What does Galatians 5:19 mean?


"Now the works of the flesh are manifest,
which are these; Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness," -Galatians 5:19

All four sins in this list are sexual sins: adultery, fornication, uncleanness. Lasciviousness can also mean noisy drunken partying of a sexual nature. As appalled as we are at modern sexual immorality, we should remember that sexual immorality in the first century AD was as bad or worse. King Solomon told us in Ecclesiastes 1:9 -

"There is nothing new under the sun."

The bawdiness of sexual life in the first century Greco-Roman world was celebrated in plays and novels as well as on pottery and in tile mosaics on floors, walls, ceilings and building facades. Illicit sexuality in New Testament times included same sex activity whose sole purpose was to serve the fertility goddess.

Galatians 5:19


The first thing to note about our passage is the distinction between works, v. 19, and fruit, v. 22.

Works are a product of the flesh and are never acceptable to God to earn your salvation. Our problem as human beings is that we lack righteousness. "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" in God's eyes, Isaiah 64:6. And yet, God requires righteousness in order for us to be saved.

Since God could never accept our human righteousness, God became flesh, John 1:14, 1 Timothy 3:16, when Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, Galatians 4:4, Matthew 1:18, 23, 25. He went to the cross and suffered all of God's wrath against our sins.

His perfect sacrifice was accepted by God, 1 John 2:2. We know this because God raised Jesus from the dead, Romans 8:11, Acts 17:31.

God freely gives us His righteousness when we receive the gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 4:5-6, 5:17, 6:23.

This is the Bible doctrine of justification by faith.

Fruit is a product of the indwelling Holy Spirit and is one evidence you are born again. If your life doesn't exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, you need to examine whether you're just a religious lost person or a backslidden saved person.

Have you taken the Good Person Test and watched the short video to help determine if you are saved or lost?

The term "flesh" refers not just to the body but also to the old nature, the part of us that is not saved or born again. When you trusted Jesus Christ, (1) your soul got saved, Romans 10:13, (2) your spirit got born again, John 3:3-8, and (3) but your flesh didn't get saved, Galatians 2:20.

Your saved soul and born again spirit dwell in your fleshly body and that causes a struggle between your two natures.

Spiritual growth and blessing depends on which nature you feed, your flesh or your spirit. In any case, your body of flesh will not be redeemed until the rapture, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, 2 Corinthians 5:1-6.

Lust Gets - Love Gives


"The flesh lusts against the Spirit," Galatians 5:17 and that battle confuses many Christians. Victory over the flesh does not mean that you eradicate or suppress the flesh/the old nature as your method to stop sinning.

Walking in victory means to obey the Holy Spirit instead of obeying the flesh. Victory means yielding to God instead of yielding to the flesh, Romans 6:11-14.

Victory is a moment by moment thing and while the choice is up to you, God commands you to, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16

If you are saved, you already have the power of God to walk in the Spirit (which means to obey God's Holy Spirit). The real issue is, Do you desire to walk in the Spirit, to obey the Spirit instead of the flesh? You are either God's servant, obedient to the Holy Spirit or you are a servant of your old nature, obedient to the flesh, Romans 6:16.

1. Adultery - from the Greek word, moicheia, occurs 4 times in the New Testament.

It means sexual relations with someone to whom you are not married and is generally translated, adultery, a married person stepping outside the marriage for sex, thus breaking the marriage vow, Matthew 15:19, Mark 7:21, John 8:3, Galatians 5:19. Jesus taught that you can commit adultery without ever having sex. If you lust after someone in your heart, according to Jesus, that is adultery, Matthew 5:27-28

2. Fornication - from the Greek word, porneia, occurs 26 times in the New Testament.

Porneia carries a broader meaning than moicheia, referring to almost any kind of sexual sin. It is often translated, fornication yet includes adultery, Matthew 5:32.

The sin of fornication in the Bible often indicates shrine prostitution, Acts 15:29 & Revelation 2:21, 9:21. It can also include street prostitution, 1 Corinthians 6:13, sexual intercourse by single people outside the bounds of a committed partnership, 1 Corinthians 7:2, and spiritual fornication or worshiping false gods, Revelation 17:2, 4, 18:3, 19:2

3. Uncleanness - from the Greek word, akatharsia, from the akathartos stem, occurs 10 times in the New Testament, used once by Jesus and nine times by the apostle Paul.

Akatharsia often describes the moral and physical uncleanness of shrine prostitution - the sexual worship of false gods. Paul references this in 1 Corinthians 6:13, where he warns: "Now the body is not for fornication but for the Lord."

The Jewish scholars who translated the Hebrew Tanakh (our Old Testament) into the Greek Septuagint around 200 BC, used the akathartos stem to translate Hebrew words describing idolatry.

