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The Scriptures offer no apologies, no concessions, or no ambiguity to fornication because they are all repulsive in God’s sight. Consequently, true Christians do not water down the Bible’s position on “disgraceful sexual appetites” merely to become more popular or more acceptable to modern cultures.
Thank you for the reply. However, I thought that I was clear that all sexual activity-out side the marriage-is fornication and detestable to Almighty God.
The question is what sexual acts are considered porneya / fornication / immorality in the Bible?
The way to answer this question is to check the Torah. Obviously, homosexual practice is listed among immoral sexual acts in the Torah. In 1Co 6:9, in addition to fornication in general, adultery and homosexual practices receive a specific mention for emphasis.
Some time ago, I looked up the usage of "porneya" in the LXX. Most occurrences there are related to sacred prostitution and idolatry. Also, the definition in the Jewish Encyclopedia is quite limited.I do not find "fornication" in the OT where the genders are shown as male to male. I checked the Jewish Encyclopedia on fornication and it talks about nothing but the M-F relationships nothing about M-M. FORNICATION - JewishEncyclopedia.com
Where in the Scriptures do you find fornication applying to any other than opposite sexes, setting aside the figurative use for idolatry, and even then the symbolism is bride and groom? Is there a verse somewhere talking about two men having sex and it being referred to as "fornication"?
Another question based on the following verse:
"Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites," (1Cor 6:9, NRSV)
Here "fornicators" is explicitly distinguished from "male prostitutes, sodomites" in this translation. How can that be if men having sex with men is "fornication"?
I see this in Greek-English Lexicons but I have yet to find it in the Bible. Am I overlooking a passage in the Scripture?
Some time ago, I looked up the usage of "porneya" in the LXX. Most occurrences there are related to sacred prostitution and idolatry. Also, the definition in the Jewish Encyclopedia is quite limited.
Most theologians agree that "porneya" is used in the NT as a generic term for illegitimate sexual activity. This NT generic term includes a variety of sexual activities that were listed and prohibited in the Torah, especially in Leviticus, even though the term "porneya" is not used to describe these activities in the LXX. Among those activities are adultery and homosexual practices.
1Co 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither the fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals,
In 1Co 6:9, generic fornication is mentioned (which includes adultery and homosexual activity). In addition, adultery and homosexual practices receive a specific mention to emphasize their sinfulness. But in several NT lists of sins we find only porneya / fornication mentioned, e.g.
Rev 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the abominable, the murderers, the fornicators, the sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars shall have their portion in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. This is the second death.”
In this list, adulterers are not mentioned. Should we conclude that fornication is more serious than adultery? Of course not. Adulterers, practicing homosexuals, pedophiles, and those who practice beastiality are automatically included in the category of fornicators and did not need to be mentioned separately.
It is reassuring when two different method reach similar conclusions. I have a tendency to skip steps when solving a problem. Certainly, studying common 1st century application is essential.The OT and even the LXX are useful, but the real question is what the word meant in the 1st Cent. That's why people consult lexicons and not the OT. I use the Theological Dictionary of the NT. This very extensive lexicon shows word usage in the secular world, the OT, literature between the testaments, and the NT. In the case of porneia, they cite examples to show that by the 1st Cent it was used for all sex outside marriage, including same-gender sex. . . . In sin lists outside the Gospels, the common 1st Cent meaning may well be appropriate.
Informative historical review. You showed that the meaning of "fornication" has changed over the last decades. One can similarly see that the meaning of "porneya" changed from being restricted to "prostitution" in the LXX to being more of a generic term in the NT inclusive of the illegitimate sexual practices described in the book of Leviticus.I'm going to explain why I find this important and refuse to leave what the Scriptures themselves clearly state.
It's so easy, tempting, and immoral to make changes in electronic versions of books.I suggest caution with some reference works such as those claiming to be "Strong's" or "Thayers", especially on our computer Bibles.
You will need to know what is the goal of a relationship and marriage. Marriage is a mystery in which God imparts us grace.Hello everyone. I’m trying to understand the Scripture’s stance on homosexuality, and am praying that God will move it in the hearts of Christians with a deeper understanding of scripture than I to aid me in this difficult time in my life.
