What does the Bible say about homosexuality?


By Matt Slick

There are those who like to say that the Bible does not condemn homosexuality. Various verses are cited (out of context) and the verses that people use to show that homosexuality is wrong are explained away. The world wants to change God's words and meanings into something more suitable to its sinful desires. Nevertheless, the truth stands: The Bible condemns homosexuality as a sin. Let's look at what it says.

  • Lev. 18:22, "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."
  • Lev. 20:13, "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltness is upon them"
  • 1 Cor. 6:9-10, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
  • Rom. 1:26-28, "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

Homosexuality is clearly condemned by the Bible. It goes against the created order of God. He created Adam and then made a woman. This is what God has ordained and it is what is right. Unlike other sins, homosexuality has a severe judgment administered by God Himself. This judgment is simple: They are given over to their passions. That means that their hearts are allowed to be hardened by their sins (Romans 1:18ff). As a result, they can no longer see the error of what they are doing. Without an awareness of their sinfulness, there will be no repentance and trusting in Jesus. Without Jesus, they will have no forgiveness. Without forgiveness, there is no salvation.

What should be the Christian's Response to the Homosexual?

Just because someone is a homosexual does not mean that we cannot love him (or her) or pray for him (her). Homosexuality is a sin and like any other sin, it needs to be dealt with in the only way possible. It needs to be laid at the cross, repented of, and never done again.

As a Christian, you should pray for the salvation of the homosexual the same as you would for any other person in sin. The homosexual is still made in the image of God -- even though he is in grave sin. Therefore, you should show him the same dignity as anyone else with whom you come in contact. However, this does not mean that you are to approve of their sin. Don't compromise your witness for a socially-acceptable opinion that is void of godliness.

10 comments:

Vivian aka Deborah said...

I understand that homosexuality is a sin, but what is a person to do if he or she is born that way? How can he or she suppress sexual feelings? It would be like trying to tell a heterosexual man to lie with a man, even though he really wants a woman.

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

Thank you Vivian for your visit and comments. This is sometimes a tough question to answer, but when we study what the Bible has to say about homosexuality, it becomes quite clear.

Homosexuality was as widespread in Paul’s day as it is in ours. Many pagan practices encouraged it. God is willing to receive anyone who comes to Him in faith, and Christians should love and accept others no matter what their background. Yet, homosexuality is strictly forbidden in Scripture (Leviticus 18:22).

Homosexuality is considered an acceptable practice by many in our world today—even by some churches. But society does not set the standard for God’s law. Many homosexuals believe that their desires are normal and that they have a right to express them. But God does not obligate nor encourage us to fulfill all our desires (even normal ones). Those desires that violate His laws must be controlled. (See Romans 1:26-27)

We are all born with a “sin nature”, but with our Lord’s help we can control our sinful desires. God’s blessings. Lloyd

David E. R. Shaner said...

I'm not convinced that Science has proven homosexuality is inborn (in the way other life-situations are certainly, clearly, and consistently proven); but even if it were, and speaking as a bisexual, "genetic" does not equal "appropriate" or even "beneficial." Offhand, I can think of at least three birth-defects that are entirely genetic AND detrimental. There are people who argue that alcoholism is genetic--but when was the last time you heard an alcoholic say, "Man, finding the bottle was the best thing that ever happened to me! I'm free!" Word.

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

David, thank you for the visit and comments. We are all born with a sin nature... God gives us the free will to control our urges and desires. Like I mentioned in my post above "with our Lord's help we can control our sinful desires". God bless, Lloyd

AndHe said...

hi Lloyd;you are right about Leviticus18:22.We seem to pick and choose scriptures.What about Leviticus19:19 Obey my commands.Do not crossbreed domestic animals.Do not plant two kinds of seed in the same field.Do not wear clothes made of two kinds of material.
What if you asked your congration to go through their clothes closets,and discard clothes made of two kinds of materials.
Lloyd please do not take my comments as me poking fun at your beliefs.I am attempting to read my Bible cover to cover.I am looking for the truth.My belief in this book has pulled me out of serious depression.It's been the corner stone of my life.

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

AndHe - I want to personally thank you for your visit and comments regarding this hotly debatable subject. Please read "Flee Sexual Immorality!" located in the sidebar of my blog. I will lift you up to the Lord in prayer regarding the depression in your life. I pray that our Holy and Awesome God will give you the peace, joy and happiness that can only come from having a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Blessings, Lloyd

An Ordinary Housewife said...

I try to steer away from using old testament passages for proving points because the common response is to demand why we don't follow the rest of the old law. The old law is not for us. (Heb 8:13, Col. 2:14, Acts 15:24-29) That said, the NEW testament DOES speak against homosexuality as well. (Rom. 1:26-27, 1 Cor 6:9)

tappingflamingo said...

I love what you have said! I am in the middle of a discussion about this with one of my friends who is not homosexual, but believes those who are, well, it's fine. I love what Kurt Cameron has recently said about this topic. I mention to my friend that we can still love them, just not their actions. I compared it to if one of my children had committed armed robbery, I would still love my child, just not what they did. I had mentioned something about all of us have weaknesses that we need to overcome. I guess I should have said, deal with, but anyway she asked if I could "overcome being heterosexual." I told her that was not a sin, but homosexuality was, then referred her to you blog.

Anonymous said...

Hi lloyd .. no matter what others say .. I truly believe homsexuality is a cruel and disgusting act .. Many people
are blinded even some of the people reading this. God is GOD of truth and not lie.. The devil wants to kill steal and destroy even man kind. So he would put every kind of sin thrown into the earth so he can take people to hell with him. I have read the bible .THE WHOLE BIBLE IS TRUTH OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT..I am praying that blinded eyes will be open.. JEZEBEL SPIRIT IS A HOMOSEXUAL SPIRIT..SO HOMOSEXUALITY IS A UNCLEAN SPIRIT AND CAN BE CAST DOWN INTO HELL WHERE IT BELONGS. NOT THE PEOPLE ...THE SPIRIT..

Pastor Guy Leo Williams said...

You must be born again, That which is born of flesh is flesh and will do fleshy things That which is born of Spirit is Spirit and walk after the Spirit.