This was the common understanding of akatharsia in the first century AD. Thus, when Paul writes his epistles, he uses the commonly understood meaning of akatharsian and akatharsia in Romans 1:24, 6:19, Galatians 5:19 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7, to describe the uncleanness of idolatry and pagan worship. In ancient secular usage akatharsia also described a rotting corpse.

Romans 1:24 uses akatharsia to describe idol worshipers or shrine prostitutes who dishonor their own bodies between themselves. Paul repeats the Greek word akatharsia in Romans 6:19, describing shrine prostitutes who got saved. He encourages them to yield their bodies to God's service with the same enthusiasm they yielded their bodies to serving the fertility goddess.

4. Lasciviousness - from the Greek word, aselgia, occurs 9 times in the New Testament.

It means public sexual excess, shameless lust, noisy partying.

Define the Greek word akatharsian

Words they left out of new Bibles

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Aug 19, 2010
 You cannot practice Homosexuality & be a Christian
by: PW

What fellowship has light with darkness? 1 Cor 6:9 - Do not be deceived, neither fornicator(any sex outside of a marrage between a man & a woman for the purpose of producing osprings, also masterbating, porno, etc..), nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Galatians 6:7,8 - Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Titus 2: 11,12 - For the grace of God has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness & wordly lust, we should live soberlyy, righteously & godly in the present age...

Jude 1: 4-6 - For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God & our Lord Jesus Christ. V6: And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgement of the great day: AS SODOM & GOMORRAH (THAT PRACTICED HOMOSEXUALITY, BEASTIALITY, SODOMY) AND THE CITIES AROOUND THEM IN A SIMILAR MANNER TO THESE, HAVING GIVEN THEMSELVES OVER TOSEXUAL IMMORALITY AND GONE AFTER STRANGE FLESH, ARE SER FORTH AS AN EXAMPLE, SUFFERING THE VENGEANCE OF ETERNAL FIRE. V16: These grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lust; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage (or getting people to believe a lie and twisting scriptures for their own advantge to make their lustful behavor acceptable). V18: how they told you that in the last time (or last days) there would be mockers who would walk according to their own ungodly lust. V:19 These are sensual (secular) person, who cause divisions, not haveing the Spirit of God within them (the unsaved).

1 Thes 4:3,4,5 - For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should obstain for sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel (body) in sanctification & honor, not in pass of lust like the Gentiles (unbelievers who do not know God.

A enuick is someone who can't physical perform sex or doesn't want anything to do with it. No sex drive. Paul the apostle chose to live a life of denying the sex drive in order to focus on doing the works of saving others & preaching. You can have homosexual tendicies but you must deny yourself from acting/thinking upon them. Jesus said you must deny yourself and pick up your cross daily to serve Him.

I hope I've encouraged you somehow! God Bless - Pw

Rick's comment: Yes, it's always encouraging to be blasted with scriptures taken out of context and mis-applied to us in a condemning way.
Aug 20, 2010
 Hilarious Ignorance from PW
by: Rick Brentlinger

Did it ever occur to you to "study to shew yourself approved unto God?"

Did it ever occur to you to explain scripture in context instead of simply parroting the ignorance of a preacher who told you his opinion of what it means?

"I hope I've encouraged you somehow! God Bless"

Really?

If you want to encourage us, how about developing enough Christian honesty to "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ASHAMED rightly dividing the word of truth"? 2 Timothy 2:15

When you anti-gay christians develop Christian honesty, THAT will encourage us!
Oct 14, 2010
 How?
by: Travis

How did PW not study....?
Oct 14, 2010
 Here's how Travis
by: Rick Brentlinger

Rick's comment: Travis- PW did not study because like so many lazy anti-gay christians, he simply parrots false information he heard from someone else.

God does not create automatons. God intends us to think and reason using the mental faculties He so kindly gave us.

This website encourages personal Bible study by offering FREE Downloads of Bible study, by going in depth to explain the meaning of scripture and by providing extensive FREE resources including our eDisciples page.

Click a NavBar button and begin your own personal study of the Bible.
Apr 23, 2011
 wow
by: Anonymous

How can anyone honestly read the Word of God and justify homosexual activities? I was shocked to see an actual web site. We all live in some sort of sin or other, no better or worse, but to try and justify it is a mockery to a Holy God.
Apr 23, 2011
 Homosexual and Christian
by: Anonymous

You can commit homosexual acts while being a Christian, as you can lie, cheat on your spouse, get drunk and any number of sins. We all battle the flesh. However, if you are a drunkard, an adulterer, in other words approving and instituting it in your life, you should beware.

Rick's comment: I encourage you to look at the NavBar and find, What The Bible Says. Then click on the verse that you think prohibits homosexuality and you can answer your own question.

