Does the Bible really condemn homosexuality?

Q: Does the Bible really condemn homosexuality?

A: Because of our culture's shift toward political correctness and its misapplication of the word tolerance, it is often assumed that today's religious condemnation of homosexuality is outdated and not actually the teaching of God.

What does God actually say about this important subject?

Genesis 19:4 (NIV) 

"...all the men from every part of the city of Sodom —both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.’”

Jude 1:7 (NIV) 

"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."

For those who would suggest that God has grown more tolerant over time, please notice that the first passage is from the very first book of the Bible and the second is from the next to last book of the Bible. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Leviticus 18:21-23 (NIV) 

"‘Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molek, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the Lord. Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it.’"

Context is important. Notice that God lists His disdain for homosexuality directly between the unthinkable horrors of sacrificing children and having sexual relations with animals.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV) 

"Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."

Good news! Homosexuality can be overcome and it can be forgiven. God condemns all perversions of His creative plan. But, like everything else contained in the list above, homosexuality is a choice and choices can be changed.

The most important question we can ask is not, "Does God condemn homosexuality?" Clearly the Bible answers that inquiry with a resounding - "Yes!" The real question is this, "Will we allow our passions and desires to become more important than the will of the Creator?”

Like any loving Father, God longs for us to trust in His more mature view of our needs. He sees the big picture. It really doesn't matter if we understand or even agree with His limitations. What matters is that we have enough wisdom to submit to the One Who designed us and knows what is best for us.

Back to Top of "Does the Bible really condemn homosexuality?"

Back to The Individual Page

Back to Home Page