The Unchanging Truth: God’s View of Sexuality in Leviticus 18

Listen to today’s passage – Leviticus 16 – 18 

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Leviticus 16

Second Milers also read – John 11 – 12; Proverbs 9; Psalms 46 – 50

Read the “0209 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “There Is a Fountain,” and “The Blood.“

In Leviticus 18, God graciously gives His people detailed laws about sexual purity and holiness. These instructions were meant to set Israel apart from the surrounding nations—Egypt, where they had lived, and Canaan, where they were going—whose practices defiled both people and land (vv. 3, 24–30). The chapter lists various forms of sexual immorality, including incest, adultery, bestiality, and in verse 22:

“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” – (Leviticus 18:22)

The word “abomination” (Hebrew to’evah) here describes something God finds detestable because it violates His created order for human sexuality and marriage. This prohibition appears in a list of sexual sins that God calls His people to reject, so they can walk in holiness and experience life (v. 5).

This Old Testament standard finds its echo and expansion in the New Testament which echoes and applies this truth more broadly. In Romans 1:18–32, Paul describes how humanity’s rejection of God leads to all kinds of unrighteousness, including exchanging “natural” relations for “unnatural” ones (vv. 26–27). He lists homosexual acts (among many other sins like greed, envy, gossip, and pride) as examples of what flows from a heart turned away from the Creator. Yet Paul makes clear that no one is exempt—we all fall short and hold God’s truth in unrighteousness (v. 18). The chapter ends with a sobering note: people not only commit these things but approve of those who do (v. 32).

“18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed 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: 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 uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the 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 that recompence of their error which was meet. 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; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 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 them that do them.” (Rom 1:18–32)

In our day, speaking biblical truth about sexuality—including homosexuality—has become increasingly difficult. Cultural pressures, fear of being labeled unloving, and even intimidation have led some pulpits to remain silent or to compromise. Some churches have ordained those living in ways contrary to Scripture, calling what God calls sin something else. This drift fulfills warnings like 2 Timothy 4:3–4, where people turn from sound doctrine to teachers who suit their desires:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” – (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

But God’s Word hasn’t changed. He calls homosexual behavior sin, just as He calls adultery, fornication, lust, and other sexual sins sin. We must not single out one sin above others, nor minimize any. All sin separates us from God and warrants His judgment. Yet the good news is that Christ came for sinners—all of us. He died for every kind of sexual brokenness and every form of rebellion. No one is beyond His reach.

Jesus showed this compassion perfectly. When confronted with the woman caught in adultery (a serious sexual sin), He neither condemned her to stoning nor affirmed her actions. Instead, He said, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). He offered forgiveness freely, while calling her to repentance and a new life.

God’s view of human sexuality has not changed. His plan is for marriage between a man and a woman, and his intention was that that marriage would last for a lifetime.

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen 2:24)

Paul stated that marriage was the way to avoid sexual sin:

“Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” (1 Cor 7:2)

If you or someone you love is wrestling with same-sex attraction or any other sexual sin for that matter, know this: God loves you deeply. Attraction itself is not the same as action, and many believers experience ongoing struggles yet choose to follow Christ in obedience, finding strength in Him. The church should be a place of grace where people can be honest, receive help, and grow in holiness—never a place of shame or rejection.

We all need the same Savior. We all need His blood to cleanse us. We all need His Spirit to empower us to say no to sin and yes to righteousness. Let’s preach Christ boldly and lovingly—truth without compromise, grace without limit.


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Creeping Things

Listen to today’s passage – Leviticus 11 – 12

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Leviticus 11 

Second Milers also read – John 5 – 6; Proverbs 6; Psalms 31 – 35

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 18:3 & 46

Read the “0206 Evening and Morning“ devotion by Charles Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “Provision for the Poor“

How would you like to wake up with one of those creepy crawly things (above – top image) on top of you? I thank the Lord that this particular bug is not native to our area. It is found far away from here in the Philippines. Remind me to never go there. The worst that we have to deal with here in southern NJ is the Camel Cricket (above – bottom image), which is an ugly looking critter, but is also harmless. In our text today, God warns the people of Israel to not touch critters such as these:

“29 These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind, 30 And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole. 31 These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.” (Lev 11:29–31)

“41 And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten. 42 Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination. 43 Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby. 44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 45 For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” (Lev 11:41–45)

In our passage this morning, God is explaining to the children of Israel which animals, fish, and bugs were safe for them to eat or touch. Frankly, I am not sure what the specific reasons were that God declared certain animals to be clean and others to be an “abomination.” The people of God just had to obey the laws God gave them by faith, believing that the omniscient God that created the universe knew better about what was best for them.

