Is Being Gay In The Bible

Heres What You Can Conclude About Homosexuality According To The Bible

God never designed homosexuality, and it has never been in His original plan for humankind.

God desires all people engaged in a gay lifestyle to give their lives over to Him so that He can help them with their same-sex attraction.

If someone struggled with same-sex attraction and tried to quit on their own, then I can guarantee that at some point they will fail and fall into temptation.

The only solution is to become born again because when you do, then God gives you a new heart and a new desire to please Him.

You cant do it on your own. You will always need Gods help.

What Does The Bible Say About Homosexuality

This article is an exploration of the specific passages that mention homosexual behaviour, but its important to remember that Gods blueprint for sexuality is interwoven throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. The passages below need to be set in the wider biblical framework of teaching on sex.

It is a surprise to many people to discover that there are only a handful of passages in the Bible that directly mention same-sex relationships. Yet despite its infrequent mention, where the subject does come up, the Bible has some very important things to say about it. We need to understand them if were to avoid the twin mistakes of homophobia and thinking God is indifferent about how we use our sexuality.

The first two passages that directly mention homosexuality come from the Old Testament, the other three are from the New Testament.

Why God And The Gay Christian Is Wrong About The Bible And Same

In March 2012, Matthew Vines posted a video on YouTube suggesting that being gay is not a sin, and that the Bible does not condemn, loving, committed same-sex relationships. He spoke eloquently from the heart with poise, conviction and vulnerability. The video quickly went viral.

Vines is a bright young man raised in a Christian home. At age 19, he left Harvard University after his third semester so that he could come out to his family and friends in Wichita. He knew that his father would not agree with the way he reconciled his sexuality with Scripture. So Vines sought to arm himself with biblical scholarship on the affirmation of same-sex relationships and strove to convince his family and church that they were wrongthat homosexuality is not a sin.

Viness new book, God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships, expounds further on the arguments made in his video. His aim is not to present new information, but to synthesize gay-affirming arguments and make them accessible for a broader and younger audience. Vines does a good job fulfilling this goal. Unfortunately, his book consists of some logical and exegetical fallacies, and it does not address the shortcomings of the authors to whom it is most indebted. And although Vines professes a high view of the Bible, he ultimately fails to apply uncomfortable biblical truths in a way that embraces a costly discipleship.

Good and Bad Fruit

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Q4 Is It True That All Of The Times Homosexuality Is Referenced In The Bible It Is Bundled With False Worship Rape Prostitution Or Abuses And That This Combination Was The Problem/sin Before God

It is true that the main references to homosexuality in the Bible do mention other sins in the immediate context . However, as far as the rest of the claim that it was homosexuality mixed with other activity that made it sinful this is completely inaccurate. If one simply reads the passages talking about homosexuality one will note that the specific acts of homosexuality are explicitly described as being wrong. For instance, in Romans 1 natural relations are exchanged and abandoned . Shameless acts are committed . Homosexuality is contrary to Gods creational design. Since all sin is idolatry and rebellion against God it should come as no surprise that those elements are seen in the context. See the resources footnoted in the Romans 1 section of this article for further discussion of this issue. Particularly note Guenther Haass article entitled, Hermeneutical Issues In The Use Of The Bible To Justify The Acceptance Of Homosexual Practice Global Journal of Classical Theology, Vol 1, No. 2 ,

What Do Jehovahs Witnesses Believe

Jehovahs Witnesses believe that the Bibles moral code is the best standard for living, and they choose to abide by that code. This means that Jehovahs Witnesses reject all sexual misconduct, including homosexuality. That is the Witnesses lifestyle choice, and they have a right to it.

Jehovahs Witnesses strive to follow the Golden Rule by treating others the way they themselves would like to be treated

At the same time, Jehovahs Witnesses strive to pursue peace with all people. While they reject homosexual acts, Jehovahs Witnesses do not force their view on others, nor do they participate in homophobic hate crimes or rejoice when they hear of them. Jehovahs Witnesses strive to follow the Golden Rule by treating others the way they themselves would like to be treated.Matthew 7:12.

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Q11 How Should Christians Treat People In Same Sex Relationships

We should treat them with the same love and grace that God has shown to us. All of us are sinners. Our sins may vary, but it is all rebellion against God. We have been and are being rescued from sin. That should allow us of all people to be able to relate with compassion and true care. The love of Jesus did not leave people where they were, but it did meet them there.

Christians should not expect those who are not believers in Jesus to live like they were followers of Him . While we may not condone sin or become involved with it , we should pursue friendships with all people like Christ did. There is no room for partiality, disdain, disrespect, or unkindness. There is only plenty of room for showing the same grace of God that we are receiving.

