Letter to the editor: Sexual laws in Leviticus meant for all time

Talk about it

On Aug. 30 two letters suggested that since we no longer submit to certain laws found in the Book of Leviticus we are now free to ignore what Leviticus (and the rest of Scripture) teaches about homosexuality. But these letters failed to distinguish between the Old Testament ceremonial laws (given only to the Jews and only for a temporary period of time) and the universal moral laws (which apply to all people of all times).

For example, the laws for Old Testament priests were abolished when they were fulfilled by Jesus, our great high priest (see Hebrews 7:11-9:15). The requirements for New Testament pastors are completely different (see 1st Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9).

In addition, the Old Testament death penalty for various sins was abolished in the New Testament. But the fact that God required the death penalty for homosexuality, adultery, bestiality, murder, etc., shows that God was very serious about his hatred of such behavior. Even though we no longer execute people for adultery and bestiality, we do not suggest that these sins should be affirmed! In fact, in Romans 1:28-32 and 6:23 the Apostle Paul clearly states that all sin is worthy of death. Therefore, we thank God that he sent his own son to die in our place of damnation so that we might receive forgiveness through faith in him.

The sexual laws in Leviticus were meant for all people of all times — and Jesus agreed with this. Jesus never mentioned homosexuality because his Jewish audience believed it was sin. Jesus never mentioned bestiality and incest for the same reason. Also, the Apostle Paul (who passed on Jesus’ teaching), when writing to the Gentile culture (which affirmed homosexuality), clearly condemned even consensual homosexuality as sin (see Romans 1:18-27, 1st Corinthians 6:9-11 and 1st Timothy 1:10).

I could say so much more, but space will not allow. Therefore, people should read the following books: “The Same Sex Controversy” by James R. White and Jeffrey D. Niell as well as “The Bible and Homosexual Practice” by Robert Gagnon. Also, I would be happy to come to any church and give a presentation about Scripture’s teaching regarding homosexuality.

Finally, the good news is that Jesus died for all our sins — including our sins of a homosexual or heterosexual nature. We can repent of our sins and know that we are forgiven and holy in God’s sight through faith in Jesus, who died and conquered death for us sinners.

The Rev. Tom Eckstein

Jamestown

(Eckstein is pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church, Jamestown)

Tags: opinion, letters, laws, leviticus, homosexual, sin