I should point out that no one on this website is defending adultery or drunkenness. In your comments we have a classic example of someone assuming we believe something we do not believe. If you will take the time to read a bit more, you will discover you have misjudged us.
Apr 26, 2014
 Thank You!
by: Kevin

I'm a gay Christian and I'm very thankful I found this website! The negative comments are to be expected, but we must remember to love as Christ loved but also to never allow anyone to steal our joy or rob us of the freedom we have found in Him! Thanks again for the website! :)

Rick's comment: You're welcome Kevin - I'm glad we can be a blessing to you.
Sep 04, 2014
 Sin
by: Sam K. justice

Our body is the temple of God so we have to do away all our sinful/ Adamic nature.
Oct 04, 2014
 Expansion of Galatians 5:19 to 5:21 question
by: Zacary

Rick, you seem to know the Bible pretty well so I hope you can give me an answer to this. Galatians 5:19-21 gives a list of things that will prevent you from inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven. But what if you are committing one of those sins without knowing it? Will God condemn you to Hell if you are sinning unknowingly? John 11:25 tells of Jesus saying that whoever believes in Him will live eternally. So if I believe in Jesus but I am committing a sin that Paul says will not let me inherit the Kingdom of Heaven will I go to Hell or Heaven? Thanks for you time.

Rick's comment: Hi Zachary - Excellent questions!

First, It helps us understand context when we read the entire chapter. If we isolate a verse or two, we can easily end up with the wrong interpretation. The context of Galatians 5:19-21 is the entire chapter.

Second, Gal 5:1 tells us we have liberty in Christ because Christ has set free those of us who believe on Him as our Savior.

Third, The key to living for Jesus is Gal 5:16 - "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." If you want victory over the sins listed in Gal 5:19-21, you must walk in the Spirit. That is a normal thing for a Christian, not an abnormal thing.

Fourth, In every saved man or woman, there is an internal spiritual battle between flesh and Spirit. We walk in the Spirit by reading, believing, learning and obeying the written word of God.

Fifth, Gal 5:17 points out the struggle between flesh and spirit which every Christian faces. We can give in to our flesh which is NOT saved or we can obey the Spirit and refuse to be ruled by our unsaved flesh.

Sixth, In Gal 5:19-21, Paul is not saying that if a Christian envies someone or gets drunk or parties, he has lost his salvation and will go to hell. Vs. 19-21 are in the context of chapter 5 and the rest of Galatians. Paul is discussing the interior battle in a saved man between his flesh and his saved born again spirit. Paul is pointing out that the sins he lists may be part of normal life for an unsaved man but should not be part of normal life for a saved man.

He is speaking to young converts who got saved out of pagan goddess worship cults like the cult of Cybele, which used sex and alcohol and drugs to worship their false gods. He is reminding them that those things are not of the Holy Spirit who now indwells their physical body therefore, obey God, clean up your life and live for Jesus by walking in the Spirit, Gal 5:16.

Vs. 19-21 are a check list to help you know, along with the proddings of your conscience and the leading of the Holy Spirit, that you are not walking in the Spirit, so you can change course and get right with God.

Likewise, vs. 22-23 are the check list to help you know when you are walking in the Spirit and growing in grace as a disciple of Jesus.

Seventh, If a man's life is full of the sins Paul lists in vs. 19-21 instead of the fruit of the Spirit in vs. 22-23, then that man needs to examine his heart because he probably is not saved. He may have had a religious experience but saved people do not live in those sins as the normal course of life because the indwelling Holy Spirit delivered them from those sins.

Eighth, Some Christians commit some of those sins because they are rebellious and lazy and refuse to read, study and obey the written word of God.

Ninth, Those Christians need to learn the Bible, become disciples of Jesus and obey the Holy Spirit, which, by the way, is a lifelong process. Learning the Bible and learning to walk in the Spirit doesn't happen instantly when you get saved. It takes daily weekly monthly yearly self-discipline to learn the Bible and cultivate the habit of obeying God.

Tenth, Most of the sins we commit are intentional. Most of the time, we know when we are sinning, especially the particular sins Paul lists in Gal 5:19-21. For situations where you do not know you're sinning, the Holy Spirit will convict you of your sin in a way that is so clear you will know He is convicting you and you will then get right with God, 1 John 1:9. Hope this is helpful Zachary.

What must I do to be saved?
Oct 19, 2014
 Sodom's sin & restoration
by: Jewel

Sodom and Gomorrah were not destroyed because they were homosexuals. In Genesis, we learn that their sins were grievous and the cry great...

Rick's comment: Hi Jewel - I moved your comment to a thread about Sodom so that it stays on topic and we don't get off-topic on this thread about Galatians. Your comment is now online at the link below. Many thanks.

