The Bible and Homosexuality: A Balanced Approach

This article is not solely a condemnation of homosexuality. Rather, a balanced and candid observation of the Bible and homosexuality in relation to sin.

What is Homosexuality

Homosexuality is the quality or state of being a homosexual. Without The Bible and Homosexuality: A Balanced Approachgetting too technical, a homosexual is an individual, male or female, that has a tendency to direct their sexual desires toward another of the same sex.

Last but not least, homosexuality is a sin and is therefore sinful behavior.

What is Sin

Sin is transgression of God’s Law and will either by omitting to do what God’s law requires or by doing what it forbids. John 3:4 reads:

4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Sin can occur in several forms. For example, the transgression can occur in thought. 1 John 3:15 reads:

Whosoever hateth
his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Also, Matt 5:27-28

27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust
after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

So we see that we don’t have to engage in a physical act to commit sin, but we can do so by harboring a sinful thought.

The transgression can occur in word, Matt 5:22

22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

The transgression can also occur in deed Rom 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death…”

Therefore, take note that sin can occur without committing a physical act by: thoughts, words, as well as deeds.

Sin separates us from God.

Homosexuality is sin

The Bible is clear: homosexuality is a sin. Let’s look at the Scriptures. Lev 18:22

22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

A man is not to have sex with another man as he would with a woman. It is an abomination. An abomination is a sin that God considers particularly detestable. Other practices that fall into this category are: idolatry, the sacrificing of blemish animals, the practice of magic, witchcraft and spiritism. Hebrew words translated abomination for the most part have the meaning of “impure,” “filthy,” and “unclean”-that which is foul-smelling The Bible and Homosexuality: A Balanced Approachand objectionable to a holy God.  After all, He destroyed an entire city because of homosexuality.

Homosexuality is condemned throughout the Scriptures and there are other Old Testament Scriptures that address it. But there are some who will say: that’s Old Testament and we are free from that law because we are in the New Testament. So, let’s go to the New Testament.

Rom 1:26-27

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

This passage describes the sexual actions between women with women and men with men as “unseemly” or shameful and indecent acts. Again—New Testament Scripture.

A Closer Look at Sin

We’re going to look at another New Testament Scripture. 1 Cor. 6:9-10

9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders (10) nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. NIV—I used a modern translation for clarity.

Once again: New Testament Scripture addresses homosexuality as a sin. Further, homosexuals will not inherit the Kingdom of God—they will not make it into heaven.

But…wait a minute…neither will the other sinners listed. Homosexuality isn’t the only sexual sin; “the sexual immoral.” The sexual immoral includes fornication; sex outside of marriage and how popular is that today? I am sure that a significant percentage of the US population engages in this practice.

What about “adulterers;” not exactly a rare occurrence these days. Prostitutes and all of the other non-sexual offenders listed in verse 10 will not inherit God’s Kingdom. While they may not be homosexual sins, they are heterosexual (straight) sins. However, sin-is-sin. The Scriptures are very balanced and this one is no exception. None of these will inherit the Kingdom of God (Heaven) as they are classified as “wicked.”

The Issue with Homosexuals

The issue with homosexuals is they want their lifestyle to be fully accepted.

To accomplish this, they first repel that it is sinful in spite of what Scripture says and even go as far as to disbelieve Scripture as a whole and that’s ok; if you’re not a Christian. There’s more on that to follow.

Further, they make the excuse: they were born that way. Well, that is Scriptural! Let’s take a look: Ps 51:5

5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. NIV

In this psalm Scripture, David reflects on the fact that we are sinful at conception and therefore born with an inherent sinful nature—all of us! This sin nature manifests itself in the various behaviors listed above in verses 9 and 10 of First Corinthians 6. This is why God sent Jesus: to redeem The Bible and Homosexuality: A Balanced Approachus [John 3:15]. To continue with the 1 Corinthians passage, verse 11 reads: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from these vices if we accept Him and follow Him as our Savior.

Therefore, being born into any sin is a given but it is not an excuse to remain in that sin. The Lord has provided a way for us to repent of our sins and to be “justified” before Him. The Scriptures make no excuses for sin and makes it clear that we all
are guilty initially and need to be saved from sin. Rom 3:23 reads:For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Again: “the wages of sin is death.” This is why we “must be born again” to inherit the Kingdom of God. [John 3:3]

For more on being born again read the article: What Does It Mean to be a Born Again Christian on this website.

