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Homosexuality: The Biblical-

Christian View
bible.org

I. Introduction

H
omosexuality is a controversial issue in many societies. For
some it has become an equal rights issue to legalize same
sex marriage. For many it is also a religious and moral
issue because it is addressed within the Bible. Debates, discussions,
arguments, and, very sadly, sometimes even violence occurs from
interactions on this issue.

For some this issue of the Biblical perspective on homosexuality has a

merely academic attraction. This would perhaps be the person who is
neither a Christian, nor a homosexual. The topic might not personally
affect them, but since it is a current issue it is of interest. For others
this is very personal. This would perhaps be the person identifying as
a Christian, as a homosexual, or as a homosexual Christian.
Regardless, this article is intended to be a gracious, loving, and
truthful resource. In that manner then, this article will detail the
BiblicalChristian view of homosexuality.1

It will not take long for the reader to uncover that the direction of
this article will move towards the conclusion that homosexuality is a
sin. With this designation a couple things need to be clearly stated to
prevent any misunderstanding.

1. This author, all Christians, and all nonChristians have sinned and
are sinners. Sadly this is one equality that all are fully involved in. It
is not a unique situation.

2. This article presents the logical conclusions on how Christians

should respond to this Biblical teaching on homosexuality. While it
does not deal with every situation it does present the attitude and
heart from which every response should come: grace and love. There is
no room for any violence, insults, or mistreatment by Christians
toward any other person. It is with genuine love and care for all my
fellow human beings that this article has been written.

With that in mind, this article will look at homosexuality in the Old
Testament, homosexuality in the New Testament, and Jesus teaching
on sexuality before finishing with some personal remarks. Each
point will have its own concluding section. An additional
question/answer section may be found after the main article.
Likewise, further resources are provided for your consideration at the
end of the article. See the table of contents below to quickly jump to a
specific location.

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I. Introduction

II. Homosexuality in the Old Testament

III. Homosexuality in the New Testament

IV. Jesus on Sexuality

V. Conclusion: Loving in TruthMy Background

VI. Questions and Answers

VII. Resources

VIII. Detailed Table of Contents

II. Homosexuality in the Old

Testament
In the Old Testament homosexuality is most explicitly discussed in
four passages. Two are prohibitions in the law against homosexual
activity. The other two are historical events: Sodom/Gomorrah and
Gibeah. We will not attempt to answer every issue that could be
raised about each text. This has already been done in a number of
resources that will be referenced. However time will be taken to
clearly establish the Bibles viewpoint, and therefore the perspective
that the Christian should hold. In our discussion we will begin by
looking at the treatment of homosexuality in the Law. Then we will
look at the two narrative accounts.

A. Leviticus 18:22, Prohibition of

Homosexuality in the Law
Lev 18:22 You must not have sexual intercourse with a male as one
has sexual intercourse with a woman; it is a detestable act.

This straightforward law prohibits all homosexual acts. It makes no

distinctions as to whether or not they were consensual. It comes in
the midst of a section of laws related to sexual relationships. No
consequence is given here in each verse for the individual laws, but
rather they are all listed as things that must not be done. All of the
items in this chapters list are said to defile (Lev. 18:24) and are
called abominations (Lev. 18:27, 30). In balance, homosexuality
here is not singled out from among the rest of the sexual sins (which
themselves are being highlighted), but is included with the rest.
Likewise, those who break any of these laws are to be cut off from
the midst of their people (Lev. 18:29). These various sexual activities
are ones which brought about the punishment of God upon the
previous inhabitants of the land (Lev. 18:24). Thus in the law
homosexuality was an offense against God. It, along with the other
sexual sins, was not to exist in Israel at all.

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B. Leviticus 20:13, Punishment of

Homosexuality in the Law
Lev 20:13 If a man has sexual intercourse with a male as one has
sexual intercourse with a woman, the two of them have committed an
abomination. They must be put to death; their blood guilt is on
themselves.

This straightforward law gives the consequences for homosexual acts

as they were to be carried out under Israels theocratic government. It
comes in the midst of a section detailing crime and punishment lists.
This particular section deals with sexual offenses and their
judgments. The punishment for homosexual acts was to be death for
both participants. This seems to clarify what was meant by being cut
off from the midst of their people in the earlier discussion of sexual
sins in Leviticus 18. Thus in the law homosexuality was a sin against
God that required capital punishment.2

C. Genesis 19:111, Sodom and Gomorrah

In Genesis 18:2021 God declared that He was going to destroy Sodom
and Gomorrah because the outcryis so great and their sin so
blatant. When two angels went to see if they are as wicked as the
outcry suggests, they were inhospitably treated by all of the
inhabitants except Lot. Indeed all the men of the city tried
desperately to rape them. Attempts have been made to see the sin
here as only inhospitality, or of unnatural relations with angels.
However the text nowhere points out that anyone in the city knew
they were angelsinstead they are called men by both the citizens
and Lot (Gen. 19:5, and Gen. 19:8 respectively). Similarly, the face
value reading that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah included not only
inhospitality but also the homosexual activity is the best
interpretation.3 Jude 1:7 corroborates this:

Jude 1:7 So also Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring towns,
since they indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural
desire in a way similar to these angels, are now displayed as an
example by suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

While aspects of this verse (unnatural desires similar to angels) may

raise questions, it definitely extends the sinful conduct beyond
hospitality to sexual immorality. 4 The only sexual immorality that we
are told of in Sodom and Gomorrah is the attempted homosexual acts
against the angels (indeed, they scorned the effort to mollify them
through the offer of heterosexual immoralityGen. 19:9).

Thus, before the giving of the law, God considered this attempt at
homosexual rapewhich continued even after the men were blinded
to be part of the great wickedness that resulted in the wholesale
destruction of these towns.

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D. Judges 19:22ff, Gibeah

In Judges 19 another example of inhospitality and attempted
homosexual rape occurs. In this instance it is not all of the men of the
city, but rather some goodfornothings. Here, however, they were
pacified with the mans concubine who was sent out to them in his
place. She died after their treatment of her.

These actions led to the first civil war in Israels history, and the near
extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. This war was sanctioned by Gods
approval after Gibeah refused to hand over the offending men for
judgment (Judges 20:18; 20:23; 20:28; 20:35).

Like many real life issues today, the sin that resulted in all this seems
to have been an array of actions. First, these men attempted to do a
wicked thing and know these men sexually (19:2223a).5
Secondly, to compound that, it was attempted on a person who was
under the hospitality of anothera disgraceful thing (Judges
19:23b). Thirdly, they raped and abused the travelers concubine all
night and caused her death (Judges 19:2530). Fourthly, the rest of
the tribe of Benjamin refused to turn these men over to punishment
(Judges 20:13).

The brief retelling of the story to the tribes (Judges 20:5) does not
focus on the sexual side of the intent towards the traveler like the
original event does (Judges 19:2224). In the retelling it seems that
there was more of a focus on the actual offenses rather than on the
intended ones. However, the attempt is included in the longer record
of the event and distinctly labeled as wrong. Consequently, it is fully
appropriate to see it as part of the events being judged. For further
consideration of this incident see Bob Deffinbaughs article on this
passage.6

Thus, after the giving of the law, attempted homosexual rape was
part of the sin that resulted in a Godsanctioned civil war.

Conclusion to Homosexuality in the Old

Testament
Both before the law was given and then under the law, homosexuality
was considered to be sin for Israelites and nonIsraelites. This was
true for consensual and nonconsensual cases. It resulted in Gods
judgment and death.

Before the law was given this was not the only incident of God
directly judging the sinfulness of man on a large scale (cf. the far
greater judgment of the flood in Genesis 6 which incidentally makes
no mention of homosexual activity). Likewise, after the law was
given, Gods acts of judgment occurred for other sins (cf. Gods
judgment for idolatry and related sins: on Israel in 2 Kings 17, on the
Assyrians in 2 Kings 19, and on Judah in 2 Kings 2425).

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Far from minimizing (or maximizing) any particular sin, this shows
that God is active both in declaring many deeds to be sin and in
punishing them all. There is no injustice with God. His actions were
not limited to one particular sin, and many other examples from the
Old Testament could be cited showing His involvement in dealing
with sin. This emphasis on judgment for idolatry, homosexuality, and
other sins should not surprise us since part of the purpose of the law
was to reveal sin as sin, and Gods righteous standard as
determinative (Rom. 7:714). It is possible, though, that the variety of
sexual sins and their subsequent connection with idolatry may have
been more strictly punished and warned against as a whole (cf. Lev.
18:2430, and the judgments listed above).

However this is not where the story ends in the Old

Testament. Many examples could likewise be cited of Gods grace:
Noah and his family, Lot and his family, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,
Joseph, Moses and Aaron, David (a prime example of grace to one
whose sins deserved death under the law), the remnant of Israel and
Judah, the giving of the sacrificial system, Jonah and Nineveh etc.
Though Gods righteous standard is set, His gracious provision is also
constant.

