In a world that is increasingly embracing same-sex relationships, the question of whether homosexuality is a sin remains a topic of intense debate and division. As Christians, we believe in God’s love for all people, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. However, our love for God’s Word compels us to speak the truth in love, even when it’s difficult. This blog post will delve into the Bible’s stance on homosexuality, exploring its teachings with compassion and understanding, while aiming to provide clarity and truth.
The Bible and Homosexuality: Not an “Agree to Disagree” Issue
The Bible does not treat homosexuality as a matter of opinion or personal preference. It’s not something we can simply choose to agree or disagree on. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, the Apostle Paul clearly states:
“Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: no sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or males who have sex with males, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
As a pastor and preacher of God’s Word, I cannot assure anyone of salvation who remains in unrepentant sin. Persistent, unrepentant sexual sin of any kind leads people to hell. However, the good news is that this does not have to be your destiny. The Bible offers hope and transformation for all who turn to Christ.
The Shifting Landscape of Public Opinion
Public opinion on homosexuality has changed dramatically in recent years. According to the Pew Research Center, support for same-sex marriage in America grew from 31% in 2004 to 61% in 2019. Even among white evangelical Protestants, support has increased from 11% to 29% in the same timeframe. This shift in public opinion has led to widespread questioning and debate about the Bible’s teachings on homosexuality.
Every Form of Homosexual Desire and Behavior: A Biblical Perspective
Some argue that the Bible only condemns specific forms of homosexuality, such as exploitative relationships. However, a careful examination of Romans 1:26-27 reveals that Paul condemns every form of homosexual desire and behavior, regardless of the circumstances:
“For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
Addressing Revisionist Interpretations
Revisionist scholars argue that Paul’s condemnation of homosexuality in Romans 1:26-27 should not be applied universally. Instead, they contend that it specifically targeted exploitative forms of homosexual behavior prevalent in his time, such as pederasty or coerced relationships between masters and slaves. This interpretation suggests that Paul’s message was not intended to address consensual same-sex relationships.
Three Key Points Refuting Revisionism
Paul’s Linguistic Tools
Paul, equipped with the necessary vocabulary and cultural understanding, could have explicitly condemned pederasty or coercion if those were his sole concerns. His decision to use blanket statements against all homosexual desires and acts, without making such distinctions, suggests a broader condemnation. Had Paul intended to differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable forms of homosexual desires and acts, he had ample opportunity to articulate this distinction clearly.
Inclusion of Lesbianism
Paul’s condemnation explicitly includes lesbianism, even though there is no historical evidence to suggest that women engaged in sex with girls within the same exploitative contexts proposed for men. This inclusion of lesbianism, which lacked the same historical context of exploitation, suggests a broader condemnation that extends beyond mere exploitation.
Consensuality and Mutual Lust
Some argue that if a same-sex relationship is loving and consensual, it should be considered acceptable. However, biblical morality is not based solely on the presence of consent, but on alignment with God’s design. Consensual actions can still fall outside the moral framework established in Scripture.
Paul’s description in Romans 1:26-27 of both parties being “inflamed with lust for one another” refutes the argument that he solely condemned non-consensual homosexual desires and acts. The text clearly indicates consensual relationships. Furthermore, the claim that Paul focused only on homosexual acts committed by heterosexual individuals lacks textual support. Paul’s condemnation is universal, regardless of whether they stem from situational circumstances or a homosexual desire.
Cultural Influence vs. Biblical Truth
Modern culture often influences perceptions of morality, including views on sexuality. As Christians, our beliefs must be rooted in Scripture rather than shifting cultural norms. This requires discernment and a commitment to upholding biblical truth, even when it is countercultural.
Renowned biblical scholar Robert Gagnon, in his comprehensive work “The Bible and Homosexual Practice,” reinforces this stance. He asserts that revisionist interpretations of biblical texts on homosexuality are often driven by cultural biases rather than a faithful reading of Scripture.
