{"id":1856,"date":"2023-11-03T18:21:40","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T18:21:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/?p=1856"},"modified":"2024-01-16T18:40:15","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T18:40:15","slug":"jesus-raised-the-bar-for-new-testament-sexual-ethics-matthew-527-28","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/?p=1856","title":{"rendered":"Jesus Raised the Bar for New Testament Sexual Ethics: Matthew 5:27-28"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1. Introduction and Summary<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article examines Matthew 5:27-28 to show how Jesus raised the bar for New Testament sexual ethics.  In summary, my single interpretation of Matthew 5:27-28 reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2026 while the OT teaches, the very act of adultery is an offense, the NT sexual ethic Jesus teaches is that a man becomes an offender because he has already committed adultery with a woman in his heart by looking at her with the genuine intention to make arrangements to commit adultery with that woman.  Of course, it is a sin for the man (offender) to commit adultery in his heart. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

One legitimate application of this passage covers the following situations: (Luster-Target) male-female, female-male, male-male and female-female.  Another legitimate application of this passage includes sexually-related activities inherent in the transgender lifestyle.  Thus, Jesus raised the NT sexual ethic for homosexual and transgender lifestyles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before I exegete Matthew 5:27-28, let me present a little background<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.  Background<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people in the American evangelical church appear to accept homosexual practice and transgender transitioning as biblical.  For example, the 2022 The State of Theology survey from Ligonier Ministries (link: The State of Theology<\/a>) shows that 28% of American evangelicals agree with the statement that the Bible\u2019s condemnation of homosexual behavior doesn\u2019t apply today.  The same survey shows that 37% of American evangelicals agree with the statement that gender identity is a matter of choice.  What this means for the 21st<\/sup> Century evangelical church is that almost 3 out of 10 American evangelical churchgoers think homosexual behavior is biblical and over one-third of these churchgoers think that a transgender lifestyle is acceptable.  Shocking!!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most churchgoers (no doubt including those who comprise the 28%-37%) say they carry out the Great Commission to spread the saving gospel of Jesus Christ per:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Acts 1:8 (NET) – 8<\/sup> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Matthew 28:16\u201320 (NET) – 16<\/sup> So the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain Jesus had designated. 17<\/sup> When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted.18<\/sup> Then Jesus came up and said to them, \u201cAll authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19<\/sup> Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,20<\/sup> teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Yet, there is a huge eternal contradiction for churchgoers that condone homosexual and transgender lifestyles!! <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I shout to the 28%-37%, you can\u2019t say you want to see sinners saved and condone damning lifestyles.  Why?  The reason is that people engaged in serial and unrepentant homosexual practice or transgender transitioning are not going to see the kingdom of God.  1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310 (NET) makes that clear [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9<\/sup> Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral<\/u><\/strong>, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals,<\/u><\/strong>10<\/sup> thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

So why would churchgoers (and church bodies) accommodate or condone homosexual practice or transgender transitioning?  I believe one reason is biblical illiteracy.  Many churchgoers want to go with the flow of society and take a \u201clive and let live\u201d approach.  Such an attitude paves the way for the slow and steady march of the LGBTQ theology into the American evangelical church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LGBTQ theology is the greatest threat to the American evangelical church today!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve written many articles about the LGBTQ movement and what the Bible says about homosexual practice and a transgender lifestyle.  In no way, shape, or form can an intellectually honest exegete<\/u><\/strong> interpret the Bible to condone, even in the least, either one of the above practices.  The time is now for those in the 28%-37% to \u201cBe a Berean\u201d<\/u><\/strong> per Acts 17:11 (NET):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11<\/sup> These Jews were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they eagerly received the message, examining the scriptures carefully every day to see if these things were so.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