III. Homosexuality in the New

Testament
In the New Testament many passages generally prohibit sexual
immoral activity (cf. Acts 15:20; 15:29, 1 Thess. 4:3, Heb. 13:4, Rev.
21:8; 22:15). These commands would include homosexuality.
However, homosexuality is most explicitly discussed in three
passages. The first of these three discusses homosexuality at length.
Whereas the last two are in lists of sins. Like the discussion in the Old
Testament section this will not be an attempt to discuss every
possible issue arising from these texts. Rather the goal will be to
express the Biblical and Christian view on homosexuality that these
verses teach. As before, further resources will be noted for those
desiring a deeper investigation.

A. Romans 1:2032
Rom 1:2032 For since the creation of the world his invisible
attributes his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly
seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So
people are without excuse. (21) For although they knew God, they did
not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but they became futile in
their thoughts and their senseless hearts were darkened. (22)
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (23) and
exchanged the glory of the immortal God for an image resembling
mortal human beings or birds or fourfooted animals or reptiles. (24)
Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to
impurity, to dishonor their bodies among themselves. (25) They

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exchangedthetruthofGodforalieandworshipedandservedthe
creationratherthantheCreator,whoisblessedforever!Amen.

(26)ForthisreasonGodgavethemovertodishonorablepassions.
Fortheirwomenexchangedthenaturalsexualrelationsforunnatural
ones,(27)andlikewisethemenalsoabandonednaturalrelations
withwomenandwereinflamedintheirpassionsforoneanother.
Mencommittedshamelessactswithmenandreceivedinthemselves
theduepenaltyfortheirerror.(28)Andjustastheydidnotseefitto
acknowledgeGod,Godgavethemovertoadepravedmind,todo
whatshouldnotbedone.(29)Theyarefilledwitheverykindof
unrighteousness,wickedness,covetousness,malice.Theyarerife
withenvy,murder,strife,deceit,hostility.Theyaregossips,(30)
slanderers,hatersofGod,insolent,arrogant,boastful,contriversof
allsortsofevil,disobedienttoparents,(31)senseless,covenant
breakers,heartless,ruthless.(32)AlthoughtheyfullyknowGods
righteousdecreethatthosewhopracticesuchthingsdeservetodie,
theynotonlydothembutalsoapproveofthosewhopracticethem.

Thistextdiscusseshomosexualitymoreextensivelythananyother
NewTestamentpassage.However,homosexualityisnotthe
overarchingthemeofthissection.Paulwantstoclearlyexplainthe
gospel.Todothatthough,itisnecessarytoshowthatallpeopleare
underGodsjudgmentandcondemnationandthusinneedofthe
gospel.HestartsbydeclaringthatbecausethetestimonyofGodis
visibleinnatureallarewithoutexcusefortheirrebellionagainst
Him.ThejustwrathofGodisonallungodliness(Rom.1).Thenhe
showsthatincondemningthesinofothersweactuallycondemn
ourselves(Rom.2).LikewiseeventheJewishpeoplewiththelaware
stillfullyunderGodscondemnationfortheirsin.Furthermorethey
areincapableofremedyingthesituation(Rom.23).Thusitdoesnot
matterwhetheroneisapartfromthelaworunderit.Allpeoplestand
condemnedwithoutpartiality.Thispavesthewayforexplaining
GodsgraceinJesuswhichisthegoodnewsofthegospel.Thereis
indeedonewayofdeliverancefromthispredicament.

Sothissectiononhomosexualityoccursintheportionshowingwhy
Godswrathisuponhumanity,andhowhumanityisinexcusable
beforeHim.Beforemovingtothenegative,Paulstartswiththe
positivegoodnewsthatheisintentonsharing.Therighteousnessof
Godisrevealedinthegospelwhichisreceivedbyfaith(Rom.1:17).
BycontrastthewrathofGodisrevealedasbeinguponthe
ungodlinessofmankind(Rom.1:18).Whereisthisungodlinessseen?
Whereisthissuppressingofthetruthseen?Itisseeninthe
inexcusableidolatryofhumanity.Allhaveseenincreationthe
invisibleattributesofGod,Hiseternalpowerandnature(Rom.1:19
20).Howeverinsteadofworshippingthetruecreator,humanity
movedtoidolatryandworshippingcreation(Rom.1:2325).The
existenceofnaturedemandsthattherebeadesigner.Thistruthis
suppressedandturnedtotheworshipofselforsomeothercreated
thing.OneofGodsjudgmentsforthisbehavioristheturningoverof
humanitytotheirownsinfuldesires(Rom.1:24).Thisgivingoverto
sinfulnessanditsconsequencesspecificallyincludeshomosexuality

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(Rom.1:2628).Italsoincludesawholelistofothersinsmorebriefly
mentioned(Rom.1:2932).

Anobjectionhasbeenproposedagainstthistextsdiscussionof
homosexuality.Itstatesthatthispassageonlyreferstoheterosexuals
committinghomosexualacts(ortheabusesofhomosexuality),and
thatthiswouldnotapplyifonesnaturaldesirewasforthesame
sexandcarriedonmonogamously(orinsomekindofmarriage).
Thisdoesnotholdupunderexamination.Paulisnottalkingabout
whatisorhasbecomenaturaldesire.Heistalkingaboutfunction.
Godhasdesignedmenandwomenwithfunctionalcapabilities.
Accordingtothistextthesecapabilitiesarerebelledagainstthrough
homosexualacts.7

Fromthistextthen,weseethathomosexualityisanexampleofGod
havingdeliveredpeopleovertotheconsequencesofhavingrebelled
againstHim.Itisnottheonlysinlisted,butisindeedthehighlighted
one.Itseemsthatthisexampleisgivenbecausehomosexuality
diametricallyopposesthecleardesignofGod.GodmadepeopleinHis
image(Gen.1:27)withabuiltincomplementarydesigninthe
marriageofamaletoafemale(Gen.2:2225).Tocommitactions
clearlyoppositeGodsplanatthenatureleveldistinctlydeclarethe
realityofrebellion.ItdeclaresthatGodsverydesignandplanwere
wrongandinadequate.Asitislistedhere,homosexualityandtherest
ofthesinslisted,areapartofGodsimmediate(thoughnotfinal)
judgment.Sinisajudgmentuponitselfinthatitreapswhatit
sows.8Additionally,thewillfulexchangeofthetruthofGodforalie
canresultinGoddeliveringpeopleovertoadepravedmind.Ones
abilitytoreasonorviewthingsinanaccuratemoralwaycanbe
seriouslyimpaired(Rom.1:28).

However,lestanybecomeselfrighteous,Paulimmediatelymoveson
toshowingthatallarecondemnedundersin.Indeed,condemningthe
sinofotherscondemnsoneself(Rom.2:15).TheonlyreasonPaulcan
shareanyofthisinaworthwhilewayisbecauseheisnotrelyingon
hisownrighteousness.HeisrelyingontherighteousnessofGod.This
hasbeengiventohiminChristJesusbythegraceofGod.Hehimself
hasbeenforgivenofhissin.Thepointwasnottocondemnothersin
ordertojustifyhimself.Thepointwastomakecleartheexistenceof
sinforeveryindividualso that the grace of God that had rescued him
could be sharedwithfellowhumanswhoneededdeliverancejustlike
hehadneededit.

ThesamepurposeandpointthatPaulhadhereinthebookofRomans
remainsforChristianstosharetoday.Wetooarefellowsinners.We
toowereunderGodsfullandimmensewrath.I too am a sinner
condemned by these truths.ByGodsgracewemaybeforgiven.Yet
evenwiththatgrace,inourselveswearenotanybetterthananyone
else.Wehavenothingofwhichtoboast.ThisshowsGodsworktobe
thatmuchmoreamazing.ThatHewouldloveandredeemuswhile
wewereHisenemiesinsuchadeeprebellionagainstHimisalmost
incomprehensible.Thissamegracethathaschangedandischanging
ourlivesandthatwillbringuseternitywithGodinaperfected
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nationality,ethnicgroup,class,oranyotherpossibledivisionis
excludedfromthisofferofthegiftofgrace.Thisisthegrace
Christiansshouldbeoffering,becauseitisthetruegraceofGod.

B. 1 Corinthians 6:911, Inheriting the

Kingdom of God
1Cor.6:911Doyounotknowthattheunrighteouswillnotinherit
thekingdomofGod?Donotbedeceived!Thesexuallyimmoral,
idolaters,adulterers,passivehomosexualpartners,practicing
homosexuals,(10)thieves,thegreedy,drunkards,theverbally
abusive,andswindlerswillnotinheritthekingdomofGod.(11)Some
ofyouoncelivedthisway.Butyouwerewashed,youweresanctified,
youwerejustifiedinthenameoftheLordJesusChristandbythe
SpiritofourGod.

