Hi Andrew,

Since marriage (and presumably every other type of sexual relationship) will be absent from the new creation (Matthew 22:30), how relevant is it to examine homosexuality in this context?

And do Paul’s comments have anything to say (indirectly) about the subject?

From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none… For the present form of this world is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

It seems to me that the church on earth is called to live a life of abundant love, humility, compassion, and selflessness - which would obviously enhance any heterosexual marriage (and every other relationship). We are called to demonstrate a deeper love than that which comes naturally (Matthew 5:46-47). This enhanced quality of a husband-wife relationship is supposed to echo the beautiful love between the Lamb and the Bride. And we are supposed to love others with the same love with which God loves us. Whilst I can see how the love which will be realised in the new creation should be a blueprint for the quality of our relationships now (including the attitudes of homosexuals to heterosexuals and vice versa), I fail to see how the context of the new creation could be expected to address the propriety of homosexuality itself.

But my ears are open to further elucidation!

Phil