3.  Exegesis of Matthew 5:27-28<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me examine Matthew 5:27-28 (NASB95) to show that Jesus raisd the bar for the NT sexual ethic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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27<\/sup> \u201cYou have heard that it was said, \u2018You shall not commit adultery\u2019; 28<\/sup> but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Verse 27 refers to the Seventh Commandment when it says, You shall not commit adultery.\u2019  Exodus 20:14 (NASB95) reads, \u201c14<\/sup> \u201cYou shall not commit adultery.\u201d  Also see Deuteronomy 5:18 (5:17 LXX).  The NASB95 translates the Greek verb moicheueis <\/em>as \u201cYou shall \u2026 commit adultery.\u201d  The Logos sense of the word is \u201cto have sexual intercourse with other than a spouse, as a married or betrothed person.\u201d  The Seventh Command has always referred to the act itself and has always been silent about thinking about the act of adultery. Moicheu\u014d<\/em> pertains the act and not lusting or planning the act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 28 shows that Jesus raised the bar for NT sexual ethics.  For emphasis, Jesus began with \u201cbut I say to you.\u201d  He wanted to make sure His audience knew the importance of what He was about to say.  The verb \u201csay\u201d is the English translation (NASB95) of the Greek verb leg\u014d<\/em> and the Logos sense is \u201cto state as one\u2019s opinion or judgment; declare.\u201d  While Jesus\u2019 audience may not have appreciated who he was, a 21st<\/sup> Century believer knows that Jesus is the Son of God, the Jewish Messiah, the Savior of the world.   Jesus\u2019 opinion carries the ultimate weight!!  Jesus is about to change the existing OT sexual ethics by raising the bar for NT sexual ethics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The offending action has two basic components.  First, the offender must \u201clooks at\u201d which is the English translation (NASB95) of the Greek verb blep\u014dn<\/em>.  The Logos sense of this verb is \u201cto perceive with attention; direct one\u2019s gaze towards.\u201d  Louw et al. defines it to mean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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13.134<\/strong> \u1f41\u03c1\u03ac\u03c9<\/strong>g<\/sup>; \u03b2\u03bb\u03ad\u03c0\u03c9<\/strong>f<\/sup>: to take responsibility for causing something to happen\u2014\u2018to see to it that something happens, to arrange for something to happen.\u2019  See Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains<\/em><\/a> (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 163). United Bible Societies.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Blep\u014dn <\/em>is a participle in the active voice which means the action of \u201clooks at\u201d is continuous by the offender.  Blep\u014dn<\/em> is more than a casual glance or even a double-take.  It is a continuous stare with the intention to take action to arrange the opportunity to carry out the act of adultery with that person whether successful or unsuccessful.  Wuest translates this verb as \u201cis looking at.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expression \u201clust for\u201d is the English translation of the Greek article-verb to epithym\u0113sai<\/em>.  The Logos sense of the verb is \u201cto crave a person sexually.\u201d  Louw et al. (Vol. 1, p. 289) defines it to mean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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25.12<\/strong> \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03ad\u03c9<\/strong>a<\/sup>; \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03af\u03b1<\/strong>a<\/sup>, \u03b1\u03c2 <\/strong>f<\/em>: to greatly desire to do or have something\u2014\u2018to long for, to desire very much.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Grammatically speaking, epithym\u0113sai<\/em> is an articular verb with a preposition that usually denotes (as it does here) purpose.  The offender\u2019s purpose is to lust, i.e., sexually crave his target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the heightened NT sexual ethic, to experience this \u201clooks at a woman with lust for her,\u201d equates to have \u201calready\u201d committed adultery with her in the offender\u2019s heart.  The NASB95 translates the Greek adverb \u0113d\u0113<\/em> as \u201calready.\u201d This adverb is a temporal adverb that modifies the modifier with reference to time or timing.  The Logos sense of the word is \u201cprior to a specified or implied time.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NASB95 translates the Greek verb emoicheusen<\/em> as \u201ccommitted adultery with her.\u201d  The verb is in the aorist tense, active voice, and indicative mood which means the adultery is not continuous by the offender.  But, it has already taken place!