Another piece of reasoning I hear often is: God is a God of love and He loves everybody. Well, that is true; He does. But He hates sin; He loves the sinner but hates sin. This is obvious in John 3:16-17:

16 For God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in The Bible and Homosexuality: A Balanced Approachhim should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

God loves the sinner so much; and hates sin so much; that He sent His only Son to save the world from sin. God does not and will not excuse sin—any of it.

God loved Adam and Eve. After all, He created them.  But when they sinned, He handed down judgment against them and consequences were experienced.  These sin penalties have been passed on to the present and we need a Savior which has been provided.

However, sin is so accepted in society these days. Sin is ubiquitous and pervasive in the land and homosexuals feel that since straight sins are so accepted in society theirs should be also. But take note of what the Scriptures warn: Prov 14:34

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. NIV The more sin a nation embraces, the greater the consequences and the ultimate disgrace.  We must be careful of what we embrace.

A Warning to Christians

Christians as a whole are quick to condemn homosexuals. But…why? Are Christians angels? Are they perfect? Hardly! There are professing
Christians that are guilty of the same activities listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 making them highly hypercritical. Scripture deals with this also.

Matt 7:3-5

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is The Bible and Homosexuality: A Balanced Approacha plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. NIV

Here Jesus uses a bit of hyperbole to make the point: before you condemn the sin in somebody else’s house (life), look first at your own and correct it. Then you can address and help somebody else’s.

There are other passages of Scripture that make it clear that Jesus took issue with hypocrites. We must be careful.

What personally astounds me is the fact that Christians are split over homosexuality. Some condone it because: “it’s been around since forever.” Well, that’s true; so have all of the other sins. Homosexuality was a sin then and it’s a sin now just as all sin.

There are homosexual priests in some denominations. This is confusing. Church leaders are to set an example for the flock [1 Tim. 4:12] and should not be openly engaged in sin. They should not be liars, thieves, adulterers, fornicators—but they can be homosexuals?

Some churches are even performing same sex marriages—really? What is the Scriptural justification for that? Somebody please tell me! There is no The Bible and Homosexuality: A Balanced Approachwonder that God has allowed a virus that has even stopped worship gatherings. The world has infiltrated the church.

There are professing Christians engaged in same sex marriages including Christian ministers. Based just only on the Scriptures I’ve shared, is this justified? Here’s another one: Gen 2:23

24 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. NIV

A man joins his wife and a wife is united with her husband. I don’t understand the confusion. How does a representative of God and the Bible not get this? God created and married Adam and Eve; not Adam and Steve or Eve and Eva. How does any Christian not get this? This is not rocket science!

For the non-believers, the natural beings, it’s understandable. After all, they are “spiritually discerned.” [1 Cor. 2:14] But for Christians these thoughts and actions are reprehensible and is the epitome of hypocrisy. While Christians shouldn’t be too quick to criticize homosexuals, we shouldn’t join them either as we should not join any other sinful behavior.

Obviously the difference is between professing christians and practicing Christians.

But understand this: society can condone homosexuality and legalize same sex marriage until the chickens come home, but it is not the will of God and there will be a price to pay.

To the professing Christians I say this. Take a look around, we are living in the last days and it would be good idea to take an inventory and get your house in order. Don’t just read the Word, apply it. [James 1:22] Remember what Jesus said in Matt 6:24: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise

The Inspired Word of God

the other…” You can’t stay on the fence forever.  Don’t make excuses for your sins and make changes; or pay the price.

Practicing Christians aren’t sinless but they don’t maintain a sinful lifestyle. To a practicing Christian, sin is an accident, almost involuntary; yielding only because the flesh can be so strong. They confess, repent and move on—in Christ.

To the practicing Christians I say this: do your best to stay in the will of God. Remember we are to bear one another’s burdens. Therefore, when you witness someone that is straying says: “don’t judge me” remember what the Scripture says in Gal 6:1-2:

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

We who are spiritual should observe and gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path without condemning.

