What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Are same-sex relations condemned in scripture?
The topic of homosexuality within the context of biblical scripture is one that garners significant attention and debate among theologians, scholars, and believers alike. While the explicit references to homosexuality are primarily found within the texts of the Old Testament, such as Leviticus 18:22, where same-sex relations are unequivocally condemned as an abomination, it is crucial to note that the New Testament also addresses this issue, albeit in a more indirect manner. This continuity underscores a holistic scriptural stance that views homosexuality and same-sex relations as contrary to the divine order established by God.
Scripturally, homosexuality is not only depicted as an unnatural deviation from the intended design of human relationships but also as a manifest symptom of mankind's broader estrangement from God. This condition of moral and spiritual degeneration is vividly described across various passages, painting a picture of a humanity deeply ensnared in the grips of sexual immorality, encompassing both adulterous and homosexual acts. Such behaviors are often portrayed as indicative of a profound moral bankruptcy and a willful abandonment of divine statutes. These actions are usually shown as signs of deep moral failure and a deliberate choice to ignore God's laws
It's important to remember that the Christian message is one of hope and a second chance. Even though the Bible strongly warns against sin, including sexual sins, it always comes back to offering forgiveness and a fresh start. Jesus Christ's life, death, and coming back to life are central to Christianity, giving everyone a way to move past their mistakes, including homosexuality.
This transformative message emphasizes that repentance—a heartfelt turning away from sin and toward God—and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are the keys to overcoming the bondage of sin, regardless of its specific manifestation. Whether entangled in lust, beset by hatred, or struggling with any other form of sin, individuals are extended the hope of being made new through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is through this divine intervention that believers can experience sanctification, find solace in the promise of hope, and ultimately partake in the gift of eternal life promised to all who place their trust in Christ.
In summary, while the Bible explicitly addresses the issue of homosexuality and categorically deems it as contrary to God's design, it also consistently offers a message of redemption and hope for all sinners. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, there is always a possibility for renewal, transformation, and the attainment of eternal life, regardless of past transgressions. This duality of justice and mercy encapsulates the biblical response to the complex issue of homosexuality, advocating for a compassionate yet uncompromising adherence to scriptural truths.
Browse the many specific Bible verses about homosexuality in the collection of scripture quotes below:
9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 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.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.
7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers-and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
6 "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 7 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.'So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
4 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' 5 and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to 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."
22 " 'Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. 23 " 'Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it. A woman must not present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion. 24 " 'Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled.
13 " 'If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.
24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
20 Then the Lord said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know."
49 " 'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. 50 They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.
8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
