One Man and One Woman: Marriage and Same-Sex Relations

by Joel R. Beeke, Paul M. Smalley, George W. Sarris (Narrator)

What does the Bible teach about sexual relationships between people of the same sex? Does true love require that we accept all forms of sexual expression? No, real love does not rejoice in sin, but rejoices in the truth. In the Bible, God reveals that He created gender, sex, and marriage, and we may not alter them at our will. Through His laws and works in history, God has made it clear that homosexual practices violate His holy purposes for mankind. The New Testament reaffirms God s created order and moral laws. It too warns that homosexual practice, like any other sin that we cherish, is the pathway to God s judgment. However, the Lord Jesus Christ saves sinners by His Spirit and gives them a new identity, forgiveness, life, and power to live according to His commandments. This is the message that all people need to hear: God's laws have not changed, but God's grace offers hope to sinners through Jesus Christ.

Table of Contents:
1. Foundations: Love, Authority, and Sexuality
2. Directions: God's Word to Ancient Israel about Homosexuality
3. Expectations: The Power of Sin and the Power of Christ
4. Conclusions: Grace and Truth

Genres: Marriage, Christian, Christian Living, Theology

Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2017

About the author

Dr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church, Heritage Reformed Congregation, since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.

Reviews

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is short (96 pages in print edition) and therefore only an introduction. There are several pages of footnotes so in the end it is even shorter than 96 pages. But if you are looking for a way to introduce someone to the basics of what the Bible teaches on the issue of homosexuality, especially someone who does not like to read this is where I would start. Beeke is clear, concise, and addresses the major issues of the day including SSA and transgenderism.

[Rafael Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unparalleled in clarity on the issue of homossexuality. Incisive, courageous, biblically and historically grounded. Few others could have done such a feat outside of Beeke and Smalley. Highly recommended!

[Jacob London · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book presents two truths that each person must understand in regards to the LGBTQ+ movement.

1. The Bible speaks with absolute clarity on the subjects of sexual orientation, gender, sexual partners, etc,. And the Word of God condemns all such actions outside of marriage and all that is contrary to his Word. The Bible does in fact condemn homosexuality and lesbian relationships in both the Old and New Testament (Lev. 18:22; 1 Cor. 6:9-10). Gender is not fluid (Gen.5:2). Sexual relations are meant to be enjoyed between consenting adults in marriage (Gen 4:1). Anything outside of the scriptural commands on these issues is sin.

2. The Bible speaks with absolute clarity on the reality that there is complete and total redemption in Christ for those who come to him in faith. Beeke and Smalley's strength in this book is not their exposition of the text's mentioned above, though they are good, but their emphasis on Christ and his redeeming of fallen men and women. If and when LGBTQ+ people come to Christ they are to be recognized as brothers and sisters in Christ and nothing less.

Another strength of this book is the author's thoughts on how we are to treat those in the LGBTQ+ movement now and still in their sins. The answer, with love and praying that they would recognize their sins, joining us in our repentance for our sins, and enjoy fellowship and union with Christ together.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The church must be willing to welcome friends and visitors who identify as homosexual, bisexual, or transgender. We must show them warmth, respect, and love in order to demonstrate that biblical Christianity is not a club for judgmental, self-righteous hypocrites, but a fellowship of repentant sinners who are growing saints. Church must be safe. Not safe for sin, but safe for people who sin. "

That quote really hit the heart of the issue we are facing today. This book is short, but it is thorough, without digging you down. It offered concise rebuttals to the common arguments we hear today on the issue.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine introduction into the topic of heterosexual monogamy and why we believe it is the most faithful expression of Biblical marriage. We are not killjoys, but we recognize that non-monogamous and homosexual unions are joy killers. And not simply on a historical and psychological standpoint, but also on a spiritual and emotional aspect as well.

[Dónal Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent concise dealing with homosexuality from a Christian perspective

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sound

[Tony Lee Ross Jr. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not entirely helpful concerning the subject matter at hand.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful, sound, solid doctrinal teaching. "Pastoral". Brief...75 pp.

[Rebeca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and much needed book for our days

[Rodney Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and concise articulation of the Biblical view of marriage and sexuality. No fluff, no apologies, just simple truth of the Word of God while extending grace to those struggling.