Verses 24-30
Sexual immorality defiled the land as well as the people who practiced it (Leviticus 18:25; Leviticus 18:27). The punishment for these abominations was death (Leviticus 18:29). This section closes with a reminder that the basis for these laws was the character of Israel’s God (Leviticus 18:30).
The sexual sins to which Moses referred break down the structure of society by breaking down the family. Moreover they evidence a lack of respect for the life and rights of others. Furthermore they cause diseases. By prohibiting them God was guarding His people from things that would destroy them. Destruction and death are always the consequences of sin (Romans 6:23).
The New Testament writers restated the laws on incest (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5), adultery (cf. Romans 13:9), idolatry (cf 1 Corinthians 10:7-11; Revelation 2:14), and homosexuality (cf. Romans 1:27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). They are binding on us who live under the New Covenant. [Note: J. Daniel Hays, "Applying the Old Testament Law Today," Bibliotheca Sacra 158:629 (January-March 2001):21-35, explained and advocated "principlizing" as a method of application in this helpful article.]
"The people of God must remain loyal to their covenant God and not become involved in the abominable practices of the world that God will judge." [Note: Ross, p. 348.]
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