God made Sodom and Gomorrah an example to warn the ungodly that He does indeed judge sin. The citizens did not occasionally commit unnatural sexual sins; this was their way of life—and death!

The bent of their lives was constantly downward, indulging in unnatural acts. It is possible that the Sodomites were guilty not only of unnatural sex with each other, but also with animals, which would be “strange flesh” as mentioned in Jude 7. Both homosexuality and bestiality are condemned by God (Leviticus 18:22-25).

Sodom and Gomorrah, destroyed by fire from heaven, should indeed serve as an example and warning to ungodly people today. No one can read Genesis 18-19 without clearly seeing God’s hatred for sin and, at the same time, His patience and willingness to postpone judgment. This certainly ties in with Peter’s explanation for God’s seeming delay in fulfilling the promise of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:8-18).

From Jude: “Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire” (Jude 7, NIV).

Read also: Genesis 18-19; 2 Peter 3:8-18.

Action assignment: To become more informed and to join forces with those warring against evil in our day, you might write to an organization which is working for sexual purity. Ask how you can become involved in the fight for decency. Pray for those who battle evil.