All questions, comments, and concerns are fully welcomed below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

 

 

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26 thoughts on “The Bible and Homosexuality: A Balanced Approach”

  1. People interpret the bible in many ways.  My father read and re-read the bible and decided that it said it was okay for him to have sex with his daughter.  It didn’t matter that I didn’t agree.  

    People can sin and be forgiven, or people can sin and not believe they are sinning.  I think the person involved needs to believe he has sinned for him to be willing to make any changes.  I also think that many people have been persecuted unjustly because someone else believes them to be sinful.  How can we judge?

    The same goes for homosexuality.  How can we judge another’s action?  If we do so, it is not up to us to mete out the punishment.  I have friends who are homosexual and they are extremely kind and wonderful people.  I have met others who are supposed to be religious but are so full of hate they poison all they meet. 

    I just can’t accept every word of the bible as truth.  It was written too long ago, in a time very different from ours.  It was not sent, piecemeal, from God, but was written by many people. I am quite sure there are secular beliefs that got woven into the spiritual ones because at the time the writer thought those beliefs were important.  I tend to take its teachings as a view of an ancient history.

    1. You are correct Fran, we are not to judge. But sin is sin and it must be recognized for what it is.  We are to bear one another’s burdens without condemning.  If a fellow Christian is in the wrong, well, they are in the wrong. [Gal. 6:1-3]  We are responsible for one another. Jesus expressed this when He stated that we must love one another

      The Bible is ancient history but it is full of wisdom that is contained in principals that apply today. We have to look below the surface. This history is presented to us as an example so that we can know to do better.  This is explained in 1 Corinthans 10:1-13.

      Thanks for reading and commenting.

  2. Hello dear, thanks for sharing these wonderful content with us,  I really find your matured mind on these post amazing, I Fancy these article a lot, already saved these post so as to come back for future reference, because your choice of words and write up skills was truly amazing, thanks for the info, I’ll surely do some recommendations

    1. You’re welcome Skuchmane. I’m glad that you enjoyed the article and I thank you for your kind words. Thanks for commenting.

  3. Hello there,  thank you for this very detailed and comprehensive post on homosexuality,  which is a topic that has shaken many tables in the christaindom basically I agree with the bible view of homosexuality that it Is a sin an an abormination before God,  but Also it is important to know that all sin is sin and equal before God,  so I really disagre with Christian folks who condemn homosexual and yet they are liars themselves, this really won’t help anybody,  my opinion is lets love one another as Christ commanded us I that w can correct our brother’s error in Love. Shalom!

    1. You are right Jomata Hypocrisy is an evil tool of the enemy and we must be on guard against it and bear one another’s burdens.  Thanks for commenting.

  4. I know that finding a good article does not come by so easily so i must commend your effort in creating such a beautiful website and writing an article to help others with useful information like this.homosexuality to me is a sin,i dont know how the world came to justify this sin,let me remind you of what happened in sodom and gomorrah,they were found committing this same sin of homosexuality and God sent his angels and they destroyed the city.What we can do now as christian’s is to lead a very practical live,correcting one another in love.

    1. Hi Wilson – It’s just an example of how twisted the thinking of the world is.  Good is bad, and bad is good; that’s how the world philosophies life in these last days.  Thanks for reading and commenting.

  5. Hey there nice biblical article you have there. Thanks for putting efforts to come out with an article as concise like this. Homosexuality is a sin, most people that engage in such an unGodly act has contracted sickness and diseases of any kind. God’s anger will definitely be upon any nation or individuals that engage in such act, just like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah

    1. That is true edahnewton1 – which is why we must keep our distance from the ungodly. Thanks for commenting.

  6. Thank you a million times for this article. The world needs to know what is right and wrong. Your biblical exposition on homosexuality as a sin is very clear.  Surely as a person cannot justify his actions for stealing, likewise, the sin of inordinate affection cannot be justified. I think the individuals who find themselves in this situation need to be helped to find a solution and true identity in God; their maker.

    1. You are so correct Debbie. People in this situation need a lot of prayer that they will gain the wisdom they need. Thanks for commenting.

  7. i wonder how on  earth a normal would develop lustful affection n for the same sex, that is against human nd God, i say that every country should abolish such an act and punish any defaulters..i see homosexuality as a devilish act that if not gotten rid off could lead one to a doom end..