SomehaveraisedquestionsaboutthetwoGreekwordsfor
homosexualactivityinthisverse.Theywouldinterpretthemas
referringonlytoamoralsoftness(),andtoamaleprostitute
().Howeverthiskindoftranslationdisagreeswiththe
premierBiblicalGreekLexicon(BDAG).9Beyondthatitessentially
disagreeswithmost(ifnotall)theotherstandardEnglishlexicons
andisnotagoodtranslationforthesewordshere.10Thusthese
wordsincontextdorefertothetwodifferentrolesinhomosexual
relationships.

Unequivocallythenthisisastronganddefinitivestatementaboutsin
anditsconsequencesaswellasabouttheonewaytoberescuedfrom
them.InthiscontextPaulispowerfullyremindingtheCorinthian
churchthatthesekindsofbehaviorarenotcompatiblewiththe
kingdomofGod.InthisportionofthebookPaulhasbeendealing
withquiteanumberofbehavioralandethicalproblemsthathave
beenplaguingthechurch.Theirformerbehaviorswereinfluencing
theirlivespresentlyinacompletelyinappropriateway.Apparentlyit
hadgottensobadthatPaulevenchallengedtheminafollowingletter
toexaminethemselvestoseewhethertheyhadtrulybecome
believers(2Cor.13:5).

Thesesinsinandofthemselveswerenothingthatwouldkeepthem
fromtrulyacceptingthegraceofGodandbecomingchildrenofGod.
Howeveracontinuationinthemasamanneroflife11wouldbean
indicationthattheywerenottrulybelieversandnotgoingtoinherit
thekingdomofGod(cf.1John3).Quitehelpfullyforustoday,thisis
aclearstatementthatsomeoftheCorinthianshadbecomebelievers
outofthatmanneroflife.Thisshouldleadustoatleasttwo
conclusions:

1.Likeothersins,homosexualbehaviormaybeforgiven.Godsgrace
isnotlimitedbythisoranyothersin.AsRomans5:20states:

Moreoverthelawentered,thattheoffencemightabound.Butwhere
sinabounded,gracedidmuchmoreabound:(21)Thatassinhath

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reigneduntodeath,evensomightgracereignthroughrighteousness
untoeternallifebyJesusChristourLord.(KJV)

2.SinceChristianshavecomeoutofsuchsins,theyshouldbethe
onesmostdesiroustoshareGodslovewithothers.As2Corinthians
5:1721states:

Sothen,ifanyoneisinChrist,heisanewcreation;whatisoldhas
passedawaylook,whatisnewhascome!(18)Andallthesethings
arefromGodwhoreconciledustohimselfthroughChrist,andwho
hasgivenustheministryofreconciliation.(19)Inotherwords,in
ChristGodwasreconcilingtheworldtohimself,notcounting
peoplestrespassesagainstthem,andhehasgivenusthemessageof
reconciliation.(20)Thereforeweareambassadors for Christ,as
thoughGodweremakingHispleathroughus.Wepleadwithyou
onChristsbehalf, BereconciledtoGod!(21)Godmadethe
onewhodidnotknowsintobesinforus,sothatinhimwewould
becometherighteousnessofGod.(NETBible,emphasisadded)

C. 1 Timothy 1:815, The Worst of Sinners

Paul
1Tim.1:815Butweknowthatthelawisgoodifsomeoneusesit
legitimately,(9)realizingthatlawisnotintendedforarighteous
person,butforlawlessandrebelliouspeople,fortheungodlyand
sinners,fortheunholyandprofane,forthosewhokilltheirfathersor
mothers,formurderers,(10)sexuallyimmoralpeople,practicing
homosexuals,kidnappers,liars,perjurersinfact,foranywholive
contrarytosoundteaching.(11)Thisaccordswiththegloriousgospel
oftheblessedGodthatwasentrustedtome.(12)Iamgratefultothe
onewhohasstrengthenedme,ChristJesusourLord,becausehe
consideredmefaithfulinputtingmeintoministry,(13)eventhoughI
wasformerlyablasphemerandapersecutor,andanarrogantman.
ButIwastreatedwithmercybecauseIactedignorantlyinunbelief,
(14)andourLordsgracewasabundant,bringingfaithandlovein
ChristJesus.(15)Thissayingistrustworthyanddeservesfull
acceptance:ChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinnersand
Iamtheworstofthem!

InthislistPaulpointsoutthepurposeofthelawincontrasttothe
viewofotherswhoweremisusingit(1Tim.1:67).Thelawreveals
sinfulnessandtheneedtobesaved.IntheexamplesthatPaulthen
gives,homosexualityisclearlyincludedasbeingunrighteous.12Asfar
asthehypotheticalrighteouspersonhere(v.9)itshouldbenoted
thatJesuswastheonlyrighteousperson(Heb.4:15,Rom.3:1024).

Somepeoplemaytrytoappearasiftheywererighteous.However
thisshouldnotbeconfusedwithtrulybeingrighteous.Theywill
receivethejudgmentofGod,becauseitisHisholystandardthatis
themeasuringline.Theonlythingthattheywillaccomplishwiththis
attemptisthattheywillhaveintheirownmindsmentallyremoved
themselvesfromtheofferofGodsgrace.Howcoulditapplytothem
iftheywillnotacknowledgetheirneed?

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Thislistofsinfulactivityincludeshomosexualityandmanysinsthat
mightbeconsideredbypeopletobetheworseones:killingparents,
sexualimmorality,kidnapping,profanity,andlawlessness.Itis
highlyinterestingthatattheendofthislistPaulsaysthebottomline
isthatChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinnersandthathe
(Paul)wastheworstofthem.FromwhatweknowofPaulelsewhere
inScripturehewasblamelessinfrontoftherighteousnessofthelaw
(Phil.3:6).13Paulmaynothavecommittedcertainsinsthattoothers
ortotheletterofthelawwouldbethemostheinous.Yetheknew
thatbeforeGodtheywereindeedstillthemostwicked.NodoubtI
tooamtheworstofsinners.ThanksbetoGodthroughtheLordJesus
ChristthatinHimInolongerhaveanycondemnation.Norneedyou.

Conclusion to Homosexuality in the New

Testament
Homosexualityisindeedsin.Itisnotokay.Itisnotmoral.It,along
withallothersins,reapsthejudgmentofGod.TheseScriptures
confirmthat.Yetthatisnotwhereitstops.Norshouldweaswe
discusstheBiblicalviewofhomosexuality.TheBiblicaland
Christianviewofhomosexualityisthatitiswrong,but
Godsgracejustlikeitdidforusoffersfreedomfromsin
toallpeople.Godsgracecanbringnewlifeandhelpeverystepof
theway.AsJesussaidinHisfirstcoming:

John3:1621ForthisisthewayGodlovedtheworld:Hegavehisone
andonlySon,sothateveryonewhobelievesinhimwillnotperish
buthaveeternallife.(17)ForGoddidnotsendhisSonintothe
worldtocondemntheworld,butthattheworldshouldbe
savedthroughhim.(18)Theonewhobelievesinhimisnot
condemned.Theonewhodoesnotbelievehasbeencondemned
already,becausehehasnotbelievedinthenameoftheoneandonly
SonofGod.(19)Nowthisisthebasisforjudging:thatthelighthas
comeintotheworldandpeoplelovedthedarknessratherthanthe
light,becausetheirdeedswereevil.(20)Foreveryonewhodoesevil
deedshatesthelightanddoesnotcometothelight,sothattheir
deedswillnotbeexposed.(21)Buttheonewhopracticesthetruth
comestothelight,sothatitmaybeplainlyevidentthathisdeeds
havebeendoneinGod.(NETBible,emphasisadded)

SinceIhaveseenthepowerofsininmylife,whenIseeScripturecall
somethingsin,oranabomination,orthatpeoplecommittingcertain
actionswillnotinheritthekingdomofGodIcaninstantlyrelateto
that.MysintooisanabominationtoGod:

Proverbs6:1619TherearesixthingsthattheLORDhates,evenseven
thingsthatareanabominationtohim:(17)haughtyeyes,alying
tongue,andhandsthatshedinnocentblood,(18)aheartthat
deviseswickedplans,feetthatareswifttoruntoevil,(19)afalse
witnesswhopoursoutlies,andapersonwhospreadsdiscordamong
familymembers.(NET,emphasisadded)

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I remember the pain, anguish, emptiness, and despair that I

experienced.14 I cannot help but want everyone else in these
circumstances to know the grace and love of God that so changed my
life. I want that freedom for you.