A rigorous interpretation of Romans 1:26-27, considering Paul’s linguistic tools, the inclusion of lesbianism, the emphasis on mutual lust, and the overall lack of distinction between situational and orientation-based homosexuality, reveals a universal condemnation of all forms of homosexual desires and behaviors. This condemnation extends beyond exploitative acts. Based on a faithful reading of the biblical text, the conclusion is clear: every form of homosexual desire and behavior is considered a sin according to Scripture.
Born This Way?: God’s Design, Not Our Desires
Understanding the biblical perspective on homosexuality hinges on Paul’s use of “natural” and “unnatural” in Romans 1:26-27. Contrary to common misconception, these terms refer not to personal feelings but to God’s design for human sexuality. Paul aligns “natural” with God’s established order, deeming desires that contradict it as sinful, even if they feel “natural” to the individual. This means that natural relations adhere to God’s created order, while unnatural ones violate it.
Some argue their same-sex desire is innate, part of God’s creation. However, Paul’s argument in Romans 1 challenges this, attributing such desires to our fallen nature—not God’s original intent. Therefore, even if same-sex desires feel innate, it’s viewed as a consequence of the Fall, not God’s design.
Reinforcing this, Paul’s terms refer not to subjective experiences but to God’s objective design for humanity. “Natural” aligns with this design, while “unnatural” deviates from it. This distinction is crucial in understanding the Bible’s stance on homosexuality, shifting the focus from personal preferences to God’s ultimate authority.
Insights from Jackie Hill Perry
In her powerful memoir “Gay Girl, Good God,” Jackie Hill Perry offers a poignant reflection on this concept. Perry writes, “Our closeness was unlike how preachers had described it. They said it was unnatural… But for me, their little silly psalm didn’t change how good it felt to be near her. What they called strange felt more like natural to me than heterosexuality had ever been.” This powerful testimony underscores the need for a clear understanding of what the Bible means by natural and unnatural.
Perry goes on to say, “Same-sex desires are actual, but the actuality of the affection doesn’t make them morally justifiable. Desires exist because God gave them to us, but homosexual desires exist because sin does.” Perry’s words underscore the crucial truth that our feelings and desires, while real, are not the ultimate measure of what is right or wrong. As Christians, we must align our lives with God’s revealed will and purpose for our sexuality, as outlined in the Bible.
Biblical Foundation for Natural Relations
To understand the biblical perspective on natural relations, we turn to Genesis 1:27-28. Here, God’s creation of male and female, followed by the blessing of their union, establishes a foundational precedent. Both Jesus (Matthew 19:4-6) and the Apostles (Ephesians 5:22-33) reaffirm this in their own teachings. Heterosexual marriage is presented as the intended context for sexual relations, procreation, and mutual support.
The “natural” use of our bodies, as intended by God, is thus within the context of a heterosexual marriage. In this framework, sexual intimacy serves a dual purpose: it unites a man and a woman in a lifelong covenant of love and commitment, and it enables procreation. This understanding of “natural” is not solely based on biological compatibility but reflects a deeper spiritual truth about the complementary nature of male and female.
Heterosexual Sinfulness
It’s important to acknowledge that heterosexuals too can experience desires that deviate from God’s design. Sin has distorted all of us, leading to various forms of sexual immorality.
The key takeaway is that all human desires, when misaligned with God’s will, reflect our shared brokenness and fallen nature rather than our God-given identity. The existence of same-sex desires, or any sinful desire, is not a sign of unique design but a reminder that we’ve all strayed from God’s path.
Neither the presence of same-sex desires nor heterosexual desires that contradict God’s design indicates a greater or lesser degree of sinfulness. All of us experience the tug-of-war between our fleshly impulses and God’s righteous standards.
God’s Wrath: A Universal Wake-Up Call
According to Paul in Romans 1, the existence of homosexual desires and actions is not merely an isolated phenomenon, but a symptom of a deeper issue: humanity’s departure from God’s design. This departure manifests itself in various ways, with homosexuality being one prominent example among many sinful desires that distort our nature.