How can you say that the Sodom story in Genesis 19 is about lack of hospitality?
Nov 08, 2014
 The TWO Commandments given to us by JESUS
by: michael

"LOVE God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength...
and LOVE your neighbor as yourself."
Nov 29, 2014
 Not real convincing
by: Grant

Firstly, I wonder if I get green feedback or red feedback. Secondly, I wonder if anyone can oppose your view and not get relegated to being accused of parroting verses without thought or concern. Where is the fair response to other views in these comments?

Rick's comment: Hi Grant - so far, no one, including you, has presented a succinct and pithy argument. Opinions do not further the discussion. Where is the fair response? The articles on this website are the response, which many commenters avoid discussing by the way.

Thirdly, your assumptions about the context of Galatians being so limited to a bunch of young people leaving shrine prostitution is a bit much.

Rick's comment: Yet if you knew the cultural historical and religious context in which Paul labored, you might be inclined to agree. Acts 13-18 take place largely in Phrygia, where the fertility goddess was the reigning false deity. The Galatians lived in that pagan reality and from that pagan system, Paul's converts were gloriously saved.

Fourthly, couldn't anyone explain away any area of sin by saying what happens these days is different to what happened in the first century. "Oow, witchcraft is cool today because it is honest and caring, not like the religious witchcraft of those days." "Cool, I have a natural want to be jealous, lucky for me it is not like the jealously in Galatians... others wouldn't understand that because they just quote Bible verses without really studying it." etc.

Rick's comment: Your straw man argument is not my argument. Please reread what I wrote because you've missed the point.

GayChristian101, you are on a very dangerous journey of making scripture say what you want. You sound all nice and well learned. Your use of Greek sounds smart. You will easily convince people who want you to be right but your apparent "authentic biblical Christianity" is not a path I dare venture down because I'm not going to give up my freedom in Christ for anything, ever!

Rick's comment: As I understand it, you insist on your own freedom in Christ, Galatians 5:1, but you would deny us our freedom in Christ without advancing any Bible based argument to support your denial. Your views are not real convincing.
Jan 12, 2015
 Could homosexuality be a spirit?
by: Camy

I was looking for bible verses to encourage a young lady who is struggling, she is lesbian because of an experience with a man and she now hates men. her words "I just want someone a woman, that I can have in my life, because I know homosexuality is wrong and its not Christian but its hard and I'm not happy" I found Galatians somewhere and I was just thinking, could homosexuality be a spirit that comes upon people and oppresses them? maybe through an experience, abuse/rape broken hearts? can you be delivered from homosexuality? that is if you wanted to?
Now I'm finding myself constantly thinking about this lady and what she is going through. I cannot judge the next person but can I continue just counselling her when my belief is that it is wrong. when she is looking to me for advise? pls note I have not said to her it is wrong or not, nor have I said she is going to hell, I am trying to help her cope with her life decisions.

Rick's comment: Hi Camy - thanks for the interesting questions. The idea that being lesbian or gay is the result of a demonic spirit presupposes that being gay or lesbian is wrong. Nothing in the Bible indicates that two gay guys or two gay gals spending their lives together as a couple is sinful behavior.

I do not believe that being gay or lesbian is the result of demons, devils and unclean spirits when we're dealing with saved gays and lesbians. If someone is using same sex rituals to worship false gods and goddesses, then Yes, absolutely, that is demonic and no Christian should be involved in that.

On this website, I provide answers to the questions people ask plus biblically, culturally, historically and religiously accurate explanations of the clobber passages.

It is vitally important that your friend makes SURE she is saved. After that, how about going through my Gay Christian FAQ and my What the Bible Says section of this website with her.
Feb 09, 2015
 Homosexuality is a grievous sin
by: Joe Zammit

The Sixth Commandment of God forbids as grievous sins all interior and exterior sexual acts outside of marriage. Marriage to be intended solely as a permanent union between one man and one woman.

so, masturbation, adultery, homosexuality, fornication, sodomy, etc are grievous sins that separate the sinner from God and puts them on the path to hell.

Remember that no one is going to deceive God!

Rick's comment: Hi Joe - you have presented the classic Roman Catholic view, based on Catholic opinion and not based on what the Bible says in context.

Have you any knowledge of Roman Catholic Church history? Are you aware of the seedy slimy sexual practices of so many Popes and practicing Catholics?

It seems to me you have enough sordid sin in your church to keep you occupied for several hundred years yet here you are, ranting on gays and lesbians AS IF we are the problem. I kindly suggest it is time to get a clue and get saved by grace alone through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.