Jesus experienced the struggles of this life. He can truly sympathize

with our weaknessHe was tempted in every way just as we are, yet
without sin (Heb. 4:15). He alone has the power to overcome all sin
and walk with us through this life. While I have of course not
experienced every situation, I have seen enough of sin in my own life
to want three things for you:

1. I want no one else to experience the pain and results of sin like I
did.

2. I want everyone to experience the grace, love, and forgiveness

of Jesus that gives new, eternal life.

3. I want to continue to grow in my similarities to Jesus through

His enablement. This alone will enable me to better express His truth
in lovein both my words and my actions.

Will you walk alongside of me in this?

Likewise, if you have truly received this same grace will you lovingly
share it and live it?

IV. Jesus on Sexuality

When discussions of Jesus and homosexuality or the LGBT15 lifestyle
come up some might try to claim that Jesus never dealt with the issue.
However that is not really accurate. Jesus, as God, was a unique
teacher. He often dealt authoritatively with the principles that were
behind not just one action, but a whole host of possible ones. He often
discerned through to the heart and intent of people and exposed both
our sinful hearts, and His holy standard. The following two examples
carefully show us that we all fall short and are desperately in need of
Gods grace.

A. Matthew 5:2728, A Maximized

Definition of Sin
Mat 5:2728 You have heard that it was said, Do not commit
adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to desire
her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Jesus made clear that Gods standard of right and wrong did not
simply stop with an external act, but rather included our thoughts
and heart. It is wrong to even fantasize immorally.16

Most directly this deals with married people and the sin of both
physical and mental adultery. However it goes much further than this

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when the principle of what Jesus was teaching is seen. Jesus was
pointing out to the religious leaders and the society that sin goes
beyond just what they do to what they allow themselves to think and
dwell on. In His discussion of murder in the section immediately prior
to this one (Matt. 5:2126) He points out that being angry with or
insulting a brother will also bring Gods judgmentnot just the actual
deed of murdering. Clearly Gods standard goes deeper than mere
actions, and clearly (contrary to the selfrighteous perspectives of
those religious leaders) it was impossible for them to keep. That is
one of the chief points of the law: to point out our sinand then drive
us to faith in God and His provision of grace.

Sexual sins go much further than just adultery or a physical act. Sins
of anger and broken relationships go much further than that between
brothers. These are examples and specific cases in which sin goes
beyond the mere letter of the law. People might try to restrict the
applicability of the law to make themselves appear to be holy and
righteous. Regardless, God is not deceived. Whether it is the
minimizing of lying, cheating, stealing, envy, covetousness, adultery,
witchcraft, pornography, fornication, swindling, drunkenness,
homosexuality, or any other unrighteousnessJesus here
intentionally shows that He would not be in agreement with such a
handling of Gods Word. If anything His definition of these sins is
broader than we would like to think. Jesus ethic would thus clearly
apply to homosexuality as part of the law (Lev. 18:22, 20:13) which
would not become void (Luke 16:17).

B. Matthew 19:39, A Specified Definition

of Marriage
Mat 19:39 Then some Pharisees came to him in order to test him.
They asked, Is it lawful to divorce a wife for any cause? (4) He
answered, Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator
made them male and female, (5) and said, For this reason a
man will leave his father and mother and will be united
with his wife, and the two will become one flesh? (6) So
they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined
together, let no one separate. (7) They said to him, Why then did
Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to
divorce her? (8) Jesus said to them, Moses permitted you to divorce
your wives because of your hard hearts, but from the beginning it was
not this way. (9) Now I say to you that whoever divorces his wife,
except for immorality, and marries another commits adultery.

Here Jesus was very specific on Gods plan for men and women and
marriage. The basis for Jesus answer to one question about
relationships was to go back to Gods original plan and design. That
plan and design has been warped and twisted by our sinfulness and
hardness of heart in almost every possible manner. In this specific
case it was divorce, immorality, and adultery. However all other
possible variants from Gods original design would equally be against
Gods planwhich Jesus reiterates here. By affirming Gods creational

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plan Jesus undermines, invalidates, and declares wrong any other

activity which is in opposition to that design. The one divorce
exception seems to be in light of the discontinuation of theocratic
punishment of death upon adulterers (which would have freed the
unoffending member).17 Immorality, like divorce, declares that Gods
provision and design were insufficient. Homosexuality does the same
thing.

In most societies this standard of right and wrong would have far
more implications (by sheer numbers) for those people involved in
general immorality, living together, one night stands, adultery,
divorce, child abuse, pornography, etc. than those in the LGBT
community. However, Gods Word and Gods standards to us are not
comparative with how other people are doing. It is all wrong before
God. Indeed, those situations all need to be truthfully and loving
addressed. It is all contrary to Gods original designed plan. It is all
deserving of His judgment. We have all failed meeting Gods
standard. All are at fault, whether it is in thought or in deed. The one
good that may come out of this strong pronouncement of Jesus is
recognizing like I did (and do) that I am wicked, I am desperate, I
cannot fix this, I am ruined. Then we must let it point us to the
amazing grace, love, forgiveness, and life transforming power of
Jesus Christ. Through faith in His work in taking our penalty on the
cross there can be new life (John 10:911).

Conclusion to Jesus on Sexuality

From these teachings of Jesus we see that none of us escape from
being included in His teaching on Gods standards of sexuality and
marriage. Jesus Himself taught a sexual and marital ethic that more
clearly and strictly emphasized Gods original plan for pure
monogamous heterosexual relationships alone. Nothing else was
validnot even lustful thoughts in any other direction.

For those involved with any heterosexual or homosexual interactions

outside of a man/woman marriage these truths have wide reaching
implications. Jesus pronouncement is that these relationships are not
valid and are sin.

Even for those who may no longer be involved with any of these kinds
of sins externally, these truths still have implications. The fact is you
and I probably struggle with it internally in one way or another and
will until the day we die. I have had enough insightful conversations
with lucid 90+ year olds to know that some things do not change
while still in these sin corrupted bodies. If we, as Christians, are
depending on the grace of God day by day, then we will want to try to
lovingly share it with others. If we are not depending on that grace
then we are living a lie and pretending to be holier than we are. The
only holiness that we have is the holiness that we are given in Jesus
Christ and that He works within us. There is no room for personal
pride or boasting.

It does not matter whether our sin is from external or internal

actions, whether heterosexual or homosexual in nature, or whether

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other people can see it or not. If we continue in this behavior, the

result is that we will slowly but surely destroy our lives through these
sins. We cannot live up to Gods plan and standard with this kind of
behavior. The grace of God in Jesus Christ is the only answer. (Acts
4:12, Titus 3:37)

V. Conclusion: Loving in TruthMy

Background
The Bible is realistic about human nature. It tells us that we all fall
short of Gods standard of righteousness, and thus none are righteous
before Him (Rom. 3:1023). All other religions of the world somehow
offer the hope that by selfeffort heaven may be achieved. The Bible
does not do that. Instead the Bible gives us Gods humanly
impossibletoattain standard.

I18 have personally found these standards impossible to keep, and that
resulted in the worst period of my life. I was in my early teens, and
had grown up hearing the Bible taught. Previously I had asked Jesus
to save me from my sins through what He did on the cross to take my
place. Yet as I grew older, I let pride and selfsufficiency take over. I
began struggling intensely with a particular sin. I knew it was wrong.
I knew what the Bible said. My school work began to suffer. I knew
there was nothing more important in life than my relationship with
the one who created me. Yet my heart was too cold for more than
empty prayers. As time wore on the only reason I did not
commit suicide was because I knew that would be sin too. The
despair and emptiness in my life at this time were the worst
experience I have ever had. Sin had control over my life. I knew it
was empty and destructive. I knew there was something better. But I
could not fix my thoughts. I could not stop my sinning. I could try to
ignore it for a while, but the haunting thoughts and reality were
always lurking. The truth was that I was not keeping Gods standards.
I was not holy. I deserved nothing but Gods judgment.

But then God intervened. While it was impossible for me to overcome,

it was not impossible for God. He used a combination of His Word
that I was reading, and of messages that I heard on the radio to open
my eyes to the rest of the truth.

My journal at this time goes from records of my continual failures

each day, of my heart being so hard against God, of my struggling
anguish, of the realities of my sinfulness, of knowing that I needed to
repent yet could not in my coldheartedness to all of a sudden
ecstatically thanking God for His amazing love.

What happened? Over time I had realized my sinfulness in its awful

selfdestroying reality. I realized fully my incapability. I could not fix
my life on my own. I could not earn Gods love, approval, or
forgiveness. In my pride and selfsufficiency I needed to see the
realities of my situation before I would or could humble myself
enough to throw myself entirely on Gods grace. But as I did see those

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realities and surrendered myself to Him, He opened my eyes to also

truly realize His love and grace.

