Therefore, homosexuals have drawn false conclusions regarding the era of Leviticus 18.22 and 20.13. Sadly, the same sex preferences exhibited by many today mimic the behavior of ancient days. The exclusion of these texts by the homosexual community fails to dismiss the present relevance of the texts. Factual evidence contradicts their conclusions.

Rejection of Archaic laws

In a final attempt to refute the commands of Leviticus 18.22 and 20.13, the LBGTQ community rejects them with the claim that these decrees applied only to a bygone era. They combine this opinion with a previously discredited claim that this early society did not understand same sex behavior as the currently understood sexual orientation. They claim that these laws have no more application presently than do the ancient food and clothing laws required by God of Israel in that era.

The New Testament does not repeat these “silly” laws, so they say that the laws commanded against homosexuality no longer apply. Therefore, as their logic concludes, these laws against homosexuality no longer apply to our day.

To follow this logic, then, the other laws against sexual immorality mentioned in the context of these verses would also disappear. These commands forbid heterosexual immorality of all types, beastiality, and incest. The emphasis upon the legitimacy of homosexuality has encouraged an increase in these awful practices, which rely upon these same arguments.

To make these claims shows a complete misunderstanding of God and his ways with Israel. God as supreme lawgiver did give a multitude of laws. They covered a variety of aspects of Israel’s society at that time. For example, he gave them purity laws, e. g., the so called “silly” laws regarding clean and unclean foods, land and sea creatures, illnesses, others.

At first glance, they do appear foolish. But, God had a reason for requiring them. It taught them that a difference exists between clean and unclean behavior. Additionally, he taught them that, because of his holiness, the Israelites could not approach him in an unclean fashion. He required personal purity from those who desired fellowship with him. In addition, God gave some of these restrictions for health protection.

To direct their worship of him, God established a series of ceremonial laws. These laws governed Israel’s worship of God. God outlined offerings appropriate for various sins. The laws, which governed these offerings, described sacrifices the people could present to God to atone for their sins.

Further laws provided direction on punishments appropriate to the violation of God's laws. Some of the laws, civil laws, gave guidance to Israel for their society. They promoted justice and equity.

One set of laws applies to the texts from Leviticus 18.22 and 20.13. These commands fit in the moral laws of God, sometimes called the Holiness Code. In Exodus 20, God outlined the moral laws that he demanded of Israel. Subsequently, he revealed further explanation and application of these laws. The commands stated in these texts further amplify parts the moral laws from Exodus 20.

To a certain extent, the homosexual community rightly explains that some of these laws no longer apply. For example, the purity laws, i. e., food, clothing, animals, etc., no longer apply. God no longer defines certain things as unclean. (See God's vision to Peter recorded in Acts 10.9-16 where God redefined this distinction.)

God provided a means by which sinners can approach him: through his son Jesus Christ. Jesus offered himself as an atoning sacrifice to God on behalf of sinners like you and me. Jesus calls men and women from every society and nation to come to him in faith for cleansing from their sins that his sacrifice provides. Everyone who trusts Christ when he calls them by his Holy Spirit receives his promise. God accepts as clean everyone who comes to him through faith in Jesus, because of what Christ's sacrifice accomplished on their behalf. The sacrifice of Christ renders the purity laws obsolete.

The societal laws no longer apply. God does not deal solely with Israel as outlined in the Old Testament.

The ceremonial laws’ existence ceased, too. The book of Hebrews as well as parts of the Gospels in the New Testament describe in full detail how Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament ceremonial laws in his life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

However, God has not cancelled the holiness code. The New Testament repeats them, some with more complete explanation than revealed in the Old Testament. God still requires that humanity obey them, including the laws stated in Leviticus 18.22 and 20.13. You can find these specific offenses repeated in the Gospels, Romans, Paul’s letters to the Church at Corinth, and other places.

Contrary to the LBGTQ interpretations, the commands issued in Leviticus 18.22 and 20.13 still apply today.

Please see Part III for conclusion and references.