Is Homosexuality A Sin?
You either read the title of this post and out of curiosity you wanted to read it or maybe you saw the title and you’re reading this because you are outraged.
Either way, it’s important to read this one all the way through before forming your criticisms.
Is being a homosexual a sin? In one sense, no.
I remember a student telling me that one time at a youth ministry the youth pastor pulled him aside to talk and pray with him.
The student told me that the youth pastor prayed that as he surrendered his life to God he would “take away” his homosexual tendencies.
As he told me this story all I could think in my head was… for real?!
Let me just start with this question: are gay people going to hell? No.
If you’re a Christian you may think I’m intentionally being confusing, but I’m not… stay with me!
It’s not as if God changes the sexual orientation of a person and has them go from being a homosexual to a heterosexual they automatically go to heaven.
Attraction is not a sin. Let me repeat that but from both sides of the spectrum… attraction to the same sex or the opposite sex is not sinful.
The question should be, “can a person who is attracted to the same sex and has submitted their life to Jesus follow him?” The answer is yes.
What about someone who’s attracted to the same sex and they’re actively involved in sexual sin? (I.e. any sexual act done outside of a marriage between one man and one woman)
Well, I would answer that the same way I would to a heterosexual. I’ve talked to many young men that are heterosexual and who love Jesus and yet struggle with sexual sin.
Do Christians sin? Of course.
But what’s the difference between a Christian who sins and a non-Christian who sins? A few things… here’s what they are:
Christians don’t want to sin. As John Mark Comer said, “Your strongest desire isn’t your deepest desire.”
Christians are actively fighting against the world, the devil, and the flesh.
Christians don’t identify with their passions, actions, or sexual orientation.
Christians should walk in repentance, accountability, and pastoral guidance.
Christians don’t determine their moral values but get their moral compass from the Word of God.
And yet Christians sin, but they are growing in holiness (i.e. sanctification) and are being transformed by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Jesus.
According to the Bible, there are 3 crucial points to make about sin.
Actions are sinful. Temptation is not sinful. Jesus was tempted and yet never sinned.
Lusting after anyone outside of marriage is a sin according to Jesus. What is lust? Lust has as its focus pleasing oneself, and it often leads to unwholesome actions to fulfill one’s desires with no regard to the consequences. Lust is about possession and greed.
Whether heterosexual or homosexual anyone who does whatever they want lives for themself and not King Jesus. Their salvation is between them and God. I do not recommend treating God’s mercy as a get out of jail free card… just read about Israel whenever they treated God like that. Choosing their own way and do not obey God. It didn’t end well for them and it won’t for you. Sin is not weakness it is wickedness. It is cancer to the soul.
At the same time, the reason this is important is that we have to have a consistent and biblical approach to people from all walks of life. Here’s what I know. Everyone has brokenness in this area. We need compassion and conviction when handling situations like this with others.
I have seen people speak on this subject with such little nuance, theology, and genuine care for people. Homosexuals who’ve repented and submitted their lives to God can be faithful followers of Jesus… just like heterosexuals who repent and submit their lives to God can.
So is being homosexual a sin? Not if we mean being attracted to the same sex. Just like I was a man who could be attracted to another woman other than my wife it is not a sin as long as it doesn’t result in lust or I act upon it.
My sexuality and identity are not found in my urges, mistakes, or anything within me. My sexuality is submitted to Christ as I am a new creation. Did he take away all my temptation because I’m a Jesus follower? No. I have to die to my flesh because my spirit is alive unto God.
Now over to you… Agree or disagree? Would love to hear why!
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