The prevalence of homosexuality in society, therefore, serves as a stark reminder of God’s simmering wrath against all who suppress the truth (Romans 1:18). While homosexuality is highlighted in this passage, it’s important to understand that this condemnation isn’t exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a wake-up call for all of humanity.
We all harbor desires distorted by sin, whether those desires are related to sexuality, greed, lust, or other vices. We’re all under the weight of God’s judgment, and our sinful desires are a testament to our desperate need for redemption.
Recognizing this shared human condition allows us to approach the topic of homosexuality with both compassion and conviction, understanding that we all stand in need of God’s grace. It’s not about singling out one group, but acknowledging our collective need for repentance and redemption.
The Call to Repentance and Faith: A Universal Message
Romans 1 doesn’t end with condemnation but extends an universal invitation to repentance – a turning away from our sin and towards God. To understand the universality of this call, we need to revisit the heart of Paul’s argument in Romans 1. In Romans 1:15-17, Paul declares his eagerness to preach the gospel in Rome, stating that it’s the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” This “everyone” includes all individuals he subsequently discusses, regardless of their struggles or background.
The message of the Gospel is thus the same for all people: repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and God. This call to repentance isn’t a demand for instant perfection or the immediate disappearance of sinful desires. Rather, it’s a call to turn away from a life centered on sin and turn towards Jesus, trusting in His power to transform us from the inside out.
Repentance, even for heterosexuals, is a challenging process, requiring continual self-denial. In Mark 8:34, Jesus calls all followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. This call applies universally, regardless of individual struggles or temptations.
A Different Kind of Repentance? Confronting a False Gospel
It’s important to address a common misconception that some Christians have a different gospel or a different standard of repentance for those who struggle with same-sex desires. This is simply not true. The Gospel is the same for everyone: repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and God.
Dr. James Emery White explains it this way:
“What matters is not so much where you are tempted, friends, but what you do with that temptation. I may have moments when in my anger, I desire to inflict bodily harm on someone. In fact, a person who struggles with anger is very much oriented to that very action, but that’s different than it authorizing me to give in to the feeling and act on it. But like any other desire outside of God’s will for our lives, it calls us to resist the temptation. As a straight man, I may have desires for sexual fulfillment outside of marriage with a woman who isn’t my wife, but that is no different in God’s eyes than homosexual temptations another person might have. When faced with the temptation, it is up to both of us, homosexuals and heterosexuals, to either turn away from the desire or to give in to it. It is the same gospel of repentance that we are called to.”
This is a crucial point to understand. We cannot offer a watered-down gospel or a lower standard of repentance to those who struggle with same-sex desires. The Gospel calls for a radical change of heart and a commitment to follow Christ, regardless of our struggles or temptations.
The Holy Spirit’s Power: Transformation and Self-Control
In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are evidence of the Holy Spirit’s transformative work in a believer’s life. When someone repents of their sins and trusts in Christ, they will begin to bear this fruit, including the crucial aspect of self-control.
While the Holy Spirit doesn’t always eradicate the desires of the flesh immediately, He does empower us to resist temptation and overcome sin’s controlling influence through this self-control. Even those who struggle with same-sex desires can experience victory over sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This doesn’t mean that those experiencing same-sex desires will suddenly develop heterosexual desires. However, through the Holy Spirit, they can gain the strength to say “no” to their sinful desires and live in a way that honors God. The fruit of the Spirit is not a guarantee that we will never be tempted again, but it is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in our lives, enabling us to resist temptation and walk in obedience to God.
The Gospel’s Transforming Power: Real-Life Examples
The power of the Gospel to transform lives is not just a theoretical concept. It’s a reality that has been experienced by countless individuals throughout history. People who have struggled with same-sex desires have found freedom, healing, and a new identity in Christ.
In her book “Gay Girl, Good God,” Jackie Hill Perry shares her journey from homosexuality to faith, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel in her life.