Gods grace, mercy, and help extended beyond just a onetime

experience as a child to an every day reality as a young man. Only by
Gods enablement and grace could I be initially and eternally saved
from my sin. Likewise, only by continuing to walk in that grace could
I daily live out the manner of life that God desired. This is the radical
nature of the lifetransforming power of the work of God. It could
change my evil, proud, sinful life into something that could reflect
more and more the impossible manner of life of Jesus.

Since this time I have strongly desired to share this with other
people. I do not want anyone to ever go through what I went through
in those torturous days of anguish and despair while I walked in
bondage to my sin. I did not do something to earn Gods love or to
receive it. I have no magic formula. Somehow God helped me see my
sin for what it truly was, somehow I admitted it before Him
truthfully, and somehow I received His overwhelming love, grace,
forgiveness, and help to overcome my sin. I knew the facts long
before that though. Yet God brought them to a reality in my heart and
life at this time. I gave up, and in simple faith I entrusted my life to
Him. Just like He overcame sin in His death, burial, and resurrection,
He overcame my sin. From that time on I knew that there was victory
over my sin. I would be fine. He would be with me and help me daily
with my lifelong struggles. As I continued relying on Him He would
be faithful. And He has.

So what does that have to do with the Biblical or Christian view of

Homosexuality? Just like my sin initially prevented me from the
kingdom of God, and just like my sin and pride enslaved me and
nearly destroyed my life as I continually gave in to it: so too will
any and every other sin do to you.

From the beginning of my struggle I was convinced of my sin from

Scripture. Maybe that is not the case for you. Maybe there are still
some questions in your mind. The resources listed in the footnotes
and at the end of this article would be highly recommended for your
consideration.

For those convinced of the truth of what the Bible teaches about this
and other sins, then maybe the best thing you could do would be to
read the gospels. (Romans could also be helpful to the detail
oriented.) There you will read what Christ has done to free us from
our sin. May the love of God that has changed my life overtake yours
too.

For those for whom this issue of homosexuality is just an academic

question about what the Bible says, remember: all sin will enslave you
and make you worthy of Gods just condemnation just like it did to me.
There is no socially acceptable sin before God. There is however
forgiveness, redemption, and freedom in Jesus Christ.

Regardless of what situation you find yourself in, I would plead with
you. Jesus Christ offers you the same freedom that I could not earn
and that I was too proud to accept for way too long. Please do not put

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yourselfthroughthetorturethatIwentthrough.Pleasedonotwait
untilitistoolate.IfGodcouldraiseJesusfromthedead,forgivemy
sin,overcomemystruggle,andhelpmedaily,thenHecanfreeyou.
InHimourcondemnationforsinisremoved(Romans8).

Lastly,forthoseofyouwhoarebelieversinJesusChrist,Iwould
encourageyoutothinkaboutthisissuethroughtheeyesoftheWord
ofGod.ThenfollowtheMasterindailylettingHimdealwithyoursin
andtransformyourlife.Aswedothatwewillbepreparedtofollow
ourLordinreachingouttootherssufferingfromthissameplightof
sin.Formoreinformationonthisseetheshortarticle:
https://bible.org/article/homosexualityandchurch.

VI. Questions and Answers

Q1. What is homosexuality?

Homosexualityistheexpressionofsexualitytowardsapersonofthe
samegender.

Q2. How does one determine if the

practice of homosexuality is right or
wrong?
Todetermineifanythingisrightorwrongonemusthaveastandard
bywhichthequestionableactionmaybemeasured.Theonlyonewith
thefullauthoritytosetsuchastandardisthecreatorandsovereign
ofallthings.SinceGodhasgivenhumankindHisWordintheBible
thatisthesourceofdeterminingifanything,including
homosexuality,ismorallyrightorwrong.Culturalandpersonal
preferencesvary,howeverthestandardofthecreatorwhomadeall
thingsdoesnot.

Q3. What explicitly does the Bible teach

about homosexuality?
TheBibleexplicitlyteachesthathomosexualityisasininboththeOld
andNewTestaments.ItalsoexplicitlyteachesthatGodoffersHis
gracetoredeemandreconcileeverykindofsinnertoHimselfatHis
ownexpensethroughthedeath,burial,andresurrectionofJesus
Christ.TheconclusionoftheNewTestamentsectionsuccinctlystates
itthisway:TheBiblicalandChristianviewofhomosexualityisthat
itiswrong,butGodsgrace,justlikeitdidforus,offersfreedom
fromsintoallpeople.(Seeabovefordetails.)

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Q4. Is it true that all of the times

homosexuality is referenced in the Bible
it is bundled with false worship, rape,
prostitution, or abuses, and that this
combination was the problem/sin before
God?
ItistruethatthemainreferencestohomosexualityintheBibledo
mentionothersinsintheimmediatecontext(readingthepassages
discussedabovewillallowonetonotethisquiteeasily).However,as
farastherestoftheclaimthatitwashomosexualitymixedwith
otheractivitythatmadeitsinfulthisiscompletelyinaccurate.Ifone
simplyreadsthepassagestalkingabouthomosexualityonewillnote
thatthespecificactsofhomosexualityareexplicitlydescribedas
beingwrong.Forinstance,inRomans1naturalrelationsare
exchangedandabandoned(Rom.1:2627).Shamelessactsare
committed(Rom.1:27).HomosexualityiscontrarytoGodscreational
design.SinceallsinisidolatryandrebellionagainstGoditshould
comeasnosurprisethatthoseelementsareseeninthecontext.See
theresourcesfootnotedintheRomans1sectionofthisarticlefor
furtherdiscussionofthisissue.ParticularlynoteGuentherHaass
articleentitled,HermeneuticalIssuesInTheUseOfTheBibleTo
JustifyTheAcceptanceOfHomosexualPracticeGlobal Journal of
Classical Theology,Vol1,No.2(2/99),
http://phc.edu/gj_haas_hermen.php

Q5. Does committing a homosexual act

automatically mean one is going to hell?
No.JesuscametobearthepenaltyofsinuponHimselfandoffer
forgivenesstoallwhotrustinHisworkontheirbehalf.Anywhodo
trulytrustinHimwillnotgotohell.Inthiswayhomosexualsinis
thesameasanyothersin.Itcanbeforgiven.Conversely,likeevery
othersin,ittooneedsforgiveness,andittooneedstobeovercomeby
thegraceofGod.Seethebiblicaldiscussionaboveformoredetails.

Q6. Are homosexual acts worse sins than

other sins in the Bible?
Scripturedoesnotgivetheclearestgradingofsins.Thatmakesthis
ahardquestiontoanswer.OntheonehandJesussaidthatifthe
worksthathadbeendoneinCapernaumhadbeendoneinSodomit
wouldhaveremainedtothatday(wouldnothavebeenjudged
becauseitwouldhaverepented).Additionally,Hesaidthatitwould
bemoretolerableforSodominthedayofjudgmentthanfor
Capernaum(Matt.11:2324).Thisseemstoindicatethatthe severity

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of Gods judgment will vary depending upon the knowledge and

witness of God:thosewhoshouldknowbettermoresowillbe
judgedmorestrongly.OntheotherhandRomans1doesspecifically
pointouthomosexualityasanexampleofpersistentrebellionagainst
GodandasbeinganexampleofthejudgmentofGod.Interestingly,in
thispassageitdoesseemlikethereisastrongknowledgeofthe
sinfulnessoftheiractivities.ItisdespitetheirknowledgeofGodand
Hisjudgmentthattheypursuetheircourseandencourageothersto
dothesame.FromtheseexampleswecanseethatScripturedoesnot
reallyanswerthisquestiondirectly.Howeveritdoesseemtoindicate
that the more willful a sin is the worse will be Gods
judgmentregardlessofwhatthepracticeofthesinis.Evenmore
clearlythanthatthough,andmoreimportantlyScriptureanswersa
differentquestionabouthomosexuality.Thequestionitanswersis
whetherGodsgraceissufficienttorescueanddeliverfromthissin.
Itis.

Q7. How do you explain marriage

ceremonies in which two persons of the
same sex are united by an officiating
clergyman or justice of the peace?
Governmentsinanumberofregionshavelegalizedthispracticeand
officiallyrecognizetheseunionsasamarriage.Thisdoesgivelegal
authoritytothemandtomanyitalsogivestheappearanceofmoral
sanction.However,onlyGodcantrulygivemoralapproval.Hehas
declaredhomosexualitytobesin.Christiansshouldrespondtothis
liketheyshouldrespondtoallothersins:withtruthandlove.Some
clergyanddenominationsclaimingtobeChristianallowforsamesex
marriages.TheiractionsarewithoutsanctionoftheBibleorGod.
Thisisreadilyapparentfromthecontradictionbetweentheiractions
andthetruthsofScriptureseeninthisarticle.