Almost a year ago now, I ended an 8 year same-sex relationship. I loved my partner and wanted to be with her forever, but I felt so guilty at the thought of living in a way that Jesus would not approve of. I didn’t want to forever have a wall between us because I was hurting him by sinning in my relationship every day. So I ended the relationship. For a long time, I was in utter agony. But then I began to do better, focusing on seeking God every day.
However still I would catch myself daydreaming of what could’ve been, if only I’d been allowed to stay with her. Well, recently, we spoke and I discovered that she has moved on to another same-sex relationship, and she said she is no longer in love with me. Although we left things on a friendly note, my heart is aching, and I’m embarrassed that after so long, a part of me still hasn’t let go. I’ve realized where I’ve gone wrong.
In the garden of Eden, Eve was vulnerable to the serpent’s deception because she was unclear about the Word of God. God said not to eat of the fruit of tree, but never said not to touch the tree like she claimed he had, so when Satan said, you surely will not die, and she touched the tree and nothing changed, she must have instantly lost belief in the Word. If Satan can make us confused about God’s Word, or doubt God’s Word, we are vulnerable.
I constantly question what the Word says about homosexuality. I’m willing to say it’s a sin. I’m willing to confess that I’ve struggled with it and turned away. I’m willing to give up anything for Him. I am not by any means trying to see how much I can get away with, I never want to live that way. If I could say to myself without a doubt that God’s Word says NO to homosexuality, then I could be sure that nothing good could ever have come from remaining in the relationship, and I can move on. But because a part of me has always doubted this deep down, a part of me was always daydreaming. Wondering if maybe my family could have come to accept us. Missing all of our times together, our old routines, not letting go of gifts from them, hanging on and hanging on and hanging on. Giving almost my whole self to God, but with one foot still in my past. For the past year, I focused on getting to know and serving and loving God, and didn’t give as much focus to understanding what He says about homosexuality. Now, I think I need to do this, or else I will remain vulnerable in this area.
There are so many things that make homosexuality being a sin seem unclear. People talk about the word ‘homosexuality’ not having even existed back then. When I looked at the parts of the Bible where the act of homosexuality is described rather than just called ‘homosexuality’ I found that in the original Greek wording of Paul’s writings, it was summarized in one word, a word that one commentary claimed meant homosexual relationships, whereas another commentary claimed it meant ‘effeminate men.’ I feel so guilty because in my heart I feel homosexuality must be a sin. All signs point to yes. But I don’t want to rely on signs or theories. I don’t want to feel unsure of what I should say when people ask me if it’s a sin, and then in turn wonder if I made a mistake by leaving my relationship. I don’t want to tell people “I left to play it safe, but I don’t actually know if it’s a sin, I just couldn’t risk it.” I want to be able to say, “I left because it is a sin and I want nothing to come before Christ in my life. I want to serve Him as best as I can.” But when I say this, there is a small part of me that always wonders, IS it a sin?
I’m in such heart ache, but I feel I cannot fully avoid the temptation of calling my ex and begging to give it another chance, to stop myself from wondering and wondering, until I can say to myself I did the right thing. I did what God wanted me to do. I obeyed God’s Word.
I know many people will likely tell me “you either believe what it says or don’t” but I just feel so lost as to what it even truly says on this matter. Can someone tell me, how do you KNOW with 100 percent certainty that it is a sin? I want to know too. I’m willing to give up ANYTHING for God. I just want to strengthen my knowledge of the Sword of the Spirit on this matter so that Satan cannot disarm me. So that I’m no longer vulnerable. If anyone could take the time to help me by explaining, or by praying for me on this matter, there aren’t words to describe the gratitude I would have.
(Please do not give an answer without scripture to support it. For example, if someone, even with the best intentions, were to write ‘in my opinion I think God is okay with it’ it would be really hurtful to me right now and only add to my temptation to return to my old ways. I’m seeking God’s Word so that I know what He wants me to do. I say this as kind as I can, but please, no opinions.)
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