Well here is a subject that I did not intend to take up at this point. I am disturbed at the goings on in the church that calls itself Christian. I am also disturbed to hear people who should know better making statements that are completely contrary to the word of God, as if dismissing the teachings of the Bible would benefit them or anyone who hears.
Why is it that God wiped Sodom and Gomorrah off the face of the earth? In fact the scriptures tell us that God destroyed not only these two cities, but everything that was living in the valley where they were built, down to every blade of grass. What is it that the inhabitants of this valley had done to so infuriate God?
In Chapter 18 of Genesis we find Abram pleading with God to not destroy the cities of the Valley. Abram’s concern was that God would destroy the entire place even with those who were righteous before God. I imagine that Abram was concerned for Lot, his nephew, and Lot’s family. God’s response was interesting, He would spare the city for the sake of even 10 people who were not wicked like the others. The grace of God is indeed incredible! It gives one to wonder if that is why the earth continues in the wickedness of today, because of those who do believe God and walk with Him. What happens as the numbers of those trusting God decline?
Chapter 19 opens with two angels entering the city of Sodom in the evening. Lot saw them and knowing the wickedness of Sodom he with great effort convinced them to stay in his house for the night, and he said to them that they should leave as soon as it is light the next day.
They settled down for the night with Lot making a great feast, I imagine to be sure they had no reason to leave his house. Lot had the hope that they would be able to leave safely the next day, for he knew the wickedness of his fellow citizens.
Before they went to sleep that night Vs. 4 tells us that the men of Sodom, all of them, young and old, surrounded Lot’s house. They demanded of Lot to bring the men who were in his house out so that they could have sex with them(know them). This was indeed the wickedness that caused God to set out to destroy this people. Lot’s response is equally startling, he offered to the mob his two virgin daughters instead of the men. The men outside wanted nothing to do with the women, they were set on Sodomizing the men staying with Lot. Yes this is where we get our legal term from for the act of homosexual intercourse (Sodomy). It is the sin of homosexuality that was bringing the wrath of God on all living things in this valley. This lifestyle is not acceptable by God, and it should not be accepted as an acceptable lifestyle in the Christian Church.
There are those who say, “That’s the old testament, the new testament doesn’t teach that.” Turn to Romans Chapter 1:18 God’s wrath, but for what, those holding the truth of God in unrighteousness. The following verses go on the tell us that if a person thinks he is wise and decide to not glorify God there foolish hearts are darkened. Vs. 26 cuts to the chase. The result of intentionally disregarding God end in the base of base sin, homosexuality! Therefore the act of men or women having sex with others of their own sex is according to this passage the furthest that a person can get from living a righteous life. It’s interesting that this act is then a result of sin, it is in itself a punishment. God is still God, and he will eventually destroy all the wicked.
God is a God of grace who will remember these sins no more if we accept the death of Christ as God’s payment(punishment) for our sins, and live by faith in God Rom5:1. He will guide us to a life of fulfillment, grace, fullness, and joy. He alone can transform sinners to righteous.