Q8. Why should two people who sincerely

love each other not be allowed to get
married just because they are of the same
gender?
Theanswertothisiscontroversialinmanycirclestodayboth
politicallyandreligiously.Theshortanswerseemstoboildownto
onesdefinitionoflove,marriage,andhowoneviewsmorals.True
lovedoeswhatisbestforanotherpersonregardlessoftheexpenseto
oneself.ByGodsdesignforhumanitymarriagewastobebetweena
manandawoman(Gen.1:2628;2:1825.).WomanwastheGod
givencompanionwhowassuitableforman.Moralsaredetermined
byGodsstandardsandwhatHehassetasrightandwrong.Bythese
definitionsthen,itwouldnotbethemostlovingthingtomarry

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someonewhenitviolatedGodsmoralstandards,whenthatisnotthe
designforwhatmarriageshouldbe,andwhenonewouldnotbethe
mostsuitablekindofcompanion.

SincemostnonbelieverswouldnotacknowledgeGodsstandardof
moralsordesignthisviewpointismostlyirrelevanttothem.Forthe
Christian,however,questionsofshouldandmoralsaretobe
determinedbytheonewhodeterminesrightandwrong.Indeed,not
justforChristians,butforallwhotalkaboutrightsthisneedstobe
aconsideration.Rightsonlyexistifoneacknowledgesmoral
standardsendowedwithcreationbyacreator.Anaturalisticsystem
hasnoplaceforrights.19

PoliticallyinAmerica,otherbeliefsystemswithacreatormighthave
adifferentcodeofmoralitywhichcouldbefollowedasthebasisfor
redefiningmarriagebeyonditstraditionaldefinition.However
seekingarareornewerreligioussystembasedonthiscriteriaseems
tobeanexampleofthetailwaggingthedogandnottruemoral
conviction.

Tryingtodefinemarriagebytheoftenvaguetermloveisnotasafe
meansforexpandingitsdefinition.20Indeedpeopleloveallsortsof
things.Thisdoesnotmakeitnecessaryorrightforallofsortsof
behaviorstobecarriedout.Nordoesitmeangovernmentmust
promoteallofthosebehaviors.Likewise,sincesamesexmarriageis
indeeddifferentthanoppositesexmarriageitisnotanissueof
equality.21

Q9. Is homosexuality genetic? If it is

genetic or natural does that make it
morally okay?
Theissueofwhetherhomosexualityisgeneticisaninterestingone.
Duetothechangingnatureofscientificstudiesandtheintricaciesof
theissuethisarticlewouldsoonbecomeoutdatedifadiscussionwere
entereduponatanylength.Forthoseinterested,asof2013,no
geneticorDNAlinkshavebeenfoundforhomosexuality.22Howeverit
shouldbestronglystressedthatwhether or not it is genetic in
some way is not a deciding factor on whether something is
moral or not.Theoreticallysomeonemighthaveagenetic
dispositiontowardsdrugoralcoholabuse,ortowardslying,23or
kleptomania.Thisdoesnotchangethemoralityofthoseissues.

TwoofGregKouklsarticleshelpfullydiscussthisissueofwhether
somethingnaturalisnecessarilymoral.Thefirstapproachesthe
issuefromalogicalandphilosophicalangle:Homosexuality Is
Unnatural: The IsOught Fallacy?
http://bible.org/article/homosexualityunnaturaloughtfallacyThe
secondapproachestheissuemoredirectlyfromalookattheteaching
ofScripture:Paul, Romans, and Homosexuality,
http://bible.org/article/paulromansandhomosexuality.Whether

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somethingisgeneticornotdoesnotnecessarilyfollowthatitis
natural(adesignationofdesign).Likewise,evenifitisnaturalit
doesnotnecessarilyfollowthatitismoral(DavidHumeIsOught
fallacy).

Q10. Are there contributing factors to

homosexuality for which a homosexual
might not be responsible?
Weallhavecontributingfactorstowardsdifferentactivitythatwe
engagein.Thesedefinitelymakeiteasiertoseehowonewouldbe
morelikelytoconductoneselfinaparticularway.Howeverweretain
responsibilityforouractions.Wemaynotberesponsibleforthose
thingswhicharedonetous,butweareresponsibleforourchoices.

Weallhaveourownpropensitiesororientationtowardsspecificsins.
Thequestionforallofusis:whatwillwedowiththem?24Forway
toolongIheldontomine.TobequitehonestIamtemptedeveryday
togobacktothem.Sometimesnewonescropup.Thisisandwillbea
lifelongprocessoflearningmyidentityinChrist,ofgrowingin
resistingtemptationsandwalkingintruth.Icannotovercomemysin.
FaithinJesusisthevictorythatovercomessinandtheworld(1John
3:23;5:4).Withthesekindsofintensestrugglesthereisnoroomto
underestimatethestrugglesofeachother.Withthecommonalityof
sinthereisnoroomtolookdownupononeanother.

Thereisasenseofneedingtojustgetoveritinthatweneedto
recognizesinsassins,andweneedtodecidetobegindoingwhatis
rightbyGodsgraceandprovision.That,however,isjustthe
beginning.Thedailywalkingwithandhelpingoneanothertoapply
ouridentityinChristisonethatmustbesustained.Itisthenaget
onwithitingraceissue.SoletsgetoveritbyGodsgraceand
thengetonwithitinHisgrace!WithoutHisgraceneitherwill
happen.

Q11. How should Christians treat people

in same sex relationships?
WeshouldtreatthemwiththesameloveandgracethatGodhas
showntous.Allofusaresinners.Oursinsmayvary,butitisall
rebellionagainstGod.Wehavebeenandarebeingrescuedfromsin.
Thatshouldallowusofallpeopletobeabletorelatewith
compassionandtruecare.TheloveofJesusdidnotleavepeople
wheretheywere,butitdidmeetthemthere.

ChristiansshouldnotexpectthosewhoarenotbelieversinJesusto
liveliketheywerefollowersofHim(1Cor.5:911).Whilewemaynot
condonesinorbecomeinvolvedwithit(whethersexualorother),we
shouldpursuefriendshipswithallpeoplelikeChristdid.Thereisno
roomforpartiality,disdain,disrespect,orunkindness.Thereisonly

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plenty of room for showing the same grace of God that we are
receiving.

Christians should help those who are believers to live like followers
of Him. Growth is a lifelong process. The kinds of issues believers
struggle with varies from person to person and at different times in
life. Regardless, we should continually be available to assist, disciple,
encourage, counsel, challenge, and rebuke as needed. This availability
should be throughout the course of our lives and involvements with
each other. For the one claiming to be a Christian and persisting in
living this way the normal process of church discipline should be
exercised (Matthew 18:1522). In this way, homosexuality is no
different than any other persistent sin. In all of this our actions must
be done with humility and in love (Gal. 6:1).

For those who struggle with the same sin caution should be exercised
in any relationship. The kindness and grace of God should always be
shown. However care must be taken that the kinds of involvements
present do not lead one into sin oneself.

Q12. How can we help Christians who get

involved in the practice of
homosexuality? Or who become
Christians and have had these kinds of
experiences? Or have same sex
attraction?
Addictions rewire the brain, whether it is pornography, alcoholism,
or smoking. People get into patterns and habits that are hard to break
and leave a permanent deepseated impact. Sexual activities make a
lasting impact on who we are. Gods grace forgives and cleanses. God
forgives. Yet being Jesus disciple is a lifelong pursuit. We all have
come through different experiences, and have different struggles.
Regardless of what the struggles are Christians must be committed to
lifelong ministry with one another.

Remaining mentally and morally pure to ones spouse is a lifelong

intentional battle for heterosexual people. Sexual issues are deep
ones because they go to the core of our beings as humans. Why should
we expect it would be any different for those encountering samesex
attraction issues? Some may have a more immediate, complete
victory over this. Most will probably be like you and me. They will
have victory over temptations one day at a time through Gods grace.
This will come for us all as we grow in understanding our identity in
Christ. This is not simply a sinmanagement attempt, but a walk in
knowing and becoming like Christ.

