I mean practicing it, living out a homosexual disposition.
Jesus loves all people (John 3:16–17, 2 Pet 3:9b). Even people who practice a homosexual orientation. But that doesn't mean he approves of such a lifestyle.
It means teaching in the church that it's not OK to live out a homosexual orientation as a Christian. A Christian congregation therefore can't support such an approach, because it would be disobedience to the word of God (2 Tim 3:14–17). Homosexuality in the Old Testament:
Practicing homosexuality is ungodly and a sin against God. It's an abomination according to the Old Testament (OT) Law (Lev (3 Mos) 18:22–24).
The men of Sodom wanted sexual
relations with two angels, who they thought were men (Gen (1 Mos) 19:1–11). They practiced homosexuality (Jude 1:7). It
was an attempted sexual assault; homosexual gang rape. Gang rape was probably common in Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities were obviously destroyed because of this type of sinful behavior related to sexual abuse.
A woman shouldn't wear
anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment (transvestism) (Deu
(5 Mos) 22:5). It's an abomination according to the Law in the OT. We shouldn't wear clothes that confuse the sexes, our identity as male and female. Society tries to remove the distinction between man and woman, but that isn't God's will.
There isn't one verse in the OT
that supports the practice of homosexuality.
Homosexuality in the New Testament:
The New Testament (NT) describes the New Covenant that Jesus introduced
(Luk 22:19-20) and was activated at his death on the cross, see The Atonement.
(Luk 22:19-20) and was activated at his death on the cross, see The Atonement.
Homosexuality is one of
several consequences because people have rejected God and is
against nature (Rom 1:18–32). It’s shameful to God. God’s invisible attributes are clearly
seen by the things that have been made since the creation of the world. Therefore,
there is no excuse for rejecting God.
The NT says that people who practice homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9–10). We shouldn't be deceived
by society that says it’s OK to live out
a homosexual orientation. Society has removed it as a sin, but God hasn’t.
God hasn't changed his mind about practicing homosexuality in the New Covenant.
a homosexual orientation. Society has removed it as a sin, but God hasn’t.
God hasn't changed his mind about practicing homosexuality in the New Covenant.
An argument to live out a homosexual orientation is that man isn't justified by the works of the Mosaic Laws in the OT but by faith in Jesus Christ (Gal 2:16). But the moral laws among the Mosaic Laws regarding sexual relations are similar and even stricter in the New Covenant than it was in the Old Covenant, see Jesus and the Law
and the comment to the 7th commandment in the The Ten Commandments.
and the comment to the 7th commandment in the The Ten Commandments.
Another argument for allowing homosexuality is that Jesus didn't specifically speak about it. But
Jesus didn't specifically speak about pedophilia or bestiality which are considered wrong even by our society. So that
argument doesn't hold. When Jesus spoke about sexual relations, it was always between male and female (Mat 19:4–5).
There isn't one verse in the NT
that supports the practice of homosexuality.
What to do if being homosexual:
There is very little (if any) scientific evidence that a person can be born homosexual. There is no consensus
among researchers on how to develop a homosexual orientation. Many think it’s an
adaptation. But even if it is so, it's against God's word.
If you struggle with homosexuality, see as encouragement time 6:00–13:53 in
We are all born with a nature that has been affected by sin. We are all sinners
(Rom 3:23, 1 John 1:8–10). Because of that, we all have weaknesses of various kinds. We all struggle with different temptations. A weakness isn't an excuse for participating in it. God doesn't allow us to be tempted beyond our ability
(1 Cor 10:13). Take steps to avoid environments that we may not be able
to handle in a biblical way. We must choose not to give in to temptation
(Rom 13:13–14). See Sanctification.
(Rom 3:23, 1 John 1:8–10). Because of that, we all have weaknesses of various kinds. We all struggle with different temptations. A weakness isn't an excuse for participating in it. God doesn't allow us to be tempted beyond our ability
(1 Cor 10:13). Take steps to avoid environments that we may not be able
to handle in a biblical way. We must choose not to give in to temptation
(Rom 13:13–14). See Sanctification.
As Christians, we are
sanctified and can be set free (1 Cor 6:9–11). Jesus came to call sinners to repentance
(Mark 2:16–17, 1 Tim 1:15). Sin includes living out a homosexual disposition, see it explained at:
- Time 32:40–38:22 in Bible Q & A With Pastor Paul and Sue.
- Time 15:55–20:14 in Bible Q&A with Pastor Paul.
We can be freed from the bondage of sin:
- Living out a homosexual orientation as a Christian is wrong.
It’s a sin according to the Bible. (Rom 6:23). - Such a person must repent and be forgiven.
- Invite Jesus into your life as
your Savior, if you haven't already
(John 5:24, 2 Cor 5:17), see Salvation. He forgives your sin.
How to relate to homosexual persons as a Christian:
As Christians we need to do
the following:
- If you hate or dislike homosexuals, you need to repent. There is no room for that for a Christian, even if people live a lifestyle that is contrary to the lifestyle of what is written in God's word. Jesus also gave his life for them.
- We should show love,
compassion, and deal with it in a loving way,
see time 45:06–48:27 in Bible Q & A With Pastor Paul │December 2023.
We can even associate on an individual level with such a person (Gal 6:1).
At the church level, we may need to withdraw from such a person
(1 Cor 5:9–11, 2 Thess 3:6, 14–15), see Psalm 101: How to live a holy life. See this explained at time 43:37–45:53 in Bible Q & A With Pastor Paul . . .. - We should be characterized by a gentle and tender spirit towards homosexuals and their concerns. Jesus died no less for them than for anyone else
(John 3:17). We should invite them to our services, to our churches. - We should pray for salvation for homosexuals, as we do for anyone else.
It's not a question of hatred, bigotry or homophobia. That's wrong behaviour. - However, we must stand by God's word: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8).
See the consequences of this in these videos:
It's not personal, it's about obedience to God's word. See also the meaning of Do not judge others in The Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said:
- "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me." (John 14:23–24).
- "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love." (John 15:9–10).
See also Some stories in the gospels at the end of The Four Gospels.
