In the Bible, Almighty God has given very specific patterns, types, antitypes, symbols, and shadows that reveal and interpret important spiritual principles and illustrate various truths, so that His followers can better understand His word and live accordingly (Mt. 4:4; Phl. 3:17).

One example of the use of symbolism is found in the relationship God ordained for the human family. In Genesis 1:26-27, it states that God created man in His own image – “male and female He created them”. Thus the union of both genders of humanity reveals, through symbolism, deep personal truths of our Heavenly Father from whom we all originate. This point is crucial to understanding the significance of the two genders and the responsibilities given to each in marriage.

In Revelation 21:2, the church of God is likened to a pure virgin who becomes the bride, and Jesus Christ the son of God is likened to her bridegroom (Mt. 25:1-13; 2Cor. 11:1-3). The importance behind these symbols lies in the spiritual principles they reveal in the relationship and responsibilities of a husband and wife (Eph. 5:22-32). This theme is repeated in various places in scripture, thus reinforcing the deeper spiritual meaning of the marital relationship which joins a man and woman as one (Gen 1:26-28; Mt. 9:15; 25:1-13; Heb. 13:4).

Marriage between a man and a woman is an agreement not unlike the covenant made between God’s people (spiritual Israel) and Jesus Christ (Mt. 26:28; Mk. 14:24; Lk. 22:20). As Jesus Christ remains forever faithful to every command of his God and Father, he is therefore blameless (Heb 4:15; 1Pe. 2:21-22). The bride is deemed blameless by God as she is made holy through the sacrifice of her husband (Eph. 5:25-27; Heb. 13:12), providing she remains faithful (Rev. 14:4; Mt. 24:13). Consequently, this covenant, like the union between a man and a woman, is considered holy and any violation of it is an act of adultery (Ex. 20:14; Lev. 20:10; Jer. 3:6-9; 1Cor. 6:16; Heb. 13:4).

If a nation, or an individual, rejects his or her relationship with God and substitutes it with another form of religion, this is considered idolatry, which is akin to spiritual adultery (Ps. 106:39; Jer. 13:27; Ezek. 16:15-39; 23:37; Hos. 4:13-15). Therefore, if individuals of the same gender become united as one, they are committing sexual immorality (fornication), a violation of God’s law (Ex. 20:14). God calls this behavior an abomination because it is profane or unclean (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Rom. 1:26-27; 1Cor. 6:9; Eph. 5:5) and does not picture the correct relationship between Christ and the church (Gen. 2:24; Mt. 19:5; Mk. 10:7; Eph. 5:31). Continual violation of the law of God results in death (Rom. 6:23, cf. 1:18-32).

Sexual immorality of any kind, including homosexuality, not only breaks God’s law, it strikes at the symbolism of marriage between a righteous man and a pure woman; symbolism which illustrates important spiritual principles concerning the relationship of God’s church with Jesus Christ (Rev. 14:4).

Return to Questions

This document is the collaborative work of individuals who believe God's truth should be given freely (Mt. 10:8; 1Cor. 2:12; 2Cor.11:7; Rom. 10:14-21) and the message of the one true God should be made available to all nations (Mt. 24:14) as a prerequisite to the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings (Mt. 17:10; 19:17; Mk. 9:11; Lk. 1:17; Rev. 19:11-16).

To protect the integrity of this document and prevent alteration and misapplication of its contents in whole or in part, this document is protected under copyright law.

Copyright: This document may be freely copied and distributed provided it is copied without alteration, addition, deletion, or charges, and includes the name of the publisher and this copyright. Quotations may be taken from this document provided the name of the publisher is cited.

All Rights Reserved

(Copyright ©1truth1law.com 2008-2011)