With the tsunami of sexual sins in your own church, it's unseemly to keep taking pot shots at your gay brothers and lesbian sisters - makes you look un-serious and in-authentic. Many thanks for stopping by.
Apr 11, 2015
 Thanks!
by: Krystal

Thank you for your insight on this text in the Bible. Your knowledge is definitely a gift! I woke up this morning and started reading because I've been feeling off and out of God's will and I came across this passage. I could understand most of it, but needed help. I appreciate your study and in depth research. Thanks so much :) Blessings to you!

Rick's comment: Hi Krystal - You're welcome - God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others by sharing the glorious gospel of Christ, which, when believed, sets men and women free in Christ.

What must I do to be saved?
Apr 12, 2015
 Love and the Law
by: Mksystem

It is true that we are to love our neighbor as yourself, but what Jesus our Lord is talking about is not just our imperfect human notion of love. It is His love we are to give, but how does a sinful, imperfect, believer know what God's perfect love looks like? 1 John 5:3New International Version (NIV)

3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.

To love as GOD loves we must follow the Ten Commandments, if we do this GOD's love flows forth.

Rick's comment: Hi Mksystem - Because grace is the anti-thesis of law keeping, I hope you will reevaluate your defense of law keeping based on the verses I've provided below. The book of Galatians is also an excellent read on this topic. Here is what New Testament scripture says about keeping the law. Many thanks for stopping by.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14.

Christians are "dead to the law." Romans 7:4.

"If ye be led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law" Galatians 5:18.

Christians are "delivered from the law." Romans 7:6.

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster " [the law]. Galatians 3:24-25.

For Christians, the Law is "that which is done away." II Corinthians 3:11.

For Christians, the Law is "that which is abolished." II Corinthians 3:13.

For Christians, Jesus, on the Cross, was "blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us." Colossians 2:14.

For Christians, the Law is taken "out of the way" and nailed "to his cross." Colossians 2:14.

"When God speaks of a new [covenant or agreement], He makes the first one obsolete (out of use). And what is obsolete (out of use and annulled because of age) is ripe for disappearance and to be dispensed with altogether." Hebrews 8:13, The Amplified Version

"And after that he said, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. Thus he put an end to the first in order to establish the second." Hebrews 10:9, Lamsa Translation

What is God's grace?
Apr 16, 2015
 Justification?
by: JW

Your position is clearly one taken to deny that the Bible calls homosexuality a sin. You can, as you accuse others of doing, take verses out of context and even deny obvious meanings to justify your stand, but that does not change the Word of God. I could create a blog justifying any number of sins, and make a very good case that would appeal to those who desire justification for their particular sin, but that does not change the fact that it is still sin in God's eyes. As Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery; "Go and sin no more." He didn't say justify your sin so it will ease your conscience. I hope that you will indeed open your eyes and heart to God's truth.

Rick's comment: Hi JW - Your objection is so third grade but I get that a lot. Folks who refuse to study the Bible in context always accuse me of twisting scripture or denying its obvious meaning.

The light of God's glorious gospel can shine in your heart when you stop pushing your anti-gay agenda and start believing what the Bible says in context.

What must I do to be saved?
May 22, 2015
 you are Justifying your lifestyle
by: Glenroy

Let me, what does Leviticus 18:22 means, Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind:it is abomination. And Leviticus 18:29.for whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.

Rick's comment: Hi Glenroy - Accusing me of justifying my lifestyle is the response of a man who doesn't study his Bible. Leviticus 18:22 and 29 are talking about folks who use sex to worship false gods. Those verses are not now and never have been about gays and lesbians.

What are shrine prostitutes?
Jul 02, 2015
 Christian Consensus
by: Amanda

I am familiar with Saint Aristides and are you making the claim that his apology was a defense of homosexuality? His interpretation of Romans is far from it. How do you make the connection? I totally agree that many of the epistles were directed toward the sin of idolatry however what I am asking is how does that equate to your position on homosexuality? For something to be doctrinally sound there must be consensus. The Trinity for example not something that was universally excepted until after the ecumenical councils. I am looking for Christian consensus on this topic. Your site does not provide that.

Rick's comment: Hi Amanda - I never make the claim that Aristides was defending homosexuality. I am saying that Paul in Romans 1:26-27, did not indict lesbians and gays. He was instead, indicting shrine prostitutes, people who used sex to worship the fertility goddess, which is precisely how Aristides, less than 70 years later, under-stood Romans 1.

That being true, there is no reason for the anti-gay crowd to use a variety of christian consensus to allege that Romans 1 is really about lesbians and gays. Romans 1 is and always has been an instance where Paul used female shrine prostitutes, v. 26, and male shrine prostitutes, v. 27, as examples of idolatry, vs. 23-25. It has nothing to do with lesbians and gays.
Jul 02, 2015
 agreed
by: Amanda

Agreed! So how is this relevant? I get that you are using this to establish a precedent for those who twist the scriptures. And I agree. But what about consensus? How is explaining Romans in context a proof that Christians in that time period would agree with you? I am not contesting what Romans is about. I just do not get your leap. You have not answered any of my questions about Christian consensus. Who else in Christian antiquity used your method and technique to explain homosexuality? Where is this in Christian tradition?