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UBS translation handbook (Newman, B. M., & Stine, P. C. (1992). A handbook on the Gospel of Matthew<\/em><\/a> (pp. 137\u2013138). United Bible Societies) reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It is important to note that this verse does not just refer to noticing a woman as attractive, or even to a brief recognition that she is sexually appealing. It refers instead to actually contemplating having sex with her, that is, to having the intention of doing so. Thus, for looks \u2026 lustfully<\/em> translators can say \u201cwants to sleep with her,\u201d \u201cwants sex with her,\u201d or \u201clooks at her with the intention of sleeping with her.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Where has the offender committed adultery?  He committed it in his heart.  According to Louw et al. (Vol. 1, p.  320), the Greek noun kardia <\/em>means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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26.3<\/strong> \u03ba\u03b1\u03c1\u03b4\u03af\u03b1<\/strong>a<\/sup>, \u03b1\u03c2 <\/strong>f<\/em>: (a figurative extension of meaning of \u03ba\u03b1\u03c1\u03b4\u03af\u03b1 \u2018heart,\u2019 not occurring in the NT in its literal sense) the causative source of a person\u2019s psychological life in its various aspects, but with special emphasis upon thoughts\u2014\u2018heart, inner self, mind.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Another resource (Swanson, J. (1997). In Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament)<\/em><\/a> (electronic ed.). Logos Research Systems, Inc.) defines kardia <\/em>to mean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2840<\/strong> \u03ba\u03b1\u03c1\u03b4\u03af\u03b1 (kardia<\/em>), \u03b1\u03c2 (as<\/em>), \u1f21 (h\u0113<\/em>): n.fem.; \u2261 DBLHebr 4213, 4222; Str 2588; TDNT 3.605\u20141.<\/strong> LN 26.3 inner self<\/strong>, never the literal body part called the \u201cheart,\u201d this is a reference to the areas of the inner self, including: the volition, the mind, the desires, etc., though the facility of the intellect may be slightly more emphasized (Mt 15:19; Lk 6:45 v.r.); 2.<\/strong> LN 83.14 inside<\/strong>, far inside something (Mt 12:40), note: see LN index for a fuller treatment of the lexical units.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In light of the above analysis, the single correct interpretation of Matthew 5:27-28 is below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.  My Single Correct Interpretation of Matthew 5:27-28<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My (Steve Belsheim) single correct interpretation of these verses is that while the OT teaches, the very act of adultery is an offense, the NT sexual ethic Jesus teaches is that a man becomes an offender because he has already committed adultery with a woman in his heart by looking at her with the genuine intention to make arrangements to commit adultery with that woman.  Of course, it is a sin for the man (offender) to commit adultery in his heart.  Jesus\u2019 teaching means that while the OT sexual ethic prohibited the act itself, the NT sexual ethic prohibits planning to (make arrangements to) commit the act. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is clear that Jesus raised the bar for the NT sexual ethic for adultery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.  What Commentators Say<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before I extracted applications from my interpretation, I wanted to examine what respected commentators wrote about Matthew 5:27-28.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blomberg (Blomberg, C. (1992). Matthew (Vol. 22, p. 109). Broadman & Holman Publishers) cautions not to underapply the teaching if this passage [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Instead Jesus is condemning lustful thoughts and actions\u2014those involving an actual desire (the most literal translation of the verb epithyme\u014d) to have sexual relations with someone other than one\u2019s spouse. Yet despite the danger of overapplying this verse, an even greater danger is that of underapplying it.<\/u><\/strong> –<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Jamieson et al. (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 22). Logos Research Systems, Inc.) advises giving this passage a broad scope [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We are not to suppose, from the word here used\u2014\u201cadultery\u201d\u2014that our Lord means to restrict the breach of this commandment to married persons, or to criminal intercourse with such. The expressions, \u201cwhosoever looketh,\u201d and \u201clooketh upon a woman,\u201d seem clearly to extend the range of this commandment to all forms of impurity, and the counsels which follow\u2014as they most certainly were intended for all, whether married or unmarried\u2014seem to confirm this<\/u><\/strong> –<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Lenski (Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation of St. Matthew\u2019s Gospel (p. 226). Augsburg Publishing House) also gives a broad scope to this passage [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It ought to be understood that what is thus said of a man (\u03c0\u1fb6\u03c2 \u1f41 masculine) is equally true of a woman.