LEVITICUS
THE book of Leviticus, is the third book of Moses and takes its name from the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. It was most like Leviticus because it contains many instructions for the Levite priests. There are two reasons why this title is perhaps not entirely correct. Firstly, not all Levites were priests. Secondly, because this book contains instruction, for all Israelites.
Reputedly written by Moses, the layout of this book is carefully arranged, showing which animal was to be sacrificed and how, the ordination of priests, what was clean and unclean and what behaviour was acceptable and what was not.
Leviticus may be described as a book in four distinct parts:
1. Sacrificial, Regulations: 1:1 to 7:38.
2. The Priesthood: 8:1 to 10:20.
3. Diagnosis & Treatment of Uncleanness: 17:16.
4. Practical Holiness for Living: 18:1 to 27:34.
As we look at the world today, we see that modern man does little to live up to the standards set in this book of the law. This month, we look at just a small part which is not just a ‘political hot potato’, but a social one also. It is a problem that many church leaders appear to be afraid to address, but thank God that last November, a clergyman’s wife had the courage to stand up and speak for the vast majority against what the Lord calls, ‘an abomination’.
“Do not lie with a man as you would a woman, it is an abomination before the eyes of the Lord.” – Leviticus 18:22
Naturally, when Anne Atkins criticised the Anglican Church for permitting a cathedral service for the ‘Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement’, she came under attack from many quarters. Even the Church demanded an apology from the BBC for its “serious error of judgement”, by broadcasting partisan views. It must have given whoever it was in the Church who made the complaint a shock to see how much support Mrs Atkins received!
The Bible, which is the Word of God, is quite clear about homosexual practice. From Genesis to Revelation, it is an abomination before the eyes of the Lord. In Genesis, chapter two, verse twenty four, God ordained that a man should leave his parents and “cleave” to his WIFE, becoming one flesh with HER. It is quite clear. MAN and WOMAN to become one flesh – not man and man or woman and woman.
Later in Genesis, we read how Lot, giving in to materialism, set his camp towards Sodom (chapters 18/19). In chapter 19 we learn that homosexual practice was normal to the inhabitants of Sodom. Verse five tells us that the men of that city wanted carnal knowledge of the two angels who had been sent to rescue Lot and his family. It was because of the sin of homosexual behaviour that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by the Lord (19:24).
So it is no surprise that when we read the book of Leviticus, the laws that God gave to Moses, we see that God, our Creator, refers to homosexuality as an abomination. In fact, the Lord goes further than this in chapter 20 verse 13:
“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 is upon them.”
The shadow of Sodom lies over our nation today. Because the homosexual lobby, although a minority, is extremely vociferous, it is fast becoming a criminal act to say anything against this abomination. I know that I would be refused employment by many councils today purely because I have written this article. My attitude is, “politically incorrect”.
In many schools today, children are being taught that the homosexual/lesbian lifestyle is not abnormal, but a valid alternative to a married, heterosexual life. Those who teach this are taking a terrible.chance. The Bible teaches that if any lead children astray, it would be better for them to tie a millstone around their neck and throw themselves into the depths of the sea (Luke 17:2).
I remember a standard joke of only a few years ago was that homosexual behaviour is condoned today, tomorrow it becomes compulsory! It may have been a joke then, but today it is not so funny.
As it was in the days of Lot … even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed … Isn’t it getting that way now? Another sign of the imminent return of our Lord?
WHAT HOPE IS THERE FOR THE HOMOSEXUAL/LESBIAN?
Unless they turn from their sin, THERE IS NO HOPE! They must give up sexual practices and repent. The Word of God explains:
“Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, (homosexuality) are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” – (Jude 7)
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites … will inherit the Kingdom of God.” – (1 Corinthians 6.9)
The clearest teaching of all is found in Romans 1:24-28. Here three times we are told that “God gave them up” for their wicked sin of homosexuality. I have no doubt that there are those who will condemn Bible believing Christians as “homophobic”. I fully expect this charge to be laid at my door, but I stand by the Word of God. Homosexual behaviour is an abomination and those who practice it, men or women, will find themselves spending eternity in Hell. This saddens me because I have a cousin, friends and colleagues who are homosexual. Some of them are really nice people and it hurts when I think about their future. It is my prayer that they will repent and come to know the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