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VII. Resources
(Free unless otherwise noted)

A. Audio Resources
Dallas Theological Seminary (Audio + Video)
Homosexuality in the Context of Christian Sexual Ethics,
Podcast http://www.dts.edu/thetable/play/discussing
homosexualitysexualitytogether/
Controversial SameSex Texts In The Bible,
Podcast, http://www.dts.edu/thetable/play/queenjamespassages
oldtestament/
Engaging with Sexual Identity Issues: Engaging with LGBT Persons,
Podcast http://www.dts.edu/thetable/play/engaginglgbtpersons/
Engaging with Sexual Identity Issues: Ministering to People Wrestling
with Sexual Identity, Podcast
http://www.dts.edu/thetable/play/ministeringtopeoplewrestling
sexualidentity/

Greg Koukl (Audio for purchase)

Setting the Record Straight: The Bible and Homosexuality
http://store.str.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CD121

John MacArthur (Audio + Manuscripts)

Answering Key Questions About Homosexuality,
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/GTY89/answeringkey
questionsabouthomosexuality
Homosexuality and the Bible (Selected Scriptures, 2 messages),
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermonseries/12
Gods Plan for the Gay Agenda,
http://www.gty.org/resources/articles/A170/GodsPlanfortheGay
Agenda

John Piper (Audio + Manuscripts + some Video)

Why is Homosexuality Wrong?, (Some gracious thoughts on the
brokenness of us all) http://www.desiringgod.org/resource
library/askpastorjohn/whyishomosexualitywrong
Discerning the Will of God Concerning Homosexuality and Marriage
(Romans 12:12), http://www.desiringgod.org/resource
library/sermons/discerningthewillofgodconcerning
homosexualityandmarriage
The Other Dark Exchange: Homosexuality, Part 1 (Romans 1:2428),
(http://www.desiringgod.org/resourcelibrary/sermons/theother
darkexchangehomosexualitypart1
The Other Dark Exchange: Homosexuality, Part 2 (Romans 1:2428),
http://www.desiringgod.org/resourcelibrary/sermons/theother
darkexchangehomosexualitypart2
Bethlehems Position on Homosexuality (a sample of a
church's attempt to practically live out a Biblical view of
homosexuality), http://www.desiringgod.org/resourcelibrary/taste
seearticles/bethlehemspositiononhomosexuality

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Frank Turek
March 16th podcast from his radio show dealing with same sex
marriage issues, equality, and reason:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/feelingsorreasonmarch
16/id337782458?i=136358756&mt=2.

B. Article Resources
Wayne Grudem
The Bible and Homosexuality, reprinted in World Magazine with
permission from Crossway. Original article is from the ESV Study
Bible.
http://www.worldmag.com/2013/04/the_bible_and_homosexuality

Stanton Jones
Sexual Orientation and Reason: On the Implications of False Beliefs
about Homosexuality. Text version:
http://www.wheaton.edu/CACE/HotTopics PDF Download:
http://www.wheaton.edu/CACE/CACEPrintResources/Articles

Bible.org Articles:

Sue Bohlin
Homosexuality: Questions and Answers,
http://bible.org/article/homosexualityquestionsandanswers
Can Homosexuals Change?, http://bible.org/article/canhomosexuals
change
Answers to Questions Most Asked by GayIdentifying Youth,
https://bible.org/article/answersquestionsmostaskedgay
identifyingyouth
When Someone in Your Congregation Says Im Gay,
http://bible.org/article/whensomeoneyourcongregationsaysim
gay
Keys to Recovery from SameSex Attractions,
http://bible.org/article/keysrecoverysamesexattractions

Bob Deffinbaugh
Israels Sodom and Gomorrah (Judges 1921)
http://bible.org/seriespage/israel%E2%80%99ssodomand
gomorrahjudges1921

Daniel Wallace
Review of Mel Whites What the Bible Saysand Doesnt Sayabout
Homosexuality (deals with Romans 1:2627),
http://bible.org/article/reviewmelwhite%E2%80%99swhatbible
says%E2%80%94anddoesn%E2%80%99tsay%E2%80%94about
homosexuality

Christian Apologetics Research Ministry Articles:

Matt Slick
On "There is nothing wrong with two homosexuals getting married if
they love each other", http://carm.org/lovehomosexualmarriage

Stand To Reason Articles:

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Greg Koukl
Paul, Romans, and Homosexuality, http://bible.org/article/paul
romansandhomosexuality
Homosexuality Is Unnatural: An IsOught Fallacy?,
http://bible.org/article/homosexualityunnaturaloughtfallacy
Homosexuality: Giving Your Point of View,
http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5302

Alen Shlemon
Homosexuality: Know the Truth and Speak it with Compassion,
http://www.str.org/site/News2?id=8779

Cross Examined Articles:

Frank Turek (Articles + Radio show podcast)

The Case Against Equality Part 1 and 2 (Deals with the political
issue of marriage and the claim of inequality in its not being applied
to homosexual relationships.)
http://townhall.com/columnists/frankturek/2013/02/28/thecase
againstequalityn1521881/page/full/ and
http://townhall.com/columnists/frankturek/2013/03/01/thecase
againstequalitypart2n1523048/page/full/

C. Theological Journal Resources (All may

be accessed for monthly fee or purchased
through the Theological Journals Library
http://www.galaxie.com//)
Gary R. Gromacki
Why Be Concerned about SameSex Marriage? Journal of Ministry and
Theology, 09:2 (Fall/05)

Guenther Haas
Hermeneutical Issues In The Use Of The Bible To Justify The
Acceptance Of Homosexual Practice, Global Journal of Classical
Theology, Vol 1, No. 2 (2/99), http://phc.edu/gj_haas_hermen.php

David E. Malick
The Condemnation of Homosexuality in 1 Corinthians 6:9, Bibliotheca
Sacra, 150:600 (10/93)

Mark McGinniss
The Churchs Response To The Homosexual, Journal of Ministry and
Theology, 14:2 (Fall/10)

P. Michael Ukleja
Homosexuality and the Old Testament, Bibliotheca Sacra, 140:559
(07/83)
The Bible and Homosexuality Part 2: Homosexuality in the New
Testament, Bibliotheca Sacra, 140:560 (10/83)

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 Page 25 of 29

D. Blog Resources
Darrell Bock

http://blogs.bible.org/search/apachesolr_search/homosexuality?
filters=tid%3A2789

Tim Challies

http://www.challies.com/search/google?
cx=006311167884800022839%3Ajcs6rz6z3lw&cof=FORID%3A11&query=homosexuality&op=Search&
acb816b66500dbffbe20717127db5612&form_id=google_cse_searchbox_form

Michael Patton

http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2013/03/islimiting
marriagetounionsofamanandawomandiscrimination/

E. Ministry Resources
Living Hope Ministries http://livehope.org/

Outpost Ministries http://www.outpostministries.org/home.htm

VIII. Detailed Table of Contents

I. Introduction

II. Homosexuality in the Old Testament

A. Leviticus 18:22, Prohibition of Homosexuality in the Law

B. Leviticus 20:13, Punishment of Homosexuality in the Law
C. Genesis 19:111, Sodom and Gomorrah
D. Judges 19:22ff, Gibeah
Conclusion to Homosexuality in the Old Testament

III. Homosexuality in the New Testament

A. Romans 1:2032
B. 1 Corinthians 6:911, Inheriting the Kingdom of God
C. 1 Timothy 1:815, The Worst of Sinners Paul
Conclusion to Homosexuality in the New Testament

IV. Jesus on Sexuality

A. Matthew 5:2728, A Maximized Definition of Sin

B. Matthew 19:39, A Specified Definition of Marriage
Conclusion to Jesus on Sexuality

V. Conclusion: Loving in TruthMy Background

VI. Questions and Answers

Q1. What is homosexuality?

Q2. How does one determine if the practice of homosexuality is right
or wrong?

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 Page 26 of 29

Q3.WhatexplicitlydoestheBibleteachabouthomosexuality?
Q4.Isittruethatallofthetimeshomosexualityisreferencedinthe
Bibleitisbundledwithfalseworship,rape,prostitution,orabuses,
andthatthiscombinationwastheproblem/sinbeforeGod?
Q5.Doescommittingahomosexualactautomaticallymeanoneis
goingtohell?
Q6.ArehomosexualactsworsesinsthanothersinsintheBible?
Q7.Howdoyouexplainmarriageceremoniesinwhichtwopersonsof
thesamesexareunitedbyanofficiatingclergymanorjusticeofthe
peace?
Q8.Whyshouldtwopeoplewhosincerelyloveeachothernotbe
allowedtogetmarriedjustbecausetheyareofthesamegender?
Q9.Ishomosexualitygenetic?Ifitisgeneticornaturaldoesthat
makeitmorallyokay?
Q10.Aretherecontributingfactorstohomosexualityforwhicha
homosexualmightnotberesponsible?
Q11.HowshouldChristianstreatpeopleinsamesexrelationships?
Q12.HowcanwehelpChristianswhogetinvolvedinthepracticeof
homosexuality?OrwhobecomeChristiansandhavehadthesekinds
ofexperiences?Orhavesamesexattraction?

VII.Resources

A.AudioResources
B.ArticleResources
C.TheologicalJournalResources
D.BlogResources
E.MinistryResources

VIII.DetailedTableofContents

1
Thegoalofthisarticleisthreefold.

1.ToprovideaBiblicalexpressionoftheScripturesteachingon
homosexualityinalovingway.