Jackie writes about the moment she realized she could no longer allow her same-sex desires to control her:
“While doing some small talk with a customer who had more questions than I had patience for, I noticed a girl standing in line. She was beautiful. If it were any other day, I would have stared in her direction long enough for her to notice. Even if she wasn’t gay, I was confident that I could be all the motivation she needed. If she stared back with a smile, it would be her way of telling me the truth about herself without saying one word. But today, I couldn’t stare. Well, I could. Salvation didn’t disable my eyes from functioning, nor her beauty from disrupting the room. I could have, without question, done what I always done, allow this body to rule me. But in it sat another Master, however, one who was involved with an empty tomb and a risen Savior.”
Jackie’s story is a powerful reminder that the Gospel offers hope and transformation for all who turn to Christ in repentance and faith. It’s a message of freedom from the power of sin, regardless of our struggles or temptations.
The Church’s Role: Friendship, Prayer, and Truth in Love
As Christians, our response to the LGBTQ+ community must be characterized by love, compassion, and truth. This means extending friendship and prayer to those who identify as LGBTQ+, offering them the same love and support that we would offer to anyone else struggling with sin.
At the same time, we must not shy away from speaking the truth in love. This involves sharing the Gospel message with clarity and conviction, while also demonstrating the love and grace of Christ. This is a delicate tension to uphold, but it is one that we are called to as followers of Jesus.
The church has a crucial role to play in providing practical support as well. We must create safe spaces for individuals struggling with same-sex desires to share their burdens, seek counsel, and find support within a community of believers. This may involve providing resources such as support groups, counseling services, or books that offer a biblical perspective on homosexuality.
Responding to the Gospel: A Call to Repentance, Compassion, and Truth
The issue of homosexuality is emotionally charged. As Christians, we are called to approach this topic with humility, compassion, and deep respect for God’s Word. The Bible clearly identifies homosexuality as a sin, but it also offers a message of hope and redemption to all who turn to Christ in repentance and faith.
Let’s not shy away from the difficult conversations surrounding homosexuality. Instead, let’s engage with compassion, grace, and truth, seeking to understand God’s heart and His design for human sexuality. In a world that often celebrates and affirms what God calls sin, may we be a beacon of light, pointing others to the truth and offering hope through the Gospel.
If you are struggling with same-sex desires or any other sin, know that there is hope in Jesus Christ. He offers forgiveness, freedom, and the power to live a life that honors God. Turn to Him in repentance and faith, and experience the transformative power of the gospel.
If you are a Christian who has struggled to love those in the LGBTQ community, I urge you to repent of any judgment or hatred in your heart. Ask God to fill you with His love for all people and to give you the grace to extend that love to those who are different from you.
Let us all strive to live out the gospel message in our lives, sharing God’s love with everyone we meet. May we be known as a people who speak the truth in love, who offer hope to the hurting, and who point others to the Savior who alone can set us free from the power of sin. May we be a people who are known for our love for God, our love for others, and our commitment to truth.
Recommended Resources and Further Reading
For readers interested in exploring this topic further, consider these resources:
- “The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics” by Robert A. J. Gagnon
- “Gay Girl, Good God” by Jackie Hill Perry
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Other Common Questions and Misconceptions
Addressing common questions and misconceptions is vital for a thorough understanding:
- Isn’t Love the Greatest Commandment?: Yes, love is paramount in Christian teaching, but biblical love also involves adhering to God’s truth and commandments.
- Why Can’t People Just Follow Their Hearts?: The Bible teaches that our hearts can be deceitful and lead us away from God’s path. True fulfillment comes from living in alignment with God’s design.
- Doesn’t God Want Us to Be Happy?: God desires our ultimate joy, which is found in Him and His ways, not in following desires that lead us away from His intended design.
Key Insights from Romans 1:26-27
- Subjective Experience: Personal feelings of what seems natural do not align with the biblical definition of natural.
- Objective Design: Homosexuality is considered unnatural because it violates God’s objective design for human sexuality.
- Sin’s Distortion: All human desires, including sexual desires, are distorted by sin.
- Universal Sinfulness: Heterosexual desires are sinful too when they deviate from God’s design.
By understanding these key points, we can better grasp the biblical perspective on homosexuality and approach this sensitive topic with the grace and truth that the gospel provides.