  • In Genesis 1, God creates “creeping things” and calls them good.
  • But after the Fall and in the Law (Leviticus 11), many become symbols of uncleanness—things that crawl low to the ground, associated with decay, swarming, or hidden movement.
  • Israel was to avoid them entirely (not eat, not touch in ways that defiled) to maintain separation and purity as God’s holy people.
  • Key verse: Leviticus 11:44-45 – “Be holy, for I am holy.”
  • While we’re not under those food laws today (Mark 7:19; Acts 10), the principle of avoiding defiling influences remains.

We know that in the New Testament period we are not under law regarding any of these things, and we will not face judgment for touching or eating any of these animals, etc. However, I can’t help but think that God had  good reasons for banning these critters from the menus of the Israelites.

My thought this morning is not regarding what we should or shouldn’t eat. However, I got to thinking about all of the “creeping things” that God wants us to stay away from today. There are a lot of things out there in the world that will hurt us if we “touch” them or partake of them. For instance, many of the philosophies that spew out this world system are “creeping things” that shouldn’t be touched, and certainly shouldn’t be allowed to enter into our minds. There are also many doctrinal heresies coming from some theologians with liberal perspectives that attack the very foundation of our belief system. We should steer clear of these “creeping things” as well.

Modern “Creeping Things” to Avoid
  • Creeping Doctrines / False Teachings
    • These “creep” into churches subtly (Jude 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:6 – false teachers “creep into houses”). Examples:
    • Liberal theology that undermines Scripture’s authority, the deity of Christ, or salvation by grace alone.
    • Prosperity gospel twists that prioritize wealth over holiness.
    • Progressive redefinitions of sin (e.g., excusing immorality under “love” or “inclusion” without repentance).
    • Avoid: Test everything against Scripture (Acts 17:11); don’t “touch” compromising teachings.
  • Creeping Worldly Philosophies / Mindsets
    • Things that crawl along the ground of culture, pulling us downward. Examples:
    • Materialism/consumerism that makes us hoard instead of trust God.
    • Relativism (“your truth/my truth”) eroding absolute moral standards.
    • Fear-driven anxiety or bitterness that creeps in through constant news/social media exposure. Avoid: “Set your mind on things above” (Colossians 3:2).
    • Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23).
  • Creeping People / Influences / Companions
    • Toxic relationships or “creepy” ungodly perspectives that defile by association (1 Corinthians 15:33: “Evil communications corrupt good manners”). 
    • Cynical, gossiping, or divisive people who drain faith.
    • Influencers/entertainers promoting immorality, occult, or anti-God views.
    • Compromising friendships that slowly normalize sin.
    • Avoid: While we love and witness to them , we don’t yoke unequally (2 Corinthians 6:14) or let them “creep” into close fellowship.
  • Creeping Personal Habits / Sins
    • Small things that start low and grow: Examples: Unchecked entertainment (porn, violent media), bitterness taking root (Hebrews 12:15), or little compromises in integrity.
    • Avoid: Confess quickly; “flee youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Paul used similar terminology in his final letter to Timothy

“1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim 3:1–7)

Again, I am not saying that we shouldn’t love these people and we should definitely try to reach them with the gospel, but we shouldn’t run with them either, allowing their lifestyles and doctrines to influence us. We’re free in Christ, but called to holiness. Love sinners, hate sin. Reach out without being contaminated.

The “creeping things” today are not the same as in Moses’ day, but they are to be avoided nonetheless.

What creeping things are trying to creep into your life today, and what will you do to avoid them?


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