Rick's comment: Hi Amanda - The early Christian Consensus about Romans 1 being about something other than lesbians and gay men includes but is not limited to: Paul the Apostle, Aristides, Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, John Chrysostom and Augustine.

Romans and Shrine Prostitution

Does likewise in Romans 1 equate gay sex with lesbian sex?

How can we be sure what Paul was talking about in Romans 1?
Jul 02, 2015
 agreed
by: Amanda

And? I already agreed to the context of Romans. My question is how do you use this to build you case? Is not every article on this site an attempt to educate us. gaychristian 101 implies you ate teaching. How does this interpretation of Romans, Galatians, etc., establish a precedent for Christian homosexuality? Where is your METHOD AND TECHNIQUE used to explain homosexuality? Not the interpretaion. Again where is the Christian tradition in this method of reasoning?

Rick's comment: Hi Amanda - What you seem to be saying is that truth in the Bible and truth in historical context is meaningless unless I find what you refer to as Christian tradition. My point is that modern Christians, via Christian tradition, are ripping verses out of context and insisting that the out of context verses condemn gays and lesbians.

I have demonstrated, by quoting early Christians and by explaining the context of Romans 1, that that is not how early Christians for centuries after Paul wrote Romans, understood Romans 1.
Jul 04, 2015
 Just want to comment on my experience here
by: Drew Christian

Hi there all. First I'd like to say that i found this website looking on google for an exposition of gal. 5:19-20, which used a few words i was unfamiliar with in my translation. I am someone who hates biases, especially in my spiritual world view, biases contaminate truth, and in no way does my hate for biases make me immune to them. But i will tell you, i have read the new testament fully over six times, and really dislike when i read something that is tainted in some way(not supported by scriptures and/or common sense).

This website peaked my interest because of the name, and I was pleased to see that whoever was posting the things I read was not throwing in personal biases into their writing. I REALLY appreciate this, and i feel it is becoming more of a novelty everyday. Whoever is writing these green and red response posts, THANK YOU SO MUCH! your fervor for Christ, your authenticity and kindness in your responses, and your joyfulness in regards to Christ's sacrifice for you is truly inspiring.

I don't want to quote scriptures in this, as many can easily be taken for many meanings, but I do want to say one thing about Christianity as a religion. Christianity is the only religion that offers salvation as a free gift; and Christ has asked us in return to do a few things, but all things are summarized (Christ says) in two things. 1) Love your God with your whole heart, whole soul, and whole mind. 2) Love your neighbor as yourself.

AND so many times i see comments or belief systems that are plainly unkind to someone. Please run your belief system through this simple test before claiming that it is "christian". Is your thought/belief following Christ's guidelines for behavior? If not, please do the whole world a favor (literally, your opinion does matter, and it will come out in the wash) and reconsider your position. Love to all my brothers and sisters in Christ!

Rick's comment: Hi Drew - Thank you so much for your kind words. You are appreciated.
Mar 31, 2016
 I love you but...
by: Jesus fanatic

Rick. I really mean what I say. I love you but what you are teaching is so dangerous. If you want to be gay and live a life that is not God's best for you, fine. But man please don't teach that to others. What you are saying is that God was incomplete in His creation. He created Adam and Eve for His glory. Homosexuality is so unnatural! I don't get your justification of this???? I pray your heart is convicted before it's too late. Moses, Paul, Jude, etc was not talking about worshiping idles alone but the very nature of Homosexuality. Two men can't be lovers! Who is the head? I love everyone even Homosexuals though I admit I struggled early as a believer. But you ARE justifying Homosexuality and God is not pleased. Sin is sin not freedom. Your lifestyle is not God's best for you! God said a man that finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. I pray He sends you some favor. God loves you brother, Jesus fanatic

Rick's comment: Hi Jesus fanatic - If you really love me, why are so many of you guys afraid to put your real name with your anti-gay views?

On this website and in my 390 page eBook, I go into great detail about the clobber passages. Instead of reading and studying and interpreting those passages in biblical cultural doctrinal historical linguistic and religious context, you read them in an English translation and assume you know exactly what they mean without any study.

I love you too Jesus fanatic but I expect a LOT more of you than just parroting what you heard some anti-gay preacher say. Jesus expects more of you too.
Jul 20, 2016
 I Thank GOD for you Rick!!
by: Tiara Powell

As i sat here and read this, tears of joy welled up in my eyes. Your passion for 2 Timothy 2:15 (My life scripture) is UNCANNY. Your anointing and ability to RIGHTLY DIVIDE the WORD is REFRESHING!