<\/u><\/strong> Likewise, \u201cevery man\u201d is general and cannot be restricted to married men; and \u03b3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b1\u1fd6\u03ba\u03b1 cannot refer only to a married woman who belongs to another man. A bachelor\u2019s lustful look upon a maid is certainly as adulterous as the lustful look of a married man upon another man\u2019s wife –<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It is acceptable to apply broadly my interpretation of Matthew 5:27-28.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stern (Stern, D. H. (1996). Jewish New Testament Commentary : a companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed., Mt 5:28). Jewish New Testament Publications) counsels that Matthew 5:27-28 applies to homosexual practice [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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28      The believer has \u201cthe mind of the Messiah\u201d (1C 2:15) and is not to nurture and cherish improper sexual feelings, desires, urges and lusts. If he does, then, for reasons explained at Ya 1:12\u201315, he will succumb to the temptations they raise, give sexual fantasizing undue control in his life and finally engage in wrong sexual behavior such as adultery, fornication and homosexuality <\/u><\/strong>(on homosexuality see Ro 1:24\u201328&N). – <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

An article at the bible.org website (Homosexuality \u2013 The Biblical Christian View (link: https:\/\/bible.org\/article\/homosexuality-biblical-christian-view<\/a>)), the author gives Matthew5:27-28 a broad scope to include homosexual practice and other unrighteousness [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jesus made clear that God\u2019s standard of right and wrong did not simply stop with an external act, but rather included our thoughts and heart. It is wrong to even fantasize immorally<\/a>. Most directly this deals with married people and the sin of both physical and mental adultery. However it goes much further than this when the principle of what Jesus was teaching is seen. \u2026  People might try to restrict the applicability of the law to make themselves appear to be holy and righteous. Regardless, God is not deceived. Whether it is the minimizing of lying, cheating, stealing, envy, covetousness, adultery, witchcraft, pornography, fornication, swindling, drunkenness, homosexuality, or any other unrighteousness<\/u><\/strong>\u2014Jesus here intentionally shows that <\/a>He would not be in agreement with such a handling of God\u2019s Word. If anything His definition of these sins is broader than we would like to think. Jesus\u2019 ethic would thus clearly apply to homosexuality as part of the law (Lev. 18:22, 20<\/a>:13) which would not become void (Luke 16:17<\/a>). \u2013. .<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the gotquestions.org website [Gotquestions.org  Is Same-Sex Attraction a Sin? Link:  https:\/\/www.gotquestions.org\/same-sex-attraction.html<\/a>] brings homosexual practice within the scope of Matthew 5:27-28 [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In Matthew 5:27\u201328, Jesus equates lust with adultery. This establishes a biblical principle: if it is a sin to do something, it is also a sin to desire to do that something. The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is a sin (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26\u201327; 1 Corinthians 6:9). Therefore, it is also sinful to desire to commit homosexual acts.<\/u><\/strong> Does this mean that same-sex attraction is a sin? To answer this, we must distinguish between active sin and the passive condition of being tempted.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In reference to transgenderism, in an article entitled \u201cWhat does the Bible say about cross-dressing\/transvestism?\u201d, the gotquestions.org website [https:\/\/www.gotquestions.org\/cross-dressing-transvestism.html] reads [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Deuteronomy 22:5 deals with the issue cross-dressing \/ transvestism (men dressing in women\u2019s clothing and vice versa). In this passage God commands that a woman is not to wear that which pertains to a man and a man is not to wear that which pertains to a woman, for all that do so are an \u201cabomination.\u201d The Hebrew word translated \u201cabomination\u201d means “a disgusting thing, abominable, in the ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages), in the ethical sense of wickedness.” Therefore, this is not simply God addressing the fact that a woman might put on a man\u2019s garment or vice versa. Also, this is not a command that a woman should not wear pants\/slacks as some use this passage to teach. The meaning here is that this \u201ccross-dressing\u201d and transvestism is done in order to deceive, or to present oneself as something that he\/she is not. In other words, this speaks to a woman changing her dress and appearance so as to appear to be a man and a man changing his dress and appearance so as to appear to be a woman. This is the definition of cross-dressing or a transvestism.