Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

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).

The New Testament 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.

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.