HOW DO WE KNOW THE SIN OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH?
Scripture: Genesis 18:17-20; 19:1-28; Jude 7
Main Theme: Many will say that the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were not sexual; however, as with all scripture, we must look upon this question from a Biblical perspective, so that our answer is from Almighty God and not from man.
- Because of Abraham, God gave these cities a last chance
- Abraham sought a way to avoid the destruction of these two cities.
- Genesis 18:23-32
- Because of Abraham’s words, we know that out of the entire city, there were not even ten righteous people within the city.
- What happens before the destruction of these two cities?
- Genesis 19:1-13
- A most interesting fact many know not
- Lot’s two daughters were both virgins but were betrothed, as we read in Genesis 19:7, 14
- A verse confirming the sin of these two cities was sexual
- Jude 7
- Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
- Fornication: any sexual sin. Fornication I would liken to an umbrella, in which all sexual sins are covered.
- Going after: to be addicted to
- Strange flesh: that which is contrary to nature.
- “are set forth as an example.” Here, Almighty God is saying eternal fire is the result of this sinful practice! (1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 5:19-21)
- Suffering the vengeance of eternal fire: to suffer eternally, in the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 20:15), because there was no evidence of repentance toward God. Repentance is often overlooked, especially in sermons. According to 2 Peter 3:9, we are told the reason that Jesus has not already come to take His church in the Rapture. We are told that He is “long-suffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all come to repentance. Many people are unaware of the definition of repentance, which is a key indicator of true salvation. To repent is to go in the opposite direction from the one we were going before we were saved. God says in His Word, ”Be ye holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16). How many preachers or pastors preach about being holy? Very few indeed! This is an indictment of today’s ministers and of those who say that they are Christian. Just because we have eternal security as God’s children does not mean that we are to live according to our desires, willfully sinning. As Christians, our desire should be to do the will of our God. Yes, we all fall short (Romans 3:23). But as a Christian, an unholy lifestyle or unholy actions will not be tolerated by the Holy Spirit. We Christians will be chastised when we sin, not to harm, but to teach us the way of holiness. The question we must all ask ourselves is this: Do I feel convicted by my unholy actions, or unholy lifestyle? If we have no conviction, God says we are not saved, not this preacher, as God tells us in Hebrews 12:6-8. As for myself, I praise God for His chastising me, so that by His correction, I can live a life pleasing to Him. Can I honestly say that His means of chastisement are something I enjoy? I cannot. But just because I may not enjoy the correction when it comes, I love the results it brings to my life. I hope all who read these words will understand that although God does not approve of our actions or sinful lifestyle, it does not mean He doesn’t love. That question was answered on Calvary. I simply ask that all who read this, study, and meditate upon the Word of God, ask, Am I convicted when I sin? He tells us that certain people will not inherit the kingdom of God, therefore, in love I hope you take time to carefully read, then meditate upon what God shows you, then please, act accordingly, either by asking Jesus into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior, by agreeing with God that you are a sinner ( Romans 3:23), that you deserve hell, but that Jesus died for you to have the gift of salvation through Him (Romans 6:23), and finally, according to Romans 10:9-10, you pray, confessing your sinfulness, that you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that you believe God the Father raised Jesus from the dead, you accept Jesus as both your personal Savior and Lord, claiming the promise of Romans 10:13.
If you are already saved from being convicted, then follow God’s means of restoration of fellowship with Him found in 1 John 1:9. May each of you who read this, sincerely meet Jesus today as your personal Lord and Savior for the first time, or for those already saved, again enjoy the wonderful fellowship with Almighty God!