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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We can also reason that the dynamic behind this is the leaving of what is natural and taking on that which is in God\u2019s Word called unnatural (Romans 1:24-27). Paul tells the Corinthian church that the way a woman wears her hair is a reflection of God\u2019s order, and therefore a woman who cuts her hair to appear as a man or a man who wears his hair long to appear as a woman brings shame to them (1 Corinthians 11:3-15). The issue here is the motive and attitude of the heart that is evidenced in the choice to rebel against God\u2019s standard for obedience.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In another article entitled \u201cWhat does the Bible say about the various forms of gender dysphoria?\u201d [link: https:\/\/www.gotquestions.org\/transsexualism-gender-identity-disorder.html<\/a> ] , the gotquestions.org website reads [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The closest the Bible comes to mentioning transgenderism is in its condemnations of homosexuality (Romans 1:18\u201332; 1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310) and transvestitism (Deuteronomy 22:5). The Greek word often translated \u201chomosexual offenders\u201d or \u201cmale prostitutes\u201d in 1 Corinthians 6:9 literally means \u201ceffeminate men.\u201d So, while the Bible does not directly mention transgenderism, when it mentions other instances of gender \u201cconfusion,\u201d it clearly and explicitly identifies them as sin.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It is apparent that many commentators agree that the scope of Jesus\u2019 NT sexual ethic per Matthew 5:27-28 definitely covers the homosexual lifestyle and arguably covers a transgender lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.  Two Legitimate Applications of Matthew 5:27-28<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping in mind the legitimate scope of Jesus\u2019 NT sexual ethic and not wanting to underapply this passage, it is my opinion that the following two applications are legitimate applications of Matthew 5:27-28.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One legitimate application of this passage covers the following situations: (Luster-Target) male-female, female-male, male-male and female-female. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another legitimate application of this passage includes sexually-related activities inherent in the transgender lifestyle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clearly, Jesus raised the bar for the NT sexual ethic pertaining to a homosexual lifestyle and a transgender lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.  Conclusion<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope that the 28%-37% folks give some thought to Matthew 5:27-28 and its impact on their opinions about homosexual and transgender lifestyles.  I urge them to carry out their own exegesis of Matthew 5:27-28 and then reevaluate their opinion about the statements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statement 27: Gender identity is a matter of choice<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statement 28: The Bible\u2019s condemnation of homosexual behavior doesn\u2019t apply today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My hope is they will disagree with both statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are unsure about your salvation or are not a Christian, it is vital that you continue reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT YOUR SALVATION<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are unsure about your salvation, you need to check out my book The Salvation Meter: Biblical Self-Diagnostic Tests to Examine Your Salvation<\/em> and Spiritual Growth<\/em> (book link at Xulon Press: https:\/\/www.xulonpress.com\/bookstore\/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781662828638<\/a> ).  At Amazon the book link is  https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Salavation-Meter-Biblical-Self-Diagnostic-Spiritual\/dp\/1662828632<\/a> .  I also have a website in which I am updating the content in the book.  The link to my website for the book is https:\/\/thesalvationmeter.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IF YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2026 please (1) read through \u201cGod\u2019s Plan of Salvation\u201d so you can understand what God did for you through His only unique Son, Jesus Christ, and (2), from the bottom of your heart, pray the \u201cSinner\u2019s Prayer\u201d meaning every word.  If you do, you will be reconciled to God \u2013 saved – through Jesus Christ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Plan of Salvation<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the beginning, God, who is holy, created the entire universe.  As a part of His creative actions, He made humans (male and female) in His image to know Him.  For a while, everything was right between God and our ancestors, Adam and Eve.  But Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God, whereby Adam\u2019s sin was passed down to all of humanity, creating a separation between God and humanity.  