sin is so eternally destructive that it is far better to suffer short term in this life than to fall under the eternal wrath of יְהֹוָה. “Therefore tell the house of Yisra`el, Thus says the יְהֹוָה `Elohiym: Return you, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.” (Eze. 14:6). Repent! In the event that the temptation to sin proves too strong, it is vital that the sinner repents and seeks forgiveness through the work of Messiah Yehshuah.
Conclusion
“For the ways of the יְהֹוָה are right, And the righteous walk in them; But the rebellious stumble in them.” (Hos. 14:9b). The יְהֹוָה’s ways are right but sinners fall because they ignore them.
WARNING!
“Do not judge, And you will not be judged.” (Luke 6:37). “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he has become guilty of all.” (Jam. 2.10). “They said to him, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to יְהֹוָה the things that are יְהֹוָה ‘s.’” (Matt. 22.21). Guilty of one sin; guilty of them all. Self-righteous people decry homosexual activity but think nothing of falsifying tax returns. “That a godless man
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shall not come before Him.” (Job 13:16). The word ‘godless’ is #H2611 חָנֵף chaneph which appears as hypocrite in other Bible translations but *696b from the root meaning defiled or polluted. The hypocrite shall not come before יְהֹוָה. “That the godless man may not reign, That there be no one to ensnare the people.” (Job 34:30). Hypocrites must not be elected to leadership roles. “You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matt. 7:5). יְהֹוָה does not look kindly upon the hypocrite. Even the Master admonishes hypocritical behaviour. In יְהֹוָה’s perspective, there is no difference between homosexual activity, sexual immorality or adultery. In churches today, the latter two may well be either ignored or form part of the local gossip whereas there is a great outcry against homosexuals. In fact, due to its allegorical association with idolatry and its wider condemnation in the Bible, it could be argued that adultery is a far more serious sin. Homosexual activity and sexual immorality is against a body (indirectly against יְהֹוָה) whereas adultery is directly against יְהֹוָה.
Until recently, homosexual activity was illegal and adultery and sexual immorality were of only of a social concern, generally hushed up. However, due to various pressure groups not only is it now considered acceptable, it is actively promoted in schools as a ‘healthy’ part of childhood development to determine one’s sexual orientation. Another area that is seen to be promoting all three activities is in the television programmes where is has become acceptable to have many partners of either gender, in or out of wedlock. With young people growing up on this ‘diet’, it is not surprising that this type of behaviour is quickly becoming the norm or acceptable. The increase in promiscuity cannot be put down to the lifestyles of the parents, although this may be a factor in a small minority of homes.
This change has occurred in just one generation.
At present paedophilia, bestiality and rape (in most countries) are illegal.
From the above discussion, it is clear that not only homosexual activity but also adultery and sexual immorality are contrary to יְהֹוָה’s standard for mankind. The above Scripture references are by no means exhaustive. Human standards (laws, regulations, appropriate social behaviour) are flexible and usually are laid down by governments who need to be re-elected. יְהֹוָה’s laws are a manifestation of Himself in that they are set apart, just and righteous. Whereas man’s laws are amended according to the latest fashion, יְהֹוָה’s laws are unchanging. Rav Sh`aul (Saul/Paul of Tarsus) was so sensitive to sexual immorality that he changed his Hebrew name of Sh`aul to Paul as the Hebrew name was very close to the Greek word that describes the mincing walk of a prostitute.
As stated in the above discussion, Transgenderism, Intergenderism or Androgynism are not to be considered in the same way as homosexual activity, adultery or sexual immorality. As they are not, in itself, a sin, there is no need for repentance. However, there is every need for Yehshuah HaMashiach. these are caused by physical or psychiatric conditions, healing is required.
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Where Transgenderism is a result of demonic possession, deliverance is necessary. However, the situation requires careful, sympathetic action to determine the cause. By asking יְהֹוָה for a word of revelation or gifted with spiritual discernment, the true cause and corrective action can be determined. Once this is known, the action must be bold and incisive and carried out as befitting one who is acting under the authority of Almighty יְהֹוָה Some have argued that homosexuals are born that way and cannot help the way they are born. I likened this to Kleptomania (a recurrent urge to steal – www.oxforddictionaries.com). This is considered an innate trait that causes the sufferer to constantly steal, not for the intrinsic value of the object, but for the act of theft itself. Although this is a medical condition and the person cannot stop themselves, it does not take away the fact that theft is a contrary to יְהֹוָה’s law and is a sin.
The old axiom is most suited to this discussion: יְהֹוָה hates the sin but loves the sinner.
References
Harris R.L., Archer G.L., Thoelogical Wordbook of the Old Testament, Moody, Chicago, Waltke B.K. (1980) Il.
Strong J. (1994) Strong’s New Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, World Bible Publishers Inc., Madison.
Strong J. (1996) The New Strong’s Complete Dictionary of Bible Words, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.
http://www.nonbinary.org/wiki/Androgyne
http://www.nonbinary.org/wiki/Intergender
www.youtube.com – YaHuWaH – Giver of All Life
HNV The Hebrew Names Version is based off the World English Bible, an update of the American Standard Version of 1901. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.
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First Generation Assembly 