I thank GOD for your boldness, Your courage, your Gifts, your SELF CONTROL, and your HONESTY!

THIS IS GAY AND SAVED! and I Thank GOD for it!

Sincerly, Trans and saved!!!

Rick's comment: Hi Tiara - Amen and Thanks for what you wrote! We have the word of God, rightly divided and we must not allow the nattering nabobs of negativity who always take verses out of context to condemn us, to put us on the defensive.

Galatians 5:1 - "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." - Old King James Version
Jul 25, 2016
 Oxymoron
by: CLynn

I'm with what Jesus Fanatic says. Homosexual Christian is an oxymoron. If you belong to the Creator then you live by His design not by your own. If a person lives according to his own will and his own design, he is making of himself his own god.

'Woe to the person that is a stumbling block to any one of my little children'

Rick's comment: Hi CLynn - Your comment indicates you do not understand what the Bible says in context on this issue. I encourage you to do more reading and Bible study until you do understand.
Aug 28, 2016
 Wow you sound dumb
by: Ciara meankins

First of all I hate this message you pass about being gay. I am gay. If I'm not having sex technically that would mean God forgives me but not a gay woman who is sexually active. That's not how it works.

Jesus died for all our sins not just straight people. Stop spreading this message of hatred. I don't have sex by choice yet men with crosses around they neck offer me sex and say its wrong for me to be gay. Lol. Old men.

Think about it. You are sick for saying God doesn't accept gay people its not your call be careful judging us.if u believe u will receive hallelujah.

Rick's comment: Hi Ciara - I'm not sure who you are writing about in your comment. GayChristian101.com teaches that God accepts gay people, that Jesus died to pay for the sins of gay people and that Jesus saves gay people who come to Him by grace alone through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.

AND, when Jesus saves gays and lesbians, He does NOT require us to stop being gay or lesbian. In plainer words, Jesus saves us from our sins, not from our sexual orientation.

Can you tell me how to get saved?
Sep 09, 2016
 self deception
by: Oliver

Hello Rick - Knowkedge is good thing But bad when our bias interpretates as I see, in my view, it has and continues to ensnares you.

Your 'shrine prostitution' sounds like a desperate construct a last ditch defense...which I believe you too will have 'a shadow' of self deception because anyone in the truth will have the Holy Spirit promptings to lead them further in spirit life

throw away your little sandbag and let the flood in...dont worry you will still float on His great love and hopefully experience the further of Gods truth not in deception, in deed. all the Best
Oliver

Rick's comment: Hi Oliver - Disagreeing with you on the gay issue is not self-deception.

Teaching about shrine prostitution is not a desperate construct or a last ditch defense. May I kindly suggest that you need to do more reading to get up to speed? This link is a good place to start since it has lots of links to additional information.

Shrine prostitutes
Sep 09, 2016
 oliverat144@gmail.com
by: Oliver

Hello Rick - Not wasting time or space on anything offensive.

1. Can you consider if you are taking academic correctness to decide human rightness

could you be ensnared by what is good and the had... knowledge, if we pull it round to preserve a self interest.

Rick's comment: Hi Oliver - I have no idea what you mean or what you are asking.

2. I dont think ref' to christian morality is any help (as thought 'that' should ever have been released onto the world as an authority for all to decide human matters)

Rick's comment: I appeal to the Bible as our authority but I'm not sure what you are asking here either.

3. Apart from etymology, 'hetro' references are more common in biblical eg Leviticus 'dos and donts' and song of solommon, etc. Just that indicates that the norm for Gods creation is hetro.

Rick's comment: Okay but that is not the point at issue. No one is arguing that heterosexual in not the norm. It certainly is the norm but believing that does not logically lead us to believing that homosexuality is abnormal for all.

4. If so would homo be an aberration on the normal?

Rick's comment: Homo is abnormal for heteros and hetero is abnormal for homos but normal homos and heteros like Oreos.

5. Clear up for me please, if you are saying that homo' is sinful but as Gods grace is for all human sins Wish you well all the Best, Oliver

Rick's comment: I am saying that homo is normal for the approximately 5% of the human race who are homosexual and hetero is normal for the approximately 95% of the human race who are heterosexual.

Thank you Oliver, for the well wishes. God bless you too.
Mar 19, 2017
 Where is MY line (not yours) of going too far?
by: Seeker

I am divorced and for reasons I won't go into, another marriage is unlikely for me. I am bisexual - meaning I am attracted to both genders. I live alone. My faith in Christ is the most important part of my life. I am in constant prayer regarding my sex life. I am seeking what is ok for me. To live without sex is impossible for me.

