It is clear that as you go through this passage that Paul is referring broadly to sexual immorality, but specifically to homosexuality. Verse 24 makes it clear that communal degradation of the body through sexual impurity is the natural desire of man’s heart. In other words, homosexuality is part of the nature of all men. As is the case with all natural desires, they take a stronger grasp on some people than on others. You could use alcoholism as a parallel example. Some people are capable of naturally moderating their alcohol intake, but others are easily classified as alcoholics by their inability control the desire. It is the same with homosexuality; some people have no control over the desire, but others are able to overcome its lusts. Not only that, but as homosexuality becomes more socially acceptable, the threshold is lowered resulting in more and more people giving themselves over to the sin.

Verses 26 and 27 outline in explicit detail the act of homosexuality. Notice that it is focused on the act itself and not on the desire. The NIV lists this sin as “homosexual offenders” in 1st Corinthians 6.9. It’s incredibly important when dealing with this sin to recognize that “biblical emphasis is on behavior, and the verdict is always that it is sinful” (Brand, 1998). Like an alcoholic, a homosexual will always be a homosexual, but by the power of God, they can be free from the sinful lifestyle and even from the depravity of the mind which goes along with it.

Many would argue that this passage is condemning the Ancient Greek practices of homosexuality, which was specific to men having relations with young boys. This is not the case. He is referring to all homosexuality since he includes lesbians as men with other men, not boys or male prostitutes (Ash, 2001). For this reason, we can take this to be a broad condemnation of all acts of sexual immorality, including all forms of homosexuality. In light of this passage, there is no argument for allowing homosexuality within the church. Churches that do so, give themselves “over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done” by God’s people (Romans 1.28).

References

Brand, C. Ed. (1998). Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

Ash, C. (2001). Teaching Romans. Volume 1. Scotland: Christian Focus Publishing Ltd..

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The Apostle Paul on Homosexuality: Romans 1.18-32