Le_Sigh, had a wonderful post (over here) worthy of starting it’s own thread.
Thank you. Le_Sigh. It’s nice to have someone use scripture in defense of their positions (hint, hint).
Oh, a point of clarification. I didn’t say “anyone who loves Jesus will keep his word.” The bible did does.
It would take volumes to address each point in Leviticus — many of the laws you stated have been “done away” with by Christ and the New Testament. Some however have not. Let’s look at just one in your list. Probably the most shocking…
If there is anyone who curses his father or his mother, he shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother, his bloodguiltiness is upon him. Lev 20:9.
You also could have used the 5th Commandment. Or Exo 21:17; Deut 27:16; Prov 20:20, Prov 30:11, Prov 30:17
curses: The term yekallel signifies not only to curse, but to speak contemptuously, disrespectfully, or to make light of a person, so that all speeches which have a tendency to lessen our parents in the eyes of others, or to render their judgment, piety, etc., suspected or contemptible, is here included; though the act of cursing, or of treating the parent with injurious or opprobrious language, is what is particularly intended. [Source: Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge]
Now, some reading this will say “but that’s the old testament“… See Mat 15:4 or Mk 7:10
All of this comes in context too with how parents should treat their children. It seems God didn’t like the idea of abusing or killing children either, in earlier verses. But I digress…
The death penalty for children who rebel against their parents shows how seriously God takes rebellion and the role of parents and family hierarchy. More on this can be found here.
So when my children talk back — should I take them out and kill them? Of course not, there are laws against that. However, it is not permitted. Respect for authority and love and respect for each other is something that is taken seriously in our home.
I’m also reminded of the words of Satan at the beginning of creation. “Die? You will not surely die…”
But eventually Eve did die. As will I. When I do, I’ll be judged by a righteous holy God, who knew not only my every deed, but even my thoughts. And I can tell you, on my own merit, I’ll be found guilty.
That’s the purpose of the law: to show us our guilt. You may not think you are a bad person. AD may not think he is a bad person. But if you are humble and honest with yourself you’ll find that you are guilty of breaking God’s law. The question is, how can you – or anyone for that matter – be made right before a pure and holy God? (See John 3:1-21 for more.)
Do I have all the answers? Of course not. But by the grace of God, I can read what scripture plainly says, and no Christian church I know of disagrees on this point. You must repent of your sin (whatever your sin may be) to become a follower of Christ. You can call yourself a Christian or whatever you want, but without faith in Christ and repentance (turning from your sin) you can not be saved. At least that’s what the Bible says.
Again thank you for your comments. I want to reiterate that I am not judging you or AD. I am only relaying the what is in the Bible — not just about homosexuality — but about all sin. Rebellion, hate, lust, greed, unforgiveness… The log in my eye has been removed by Christ. And my true desire here is that you would allow me to ask you look in the mirror and see if there is a speck in your eye — and if you need help getting it out. Let me know, I know a great physician.
May God bless you and Merry Christmas.