All sin is horrible. All sin is evil. Jesus died on the cross to bring us near to God (I Peter 3:18). It was sin that separated us from God and Jesus’ death was meant to save the penitent sinner. Although God sent His Son to be the Savior of the world, not everyone embraced Jesus. Many remained in their sins. What I admire about our Lord is that He gives us the opportunity and time to change. He does not want any to perish. He wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Unfortunately, some do not want to change and Satan, “the god of this world, has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel and the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4; NASB). As a result, there are many lifestyle practices being promoted or tolerated in the world that are unbiblical. In this article we will discuss a hard topic that is prevailing in society today.
How Does God View Homosexuality?
God’s view can be found in Old Testament and New Testament scripture. Let’s examine God’s outlook on same–sex relations.
Old Testament:
“You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22).
“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” (Leviticus 20:30).
New Testament:
“For this reason, God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is contrary to nature, and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations with women and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males committing shameful acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error” (Romans 1:26 – 27).
"As Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these angels indulged in sexual perversion and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire” (Jude 7).
With these verses, we can conclude that God’s view of homosexuality is not in alignment with the world. When it comes to same–sex practice the world believes that same-sex lust is condemned, not love. They will also mention that the term “homosexual” didn’t exist until 1892 or that Jesus never condemned same-sex relationships.
However, Jesus expressively states God’s design consists of one male and one female in marriage (Genesis 1:27; 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). The idea that “lust” is condemned, not “love,” is a twist or play on words that God will not except. His word establishes that homosexuality is immoral regardless of how society pushes for it (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
How Should the Christian View Homosexuality?
We live in a society that openly promotes the act of homosexuality. This lifestyle is being heavily supported by all. The acceptance rate for homosexuality has increased in the past two decades. A poll was conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute; the report showed that 70% of Americans support the right of same–sex marriage. Only 28% oppose the right of gay couples to wed.
According to pewresearch.org, “Americans who identify as Christians (54%) now say that homosexuality should be accepted, rather than discouraged, by society.” With the world constantly endorsing homosexualism, it has become the norm. This practice is seen on TV, social media, books, and many other platforms. This practice has made its way in the school system. Children are being taught that same–sex relations are natural.
How are Christians to view homosexualism? The way God does. Anyone who wears the name of Christ should view the practice of homosexuality as detestable. As Christians, we should never compromise the word of God to please the world around us. Never allow anyone to make you feel guilty about not conforming to their lifestyle. When God deems a practice as sin, it is sin. Christians today must stand firm and hold to their convictions as the world pushes against what the Bible teaches.
However, this does not mean that we should treat LGBT people with hatred; remember, we are all created in God’s image, and He desires us all to be saved. We are to always speak the truth in love and compassion out of genuine concern for a person’s soul (Ephesians 4:15a; Colossians 4:6). We must also keep in mind that there are Christians who struggle with same–sex attraction, and it is our responsibility to make sure that they receive our love and encouragement to remain faithful to their new identity in Christ.
What is the Cure for Homosexuality?
The cure for homosexuality is the same for all sin: the gospel of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus is infinitely greater than any sin. Those who desire to change their way of living, thinking, and being can with the strength and help of the Lord. When an individual comes to Christ, though their sins are forgiven, the temptation still remains. Anyone who desires to pursue Christ will battle with their past life. Many believe that homosexuality is a hard sin to overcome. While that is true, it is not impossible. Many have left the LGBT community to truly follow after Christ. They realized overtime that their true identity was not in their sexuality, but in Jesus.
The gospel freed some who were lost in homosexuality in Corinth (I Corinthians 6:11). Those who formerly practiced that way of living had walked away from it to follow Christ. Yes, the temptation was there, but they understood that the blood of Christ offers forgiveness, hope, and spiritual healing to those who are remorseful. Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (I Corinthians 10:13). This verse gave hope to Christians that were battling with past sins. God is faithful, and with God all things are possible (Mathew 19:26). If you are struggling with same sex attraction or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