We cannot do anything to bridge that separation so that without God\u2019s intervention, hell is our eternal destination.   Fortunately for us, in His great love and mercy, God provided us with the only<\/u><\/strong> means of salvation through Abraham\u2019s lineage by sending the Jewish Messiah, Jesus Christ, God\u2019s only unique Son.  While retaining His deity, God the Son became a man in Jesus, lived a perfect life, thereby fulfilling the Law, and died a substitutionary atoning death on the cross, taking on Himself the punishment for the sins of all people.  Jesus rose from the dead, showing that God the Father accepted Jesus\u2019 sacrifice on the cross, thereby exhausting God\u2019s wrath against humanity.  God now calls on every unbeliever to repent of their sins and completely trust in Christ alone that Jesus died for their sins and rose to life from the dead.  Every unbeliever who repents and trusts in Jesus Christ will be forgiven of all their sins (past, present, and future) and born again as a new creation in Christ, possessing guaranteed eternal life with God. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, 26, 31; Habakkuk 1:13; Genesis 2:7-25;  Genesis 3:1-7, 22-24; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:19-20, 23; 5:17-19; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Colossians 1:15; 2:9; Matthew 1:18, 20, 24-25; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:24; Hebrews 2:17; 9:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 John 4:10; John 3:16-18; Mark 1:15; Acts 17:30; 26:20; Romans 1:4; 4:25; John 3:5-8; 1 Peter 1:3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cSinner\u2019s Prayer\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord, Jesus Christ, the only unique Son of God, thank You for Your free gift of eternal life.  I know I\u2019m a sinner who cannot save myself no matter what I do, and I deserve to spend eternity in hell.  But, I know that because You loved me so much, You voluntarily died on the cross for me taking my sins upon Yourself, and You physically bodily rose from the grave showing that Your sacrificial death was sufficient payment to give me eternal life in Heaven.  I now repent of my sins and completely trust alone in what You did for my eternal salvation.  Please take control of my life as I now receive You as my Lord and Savior.  Thank You so much for saving me.  I am now Yours forever!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Scripture references: John 1:1-4, 11-14; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:21-26; Isaiah 53:4-6; Mark 1:15; Acts 16:31; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; John 10:27-29).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTICE OF PERMISSIONS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am mindful of and respect the rights other authors and\/or publishers possess in their works.  I thus try my best to not violate any copyright rights other authors and\/or publishers possess in their works.  The below copyright permission statement is the result of my best efforts to understand that limited usage or “fair use” is available and\/or to secure direct permission for specific works.  The quotations from commentaries are considered to be “fair use.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture quotations marked “ESV” are from the ESV\u00ae Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked \u201cNASB95\u201d are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE\u00ae, Copyright \u00a9 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation.  Used by permission.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked “NCV” is taken from the New Century Version.  Copyright \u00a9 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.  All rights reserved.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Scriptures marked “NET” are quoted are from the NET Bible\u00ae  http:\/\/netbible.com copyright \u00a91996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.  All rights reserved”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright \u00a9 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked “GW” is taken from the God’s Word Bible that is a copyrighted work of God’s Word to the Nations.  Quotations are used by permission.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible\u00ae, Used by Permission HCSB \u00a91999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers.  Holman Christian Standard Bible\u00ae, Holman CSB\u00ae, and HCSB\u00ae are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1. Introduction and Summary This article examines Matthew 5:27-28 to show how Jesus raised the bar for New Testament sexual ethics.  In summary, my single interpretation of Matthew 5:27-28 reads: \u2026 while the OT teaches, the very act of adultery is an offense, the NT sexual ethic Jesus teaches is that a man becomes an […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[319],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-lgbtq"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1856"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1856\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1861,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1856\/revisions\/1861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}