1. Is masturbation permissible?

Rick's comment: Hi Seeker - Yes, masturbation is permissible. I provide more information on these pages.

Masturbation and mutual masturbation.

Are nocturnal emissions or wet dreams normal or sinful?

I should point out that the section on mutual masturbation is presented as risk mitigation or risk reduction, not as the best moral course to take. Mutual masturbation with a friend you know is less risky as far as getting STIs, than hooking up with strangers and one night stands with guys you don't know.

I think that most people will say it is. But let me take it another step.

Is it permissible to masturbate with another person? Male or female?

Rick's comment: Mutual masturbation with a friend you know is less risky as far as getting STIs, than hooking up with strangers and one night stands with guys you don't know. That said, it is better to marry than to burn, 1 Cor 7: 9. Scripture doesn't say or imply that the answer to lust is mutual masturbation. The answer to burning in lust is to marry an orientation compatible partner.

I don't penetrate. And I don't do this for several reasons. One is my fear of offending God. And with men, I just don't want it. I feel that masturbating with a male friend is technically ok.

But is that just a justification for going up to the technical limit but still the lust and sin has been committed in my heart?

Rick's comment: It seems to me you are seeking a way to have some kind of sex without the commitment of marriage and you view mutual masturbation as a possible way of doing that without offending God.

Since your emotions, heart and mind are involved in sexual activity, the feelings you experience and the thoughts you entertain during mutual masturbation will, it seems to me, be detrimental to your spiritual health and will displease God.

Where would the integrity of living for God be in my heart if that is the case?

Rick's comment: I believe you would lose your integrity of living for God in the scenario you describe. Your conscience would condemn you, therefore, it is best to do things God's way (get married, 1 Cor 7:1-9), instead of trying to find a substitute for doing things God's way.

I'm reminded of the verse in I Corinthians 6:12, "Everything is permissible for me but not everything is beneficial". What say you?
Jul 27, 2017
 Flesh and Soul
by: David Greene

Your flesh and soul are to different parts. You can sin in the flesh and still go to heaven because Jesus died for our souls. He went to hell and collected would from there that didn't know him. You won't get the treasures of heaven on earth if you sin in the flesh. Kinda the same way karma works. If you do good on earth you get good in return. Get treasures that the holy spirit gives you the one energy that's makes up everything . That's what was told to me in my mind. That's why when Jesus comes back and reigns we won't have the urge to sin.
Sep 30, 2017
 What does Galatians 5:19 mean?
by: Karen

Anyone who is struggling with any sin - there is help! Jesus. Jesus has power over sin and He has come to set the captives free. Jesus is the only One who can set you free from doing the same sin over and over again (practicing sin). He is the Redeemer and He is the Sanctifier.

Sanctifiacation is to be set apart, to be holy. And as we all know, none of us are holy. But according to Hebrews 10:10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And again in Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

God explicitly tells Moses in Exodus 31:13 that He is the sanctifier but at that period time the Israelites had to keep the sabbath as a sign to them that God was their sanctifier. Now who sanctifies? GOD does. And Jesus is GOD and His work on the cross has already accomplished your sanctification. Without faith you will never know this deeper spiritual need and it is a spiritual need just like salvation is a spiritual need.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please GOD, for he who comes to GOD must believe that He is and that He is a rewarded of those that seek Him. You got saved by faith, you get sanctified by faith.
Feb 11, 2018
 Thankful for this
by: Troubled Psychologist

As a psychology major in college, one thing became uncomfortably clear: that homosexuality was biological, and no more a choice as eye color. Now, at first, this caused a lot of issues for me as I was raised in my Christian lifestyle that gay was a sin. But what I could never understand is how our loving God would give someone issues biologically that’d lead them to sin, such as homosexuality, that not all humans share. This has been bothering me for about two years now and I am so glad that I’ve found this site. Thank you so much.


Rick's comment: I'm glad I can be helpful to you. God loves you with an everlasting love. Please explore this website and discover the spiritual treasures God has for you.

What must I do to be saved?
Apr 20, 2019
 Subtle Perversion
by: Dan

98% of what the article writer says is biblically correct, but nevertheless it is a doctrine of demons. Subtly, almost imperceptibly, he simply changes the word "marriage" to "committed partnership." There in is the perversion.

Rick's comment: Hi Dan - Let me see if I understand your logic.

If you agree with 98% of what I wrote but you disagree with 2% of what I wrote, that means I am teaching a doctrine of demons?

Could it possibly mean that you missed something in your Bible study instead of me teaching a doctrine of demons?

Is everyone who disagrees with you about the Bible, teaching a doctrine of demons?

Subtle perversion indeed!

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