    1. Hi Evans – All sin is devilish and requires repentance.  However, unfortunately, it won’t be abolished until Jesus returns. Thanks for commenting.

  8. Hello there, thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful piece of information here with us. I must say i really did enjoyed going through your article. I really appreciate the fact that you used scriptures in backing up your review, you have just spoken my mind in this review, i will be sharing this just to create awareness. Thanks for sharing this

    1. You’re welcome Philebur.  I’m glad you enjoyed the article and thanks for commenting. Spreading awareness is what we must do!

  9. What is interesting to see is how people would seek to misinterpret the Holy Scripture to meet their sinful desires. God’s plan for us is not only to serve Him but to see things as he sees it. Persons liking each other of the seem sex is not and will never be God’s plan that is why God made Adam and Eve. God’s plan is for a man and a woman to fall in love with each other being fruitful and multiplying. The seem sex cannot do this, God is very displeased with those who are living a life of homosexuals but he loves them and wants to save them so they can live a life that is pleasing in his sight.

    1. Hi Norman –  Yes it is somthing to witness how individuals misinterpret Scripture.  We can only pray that somehow they will learn and accept the truth before it’s too late.  Thanks for commenting.

  10. Thank you for the detailed write-up on homosexuality. Sin is sin, irrespective of the activities carried out, and God has shown His disgust for sin (not the sinner).

    As Christians, our responsibility is to communicate Truth (the Word of God) in love. So we will be able to help people realize their wrongs, and repent of them.

    Thank you for using your platform to reach out to those who have been erring from the Truth.

    1. Yes Israel, it is our responsibility to share the truth in love. We must also receive the truth in love also. This is truly bearing one another’s burden. Thanks for commenting. 

  11. Heloo Dear, a big thanks to you for sharing this insightful  and interesting article on the topic titled ; the bible and homosexuality a balanced approach. I really find this article interesting and I have actually learnt a lot about homosexuality and I so much agree with you that it’s a sin….. It should be avoided. 

    1. Absolutely Sheddy – it must be avoided at all cost as with all sin. We must do our best to stay in the will of the Father. Thanks for commenting.

  12. GREAT article. So if my best friend has a wedding and her daughter is a lesbian do I go to support the friend even though I don’t agree with the marriage or do I refuse and not cheer them on in their sin. Yet, I’m sinful so refusing to go to that wedding because it’s sin makes me feel like i’m a hypocrite.

    1. Greetings, Grace – We’re all sinners; however, through acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Savior, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome sin. We are no longer to accept or condone sin. By not attending a sinful union, you are not a hypocrite. Instead, you are standing firm in your convictions.

      Stay strong!

  13. As a Christian, it is frustrating to me that so many others who call themselves Christians are so obsessed with the sin of homosexuality. There are so many other sins that we never hear Christians talk or write about. An example is lying. That sin is even listed on a stone tablet! They are many more people who have lied or are frequent liars than there are homosexuals.
    I wonder if some of us are just obsessed with sexuality or maybe we holler the loudest about the sins we, ourselves ,don’t commit and barely whisper about those we do commit. I am a heterosexual, who by the way, remembers no point in my life where I had to make a choice to be heterosexual. So I could never assume that homosexuals had to make choice either. I am a sinner, even though I am a heterosexual.
    We are created in God’s image. I believe to many are trying to create God in our image.

    1. Greetings, KH – Christians aren’t obsessed with homosexuality. Sinners that are homosexuals draw attention to themselves by making a concerted effort to make that sin acceptable. This mindset is what Christians are pushing back against. Is there something special about the sin of homosexuality? Not according to the Scriptures.

      In my observation, other sins committed by other sinners aren’t crying for their sins to be accepted. To use your example, liars are trying to legalize lying. Additionally, thieves aren’t trying to legalize stealing, adulters aren’t trying to legalize adultery, etc. Only the individuals who are homosexuals are trying to legitimize their sin.

      Yes, we all are sinners, and we must choose to be delivered from our sins or accept our sins and sinfulness and move on, not try to convince the world that sin should be accepted as though it’s not sin. Homosexuality is a sin – strong>period.

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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