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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

In the world but not of it: How ancient wisdom guides modern sexual ethics (Leviticus 18; Genesis 2–3; Romans 1; 1Corinthians 5–6)

What’s the point of the Torah’s stark language about nakedness, sexuality and child-sacrificing pagan worship in Leviticus 18? It’s really about something deeper: exploiting the vulnerable, crossing God-given boundaries and confusing shame with holiness. Tracing themes from Leviticus, Genesis, 1Corinthians, Hebrews and James, we explore how “naked and not ashamed” became fearful hiding — and how Messiah becomes our true covering. Discover how sanctification, judgment and grace meet in a God who refuses to leave us in our damage.

Categories
Discussions Torah

Leviticus 18: Why is God so concerned about nakedness?

The descendants of Israel had been in bondage in Egypt for 400 years. That’s not simply being slaves in Mitsraim (Egypt) but also being surrounded by Egyptian morals and cultural norms for all that time. After that long of a period of time, many were culturally Egyptian — assimilated — even though they were treated horribly by the Egyptians. And that is something that God caused to happen.

In this chapter, we have the first time that a pagan deity is specifically mentioned by name, but it’s a name with profound meaning.