Articles, Bible Questions and Discipleship Guides

Many Christians wonder about this. When a child or someone we love reveals that they are homosexual, we try to grapple with this reality. We can’t understand how someone could choose this behavior. It’s often easier to think that biology can somehow be the explanation. But then the question becomes: if biology can explain homosexuality, would that behavior still be sinful? In other words, a person will argue that if God made them that way biologically, then He can't judge them morally.

Let me begin by reminding you of how the Bible talks about sin. The Bible refers to what we call “original sin” and “indwelling sin.” Original sin is an unchosen condition and refers to the fact that each of us was born with a sinful nature. Indwelling sin is a persistent pattern of sinful desires or behaviors that can manifest in a thousand different forms or decisions. Homosexuality, like every sin, exists because of original sin and is chosen as a lifestyle when a person’s life is governed by indwelling sin.

With same-sex attraction, the problem is always sin, not biology.

Are people born Gay?

If your source of information is the media and pop culture, the answer is yes. A biological cause for homosexuality is presented as a scientific fact that is unquestionably proven. However, it has not been proven, even by a secular scientific world. There are current studies that look at the biological and environmental factors that influence same-sex attraction, but there remains no conclusive evidence outside of Scripture.

Does it matter?

It’s important to understand that even if homosexuality was rooted in some biological cause—it’s the way someone was born—that would not make it permissible. Frankly, people want to find a cause for their sin, rather than be accountable for their choice to sin. Being born with a sinful nature will never make sin right.

If we begin to answer this dilemma with a biblical worldview, we know that we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and have a soul (Matthew 16:26, 22:37). We are much more than the sum of our genes or bodily desires. We also know that we have a will and can make choices for or against God (Joshua 24:15; Matthew 12:30). God’s Word makes it clear that homosexual behavior is sinful (Romans 1:26–28; 1 Timothy 1:9–11; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11) but so are forbidden actions and addictions: alcoholism, drug addiction, promiscuity, lying, cheating, stealing, and many more. If a gene was found that gave a person a tendency toward alcoholism or gambling or heterosexual promiscuity, it would not excuse the behavior.

Frankly, we are all born as sinners, and our sin can find expression in so many different ways.

What is the answer?

We must point people to a far more important reality: regardless of what was true or not true of you when you were born, Jesus says that you must be born again.

People have certain sins that they struggle with, the Bible calls them our “besetting sins”. These are sins that we are particularly fond of, and can be destroyed by, if not controlled by God’s Spirit. For example, some people seem to have a propensity toward lying. That person must surrender their lying to the transforming truth of the gospel. Some people have addictive personalities and more easily succumb to substance abuse. They also must surrender their desires to the control of the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t matter whether someone thinks they were “born” a homosexual or not; we are not defined by our sexual desires. We are to be defined as someone satisfied in Christ, under the power of the Holy Spirit, dedicated to obedience to the word and will of God.

How must we respond?

When God saves us, we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We’re are able to hate our sin without hating ourselves. Our sexuality is no longer who we are, and how we’re driven in life. We daily die to our old self so that Christ can live in us (Romans 8:13; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:5). And even when we fail, our trust in Christ for forgiveness as He daily cleanses us (1 John 1:9) and His power enables us to continue living for His glory.

Common Questions about Homosexuality

The question of whether people are born homosexual and how the Bible addresses this issue is one of the most discussed topics in contemporary society. This article aims to provide a definitive evangelical Christian perspective on homosexuality, based on what the Bible teaches. Below, we will address various questions to offer clarity on this topic.

Is Homosexual Behavior Considered a Sin According to the Bible?

Yes, the Bible considers homosexual behavior to be a sin. Several passages in Scripture explicitly address this issue. For instance, Leviticus 18:22 (ESV) states, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination." Similarly, in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV) includes those who practice homosexuality among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. The Bible consistently presents homosexual acts as contrary to God's design for human sexuality.

Can a Person Be Born with a Greater Susceptibility to Homosexuality?

While the Bible does not explicitly address genetic predispositions, it acknowledges that all humans are born with a fallen nature (Romans 5:12). This fallen nature can manifest in various forms of temptation, including same-sex attraction. It is crucial to distinguish between experiencing same-sex attraction and engaging in homosexual behavior. The Bible recognizes that we all have innate tendencies toward certain sins, but it calls us to resist these inclinations and seek holiness.

Is Being Homosexual as Outside of One's Control as the Color of One's Skin and Height?

The Bible teaches that while we may experience various temptations, including those related to sexuality, we have the ability to choose our actions. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) states, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." Therefore, unlike immutable characteristics such as skin color or height, sexual behavior involves choices and actions for which we are responsible.

Why is Homosexual Attraction Seen as an Expression of the Fallen Nature According to the Bible?

The Bible teaches that human nature was corrupted by sin after the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). This fallen nature is why people experience various forms of sinful desires, including homosexual attraction. Romans 1:26-27 (ESV) specifically links homosexual behavior to humanity's rejection of God, stating, "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another."

How Does the Bible Address the Issue of Defining Oneself by Sinful Desires?

The Bible encourages believers to find their identity in Christ rather than in their sinful desires. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." Christians are called to live according to their new identity in Christ, which means turning away from sin and pursuing righteousness.

How Does the Bible Distinguish Between Homosexual Behavior and Homosexual Inclinations or Attractions?

While the Bible condemns homosexual behavior, it recognizes that experiencing temptation is not in itself sinful. James 1:14-15 (ESV) explains, "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." It is the indulgence in sinful behavior, not the temptation itself, that the Bible condemns. Christians are called to resist sinful desires and seek God's strength to live according to His commandments.

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexual Activity?

Homosexual activity is consistently depicted in the Bible as contrary to God's design for human relationships. Romans 1:26-27 (ESV) describes homosexual acts as "contrary to nature," and 1 Timothy 1:9-10 (ESV) includes those who practice homosexuality among those who are "lawless and disobedient." The Bible's teaching on sexual morality is clear: sexual relations are intended to be between one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6).

Does the Bible Provide Forgiveness and Strength for Victory Over Sin, Including Homosexuality?

Yes, the Bible offers forgiveness and strength to overcome all sin through Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:9 (ESV) promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Furthermore, Philippians 4:13 (ESV) assures believers, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Through repentance, faith in Christ, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians can find victory over sin, including homosexual behavior.

How Does the Bible View All Sins, Including Homosexuality?

The Bible teaches that all sin separates us from God and that the wages of sin is death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). However, it also emphasizes that no sin is beyond God's forgiveness. Romans 10:13 (ESV) declares, "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." While the Bible specifically addresses certain sins, including homosexuality, it offers redemption and transformation to all who turn to Christ in faith.

Why Does Romans 1:26–27 Connect Homosexuality to Denying and Disobeying God?

Romans 1:26-27 (ESV) connects homosexuality to humanity's rejection of God, stating, "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions." This passage suggests that when people turn away from God's truth and worship creation rather than the Creator, it leads to various forms of sinful behavior, including homosexual acts. The passage highlights the connection between idolatry, disobedience to God, and the manifestation of sinful desires.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible provides a clear and consistent message regarding homosexuality. It teaches that homosexual behavior is sinful, but it also offers hope, forgiveness, and transformation through Jesus Christ. Believers are called to resist sinful desires, find their identity in Christ, and rely on God's strength to live according to His will. The message of the Bible is one of redemption and new life, available to all who turn to God in repentance and faith.