Is Homosexuality a Sin?
In Part 1, we discussed whether or not gay individuals will go to heaven and emphasized placing our identity in Christ to demonstrate a heart transformed by His grace and mercy. However, a deeper question underlies this: Is homosexuality a sin? Let's turn to the Bible for answers.
A Personal Note Before Continuing...
It's important to note that this topic is personal to me because I once grappled with these questions myself. I searched for ways to reconcile my feelings with the Bible, attempting to find validation for the lifestyle I desired. So, if you're currently wrestling with your sexuality and faith, trying to reconcile the two, please reach out. I've been there, understand the internal conflict, and will continue to pray for you.
Despite what the world may say, the Bible should guide how we live our lives, shape our interactions with others, and define how we love and receive love. However, experiencing "gay feelings" can complicate matters. Society may offer one perspective, while some pulpits present another. Unfortunately, a growing number of churches have started accepting the LGBTQ+ community, deeming it acceptable to identify as such, essentially suggesting that living a gay lifestyle is without sin.
But is it?
Life Inside of the Garden
Our first stop for answers is Genesis. In this chapter, we witness the creation of the first human, Adam, who was initially alone in the garden with God. God declared that "it is not good for man to be alone" and promised to create a suitable helper (Genesis 2:18). Eve was created from Adam's side, establishing a covenantal relationship where a man leaves his parents to join his wife, and they become one (Genesis 2:24). This narrative underscores God's original intent for a relationship between a man and a woman, perfectly intertwined to create life and honor God. Adam was made from the ground, and Eve was formed from Adam. In marriage, the two become one.
Sowing Seeds of Doubt
However, society has distorted this view, and Satan has played a role in this distortion by suggesting alternatives like "Adam and Steve." This distortion aims to undermine God's original design and make it seem prudish to limit relationships to one model.
If God designed marriages to be exclusively between a man and a woman, you might wonder why you experience these conflicting feelings. It's essential to recognize that your feelings are real and powerful. They may have even evoked shame, as they did for me. I despised them and even held resentment towards God for seemingly "making me" feel gay, burdening me with what seemed like unattainable feelings. To cope, I began surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who believed that being gay was not a sin. This made me feel more comfortable about the lifestyle I was pursuing, albeit in secret.
It's crucial to understand that God's creation is all about unity, but Satan sows doubt early in life. In the beginning, Adam and Eve stood naked without shame until Satan entered the picture, tempting them with the knowledge of good and evil, which ultimately led to their expulsion from Eden.
Similarly, with sin now in the world, Satan can convince some that they are gay and destined to fail. Over time, this internal turmoil can lead to resentment and even attempts to "pray the gay away." Have you ever felt this disunity within yourself? How did you respond?
The Beauty of God's Design; The Ugliness of Satan's Perversion
God created humanity, male and female, and called His creation "very good," uniting them in soul, body, and mind. His creation order is beautiful, and homosexuality deviates from it. The following scripture passages highlight this:
- Genesis 19:1–13 recounts the destruction of Sodom after men sought homosexual sex.
- Leviticus 18:22; 20:13 label homosexuality as an "abomination."
- Romans 1:26–27 describes homosexuality as a "dishonorable passion."
- 1 Corinthians 6:9 characterizes practicing homosexuals as not inheriting the Kingdom of God.
- 1 Timothy 1:8-10 portrays homosexuality as ungodly and sinful.
Accepting these passages can be challenging and may take time to understand and accept. However, in believing that the Bible is the inspired word of God, we are to accept it as true.
Unlike some topics with gray areas, like the usage of pronouns, there is no ambiguity when it comes to homosexuality in Christian doctrine; it is sin. Although it may be tempting to sugarcoat this fact, it is loving to speak the truth. Many churches have disregarded biblical teachings, which is called false teaching. They will be punished on the day of judgement. It's important to note this false teaching is spiritually damaging, in fact, it shepherds souls to hell.
There is hope in Jesus, who understands that we live in a fallen, sinful world. He understands that people experience homosexual feelings as a result of sin entering the world. However, God calls us to fight our flesh, and glorify Him instead. True healing can only be found in accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. Therefore, as Christians, we need to shower the lost with love and support that points them towards God, as only He can provide a path toward holiness.
You're a Christian, But Still Struggle
After becoming a Christian, a struggle with your sexuality may persist. This is a topic that is not often openly discussed, even at Liberty University (the World’s Largest Christian University). Just as we don't expect alcoholics to become sober overnight, Christians may also face struggles with their sexuality. However, the desire should be to resist these temptations because being tempted is not considered sin; it's yielding to the temptation that is. So why aren’t we talking about this in church? The silence is screaming!
1 Corinthians 6:11 underscores the process of sanctification, emphasizing that believers can be cleansed, made holy, and made right with God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The Bible calls for open and welcoming churches that provide a space for the sick and hurting who feel that their minds and bodies do not align with biblical teachings. Jesus told the pharisees in Matthew 9:12-13 “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Some food for thought:
Where is your identity placed? Is it in God or your lifestyle?
Are you a Christian and struggle with your sexuality? Have you opened about your sin struggle to others?
Have you overcome your past sexual desires? Have you shared them with someone? They could use the encouragement that they are not alone.
Does your church look like a hospital? Is it prescribing biblical “medicine?”
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
END OF PART 2
