Does the Bible Require the Death Penalty for Homosexuals?
Rev. Stewart argues that while the Old Testament theocracy required capital punishment for homosexuality, the New Testament church applies the principle of God's holiness through excommunication rather than execution, making impenitent homosexuality incompatible with church membership. The article uses comparative exegesis of Old and New Testament passages to defend traditional Reformed teaching on sexual ethics and church discipline against modern permissive views.
Rev. Angus Stewart The Old Testament theocratic law required the death penalty for incest in Israel (Lev. 18:7-17, 29; 20:11-12). In the fullness of time (Gal. 4:4), the Messiah came and brought forth His catholic or universal church from its Jewish swaddling bands, necessitating a change in the law (Heb. 7:12). The apostles and prophets, whom God used to write the New Testament, set forth the will of Jesus Christ for His catholic church (Eph. 2:20; 3:5; 4:11). When a man committed incest in...