2.Tobuildthechurch(a)byclearlyshowingthegraceofGod,(b)by
promotingChristianstoloveintruththoseidentifyingasLGBT
(Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender),and(c)byremoving
misconceptionsabouttheBible,Jesus,andtheChurch.

3.Toprovideresourcesforfurtherstudy(a)ontheScripturetextson
homosexuality,aswellas(b)onhowChristiansmaybestexpressthe
truthinloveastheytrytotrulylivelikeChrist.

2
Foradiscussionofthethesetextsinthelawasbeingmoral
prohibitionsratherthansimplereligiousones(thatmightsomehow
bedisregarded)seeP.MichaelUkleja,HomosexualityandtheOld
Testament,Bibliotheca Sacra,140:559(07/83).Thisarticlealso
finisheswithahelpfuldiscussionofthecontinuedrelevanceofthe
lawtoChristianstoday.

3
SeeP.MichaelUkleja,HomosexualityandtheOldTestament,
Bibliotheca Sacra,140:559(07/83).

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 Page 27 of 29

4
SeetheNETBiblenotesonJude1:7,aswellasthearticlereferenced
infootnote#1forfurtherdiscussionofallaspectsofthe
interpretationofthisverseanditsrelationtotheGenesisaccount.

5
Foradiscussionofthistermknowanditsclearmeaningheresee
thesectiondiscussingthisinP.MichaelUkleja,Homosexualityand
theOldTestament,Bibliotheca Sacra,140:559(07/83).Alsonotethat
inthecontexttheywerenotsimplywantingtobeacquaintedwith
theman.Theownerofthehouseknewthat(Judges19:23).Likewise
thewaytheytreatedthetravelersconcubineisaveryclearindicator
oftheirintentions.Thusitisconcludedthatthesemenhadclear
maletomalesexualintentions.

6
BobDeffinbaugh,IsraelsSodomandGomorrah(Judges1921)
http://bible.org/seriespage/israel%E2%80%99ssodomand
gomorrahjudges1921.

7
Foramoredetaileddiscussionofthisobjectionanditslackof
tenabilityseeGregKoukl,Paul,Romans,andHomosexuality,
http://bible.org/article/paulromansandhomosexuality,and
HomosexualityIsUnnatural:AnIsOughtFallacy?,
http://bible.org/article/homosexualityunnaturaloughtfallacy.

AlsofromamorehermeneuticalperspectiveseeGuentherHaas,
HermeneuticalIssuesInTheUseOfTheBibleToJustifyThe
AcceptanceOfHomosexualPractice,Global Journal of Classical
Theology,Vol1,No.2(2/99),http://phc.edu/gj_haas_hermen.php
andP.MichaelUkleja,TheBibleandHomosexualityPart2:
HomosexualityintheNewTestament,Bibliotheca Sacra,140:560
(10/83).

ForamoreexpositionalperspectiveonthistextseeJohnPiper,The
OtherDarkExchange:Homosexuality,Part1(Romans1:2428)
(http://www.desiringgod.org/resourcelibrary/sermons/theother
darkexchangehomosexualitypart1andTheOtherDarkExchange:
Homosexuality,Part2(Romans1:2428),
http://www.desiringgod.org/resourcelibrary/sermons/theother
darkexchangehomosexualitypart2

8
Thisisnotalwaysrecognized,butisinsightfullypointedoutbyBob
Deffinbaughinhisseries:Romans:TheRighteousnessofGod.
http://bible.org/seriespage/presentwrathgodromans11532

9
WalterBauer,A GreekEnglish Lexicon of the New Testament and
Other Early Christian Literature,rev.anded.FrederickW.Danker,
3rded.(Chicago:UniversityofChicagoPress,2000),135,and613.

10
P.MichaelUkleja,TheBibleandHomosexualityPart2:
HomosexualityintheNewTestament,Bibliotheca Sacra,140:560
(10/83).Forafurtherdiscussionofthesewords,andotherissues,
suchaspederasty,seeDavidE.Malick,TheCondemnationof
Homosexualityin1Corinthians6:9,Bibliotheca Sacra,150:600
(10/93).TheNETBiblenoteson1Corinthians6:9arealso
instructive.Theyareaccessibleforfreeonline:
https://net.bible.org/#!bible/1+Corinthians+6.

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 Page 28 of 29

11
Herewearenotspeakingofalifelongstrugglewhichweallhave
asresidentsinasinfulworldandsinfulbody.Inthesewecanbe
conquerorsthroughJesusChristandfaith(1John5:35).

12
Foradiscussionoftheparticularwordusedhere,notethe
resourcesreferencedinthediscussionof1Corinthians6:911.The
sameGreekword,,isusedinboth1Corinthians6:9and
1Timothy1:10.

13
Withwhathesayshere,andwiththeteachingsofJesusthatwe
willseefurtherdowninthisarticlehemusthaverecognizedhis
intenseguiltinessbeforeGod.(cf.Whathesaysabouthimselfin
Romans7:725.)

14
Seetheconclusionforafurtherdiscussionofmyownexperience.

15
Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender

16
ForacarefuldiscussionofthistextseeBobDeffinbaugh:
http://bible.org/seriespage/avoidingsinadulterymatthew52730

17
Forfurtherdiscussionofthistextandthesalientdiscussionssee,
WilliamF.Luck,Sr.sdiscussioninhisbookonBible.org:
http://bible.org/series/divorceandremarriagerecoveringbiblical
view

18
TheauthorworkswithBible.org,andholdsaThM.fromDallas
TheologicalSeminary.Hemaybecontactedherethroughthewebsite.

19
SeeGregKoukl,http://bible.org/article/homosexualityunnatural
oughtfallacyforadiscussionoftheisoughtfallacyandthe
teleologicalargumentsrelationshiptorights.AlsoseeFredTureks
helpful2partcolumn,
http://townhall.com/columnists/frankturek/2013/02/28/thecase
againstequalityn1521881/page/full/and
http://townhall.com/columnists/frankturek/2013/03/01/thecase
againstequalitypart2n1523048/page/full/.Thesecolumnsdeal
withthepoliticalissueofmarriageandthefalseclaimofinequality
initsnotbeingappliedtohomosexualrelationships.Foranaudio
discussionoftheissueseeTureksMarch16thpodcastfromhisradio
show:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/feelingsorreason
march16/id337782458?i=136358756&mt=2

20
SeeMattSlicksarticleonloveandhomosexualmarriageforabrief
discussiononthistopicatChristianApologetics&ResearchMinistry:
http://carm.org/lovehomosexualmarriage.

21
SeetheresourcesbyFredTureklistedunderfootnote17.Dr.
Tureksbookonthetopicwouldalsonodoubtbeahelpfulresource
forthosewantingtoinvestigatethetopicfurther:Correct, NOT
Politically Correct: How SameSex Marriage Hurts Everyone.

22
AccordingtoaDec.2012Timewebarticledespiteintensive
investigationsscientistshavefailedsofartofindgaygenes.A
researchercitedinthearticleemphaticallystatesthatItsnot

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 Page 29 of 29

genetics.ItsnotDNA.ItsnotpiecesofDNA.Itsepigenetics.He
statesthisasheputsforthanewtheorythathomosexualityiscaused
byepimarksthatrelatetohormonesinthewomb.Thusatthis
stagenothingremainsscientificallyprovenotherthannogeneticor
DNAlinkshavebeenfound.Theoriesarecontinuingtobediscussed.
Thisarticlewasaccessed4/5/2013:
http://healthland.time.com/2012/12/13/newinsightintothe
epigeneticrootsofhomosexuality/Thisdatawillofcoursebe
outdatedinsomewaywithinafewyears,howeveritismore
importanttoreiteratethatevenifitisgeneticinsomewayitdoes
notnecessarilyfollowlogicallythatitismoral.Seetheotherarticles
referencedinthemainbodyofthequestionforafullerdiscussion.

Dr.StantonJonesalsohasaveryhelpfulanalysisofthelatestin
scientificstudiesinhisarticleentitledSexualOrientationand
Reason:OntheImplicationsofFalseBeliefsaboutHomosexuality.
Textversion:http://www.wheaton.edu/CACE/HotTopicsPDF
Download:http://www.wheaton.edu/CACE/CACEPrint
Resources/Articles.(Accessed4/15/2013)

23
Whetherthereisageneticconnectionforlyingmightnotbe
determined,butthereareindeedsomedifferencesinthebrainsof
chronicliars.Seehttp://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/187/4/320.abstract
(Accessed4/16/2013)

24
SeeJohnPipersbriefessay/videoonWhyHomosexualityissin?
foragraciousreminderofthesetruths.
http://www.desiringgod.org/resourcelibrary/askpastorjohn/why
ishomosexualitywrong

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