Mike, yes those sins are prevalent today. It is also becoming very prevalent to see the sins of homosexuality today. Even visiting such a popular and "neutral" site such as Yahoo Answers one can see a thriving LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered) community, and they all seem to be encouraging each other in their wickedness in a "group think" sort of way. Their reasoning seems to be that if others are this way, it is "normal," and if it is normal, then it cannot be wrong.

But, Mrs. White speaks specifically of that statement in Ezekiel that those sins were the causes of the greater sins for which Sodom was destroyed. We know that "idleness is the devil's workshop." Sodom was a good example of this.



These sins, in other words, are not the ones for which they were destroyed, but rather the ones which goaded them into more heinous sins, sins so perverse they are not mentioned. Throughout the Bible and Mrs. White's writings as well, the authors seem to use "sin of Sodom" or similar in place of the unmentionable.

Mrs. White never used the words "homosexual" or "lesbian" in any of their forms. (NOTE: The compilers/editors added the word "homosexual" to the editorial notes twice, but these appeared in 1977 and in 1989 and are not Mrs. White's words.) Neither are these words ever found in the Bible. They are unmentionables, and remain nameless. The "sin of Sodom" is as near the Bible authors come to speaking of it, and yet the story of what the men wished to do unto the angels is so sharply clear as to leave no doubt.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

The following passage confirms this:

We are not ignorant of the fall of Sodom because of the corruption of its inhabitants. The prophet has here [Eze. 16:49] specified the particular evils which led to dissolute morals. We see the very sins now existing in the world which were in Sodom and which brought upon her the wrath of God, even to her utter destruction.-- 4BC 1161. {TSB 120.2}

Good point. Paul made it in his epistle to the Romans:

1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed [it] unto them.
1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Homosexuality began to happen after God gave up on them. Interesting! What does that tell us about the USA? Has God given up on her? Is she on the verge of destruction?

Mike,

Do you think it might read instead that God gave them up when they started such unnatural acts? I think the term "gave them up" refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit no longer troubled their consciences about it. They were so set in their ways as to have shut out the voice of God. Perhaps God still spoke, but they were deaf. Would you agree?

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

Actually, I thought you and Rosangela were making the point that they began to commit such sins after God gave them over to sin. Paul wrote, "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient." But I guess it's possible He gave up on them because of those sins, that is, those sins were the final straw. They were deaf to the pleading voice of God. There was no more He could do to woo and win them. Sadly He gave up on them.

PS - Is there no further depths sinners can go when God gives up on them? Or, is homosexuality a deeper depth of darkness sinners go into when God gives up on them? I doubt it. But what do you think?

When did God "give up on" Lucifer? As far as I can tell, Satan is still becoming more and more decided in his attacks against God. He is still, after 6000 years, becoming more evil. Homosexuality is not the lowest one can go. In fact, it may be near the lowest in terms of sexuality, but there are many other aspects/categories of life. If one goes to the "lowest" point in each of them...then I suppose you've really hit a low. But what is the "lowest"?

If I came across a mad man, insane with iniquity, would I have anything to do with him? Of course not. But if I came across a perfect gentleman who treated all with courtesy and respect, but who drank, embezzled, cheated customers, broke the Sabbath, etc. and taught others that for success in business they should do as he did, which would be worse?

I think Sodom would have spread its iniquity throughout the earth in a "civilized" sort of way, which is actually worse than if they had been insane. This is why God destroyed them--to save the rest of the world from their filth.

It is "worse" to be lukewarm, than to be cold--for one reason: influence.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

Well worded, GC. Thank you. Indeed, it is worse to be 99% Christlike. Makes me wonder about those who believe the fruits of the Spirit believers experience while abiding in Jesus is stained with sin. Do they also think such believers are 100% Christlike?

Also, I agree homosexuality is not the lowest sinners can go. As you said, claiming to be Christlike and yet committing subtle sins is more like Satan than like Jesus. It is more likely to make others despise Jesus and resist the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit.

This brings to mind two thoughts for me, Mountain Man.

Jerusalem is described as having Samaria [as a sister] on her left hand, and Sodom [as a sister] on her right hand. "Yet have you NOT walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, you were corrupted MORE than they in all their ways." (Eze 16:47)

In this I read that the professed people of God definitely went a lot deeper into sin than the cities of the plain did.

_____________

Scripture does appear to teach that there are different depths/levels of "hell". "For great is Thy mercy toward me: and Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell." (Ps 86:13)

Would the "lowest hell" not point to that condition from which the second resurrection eventually comes?

Stewart, in what sense do you think the COI sank lower in sin than did S&G?

The "lowest hell" to which King David (or Jesus) sank is certainly a place from which God can deliver. And, yes, many will not be delivered in time to avoid the second resurrection. But I suspect the majority of the lost will not reach the "lowest hell".