The Bible contains several passages that address homosexual behavior, and these passages have traditionally been interpreted within a framework that considers homosexual “acts” as sinful. The act can be in the physical or the lust of the heart. To understand this perspective, we will examine the relevant biblical texts, their context, and their implications.
Biblical References
Old Testament
Leviticus 18:22 (NIV)
Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.
This verse is part of the Levitical law given to the Israelites, listing various prohibited sexual behaviors.
Leviticus 20:13 (NIV)
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.
This verse reiterates the prohibition against homosexual acts and attaches a severe penalty under the Old Covenant.
New Testament
Romans 1:26-27 (NIV)
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 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.
In this passage, Paul describes homosexual acts as a result of abandoning God’s natural order.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV)
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 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Paul includes homosexual acts in a list of behaviors that are inconsistent with inheriting the kingdom of God.
1 Timothy 1:9-10 (NIV)
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, 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.
Here, Paul again lists homosexual acts among behaviors that are contrary to sound doctrine.
Theological Perspectives
Traditional Biblical View
The traditional biblical viewpoint holds that homosexual acts are sinful based on the clear prohibitions found in both the Old and New Testaments. This perspective is rooted in the belief that God designed sexual relations to occur within the context of heterosexual marriage.
Relevance for Today’s Christian
For Christians adhering to the traditional biblical viewpoint, the key is to uphold the Bible’s teachings while demonstrating Christ-like love and compassion.
Practical Implications
- Compassion and Respect: Engage with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community with compassion and respect, avoiding judgment and condemnation.
- Biblical Teaching: Clearly and lovingly communicate the biblical teachings on sexuality while also affirming the dignity and worth of every individual.
- Support and Guidance: Provide support and guidance to those seeking to live according to biblical principles.
Connection to Jesus
Jesus did not specifically address homosexual behavior in His teachings, but He affirmed the sanctity of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV)
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 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’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Jesus emphasized love, grace, and forgiveness, calling sinners to repentance and offering them new life.
Demonstration of God’s Love
God’s love is unconditional and extends to all people, regardless of their sins. Christians are called to reflect this love while holding to biblical truths.
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Jesus and Temptation
Jesus’ experience with temptation provides a model for Christians. Hebrews 4:15 states that Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin. This passage is crucial because it shows that experiencing temptation is not the same as sinning. Jesus faced real temptations but remained sinless by not acting on them. This example reassures believers that facing temptation, including same-sex attraction, does not separate them from God’s love or make them inherently sinful. There is a difference between being tempted and acting on those temptations in person or in our hearts.
Conclusion
From a traditional biblical viewpoint, homosexual acts are considered sinful based on clear scriptural prohibitions. However, it is crucial for Christians to approach this issue with a balance of truth and grace, showing compassion and love to all individuals. Upholding biblical teachings while demonstrating the love of Christ is the model provided by Scripture. Christians are called to love, support, and guide each other in living according to God’s design, reflecting His love and holiness in their interactions.