Christians should help those who are believers to live like followers of Him. Growth is a lifelong process. The kinds of issues believers struggle with varies from person to person and at different times in life. Regardless, we should continually be available to assist, disciple, encourage, counsel, challenge, and rebuke as needed. This availability should be throughout the course of our lives and involvements with each other. For the one claiming to be a Christian and persisting in living this way the normal process of church discipline should be exercised . In this way, homosexuality is no different than any other persistent sin. In all of this our actions must be done with humility and in love .

C Theological Journal Resources

Gary R. GromackiWhy Be Concerned about Same-Sex Marriage? Journal of Ministry and Theology, 09:2

Guenther HaasHermeneutical Issues In The Use Of The Bible To Justify The Acceptance Of Homosexual Practice, Global Journal of Classical Theology, Vol 1, No. 2 ,

David E. MalickThe Condemnation of Homosexuality in 1 Corinthians 6:9, Bibliotheca Sacra, 150:600

The Churchs Response To The Homosexual, Journal of Ministry and Theology, 14:2

P. Michael UklejaHomosexuality and the Old Testament, Bibliotheca Sacra, 140:559 The Bible and Homosexuality Part 2: Homosexuality in the New Testament, Bibliotheca Sacra, 140:560

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Q10 Are There Contributing Factors To Homosexuality For Which A Homosexual Might Not Be Responsible

We all have contributing factors towards different activity that we engage in. These definitely make it easier to see how one would be more likely to conduct oneself in a particular way. However we retain responsibility for our actions. We may not be responsible for those things which are done to us, but we are responsible for our choices.

We all have our own propensities or orientation towards specific sins. The question for all of us is: what will we do with them? 24 For way too long I held onto mine. To be quite honest I am tempted every day to go back to them. Sometimes new ones crop up. This is and will be a lifelong process of learning my identity in Christ, of growing in resisting temptations and walking in truth. I cannot overcome my sin. Faith in Jesus is the victory that overcomes sin and the world . With these kinds of intense struggles there is no room to underestimate the struggles of each other. With the commonality of sin there is no room to look down upon one another.

There is a sense of needing to just get over it in that we need to recognize sins as sins, and we need to decide to begin doing what is right by Gods grace and provision. That, however, is just the beginning. The daily walking with and helping one another to apply our identity in Christ is one that must be sustained. It is then a get on with it in grace issue. So lets get over it by Gods grace and then get on with it in His grace! Without His grace neither will happen.

Should A Christian Oppose Gay Marriages And Partnerships

The Bible

Opinions

Churches

Legal Status

Finally, it must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered.10

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What About The Separation Of Church And State

Another book we will be covering is the controversial book, Correct, Not Politically Correct, by Dr. Frank Turek.

When confronted with the conundrum of calling something right or wrong, Turek notes that churches and the Bible ALSO teach that murder, rape, and child abuse are wrong, but one does NOT say that laws prohibiting such acts are a violation of the separation of church and state.

If the government could not pass laws consistent with church or biblical teachings, then all criminal laws would have to be overturned because they are ALL in some way consistent with at least one of the Ten Commandments.

Furthermore, as Turek notes, some churches actually support same-sex marriage, so if there is a strict separation of church and state, then I suppose we also must remove any pro-same-sex laws as well, according to this rationale.

Here is Frank Turek’s HIGHLY ACTIVE page, where he goes to colleges and universities, and is challenged with some of the most difficult apologetics questions college students face today:

There is no scholar who can, in good conscience, tell us that the Bible is silent on its position on homosexuality, or worse, that it actually encourages such behavior.

Some people do NOT want Christians legislating morality, but ALL laws legislate morality.

THINK ABOUT IT – do not ALL laws legislate some type of morality?

The question is not whether or not we can legislate morality but, Whose morality should we legislate?

Being Gay Is A Choice

How is being gay not a choice? It is a choice, just like you would decide to wear a specific shirt on a specific day. A gay person once told me, Do you think we just woke up one day and decided to be gay? Yes I do, first of all if you were made gay, and the people before you were gay, THEN HOW THE HECK WERE YOU CREATED??

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Q8 Why Should Two People Who Sincerely Love Each Other Not Be Allowed To Get Married Just Because They Are Of The Same Gender

The answer to this is controversial in many circles today both politically and religiously. The short answer seems to boil down to ones definition of love, marriage, and how one views morals. True love does what is best for another person regardless of the expense to oneself. By Gods design for humanity marriage was to be between a man and a woman . Woman was the God-given companion who was suitable for man. Morals are determined by Gods standards and what He has set as right and wrong. By these definitions then, it would not be the most loving thing to marry someone when it violated Gods moral standards, when that is not the design for what marriage should be, and when one would not be the most suitable kind of companion.

Since most non-believers would not acknowledge Gods standard of morals or design this viewpoint is mostly irrelevant to them. For the Christian, however, questions of should and morals are to be determined by the one who determines right and wrong. Indeed, not just for Christians, but for all who talk about rights this needs to be a consideration. Rights only exist if one acknowledges moral standards endowed with creation by a creator. A naturalistic system has no place for rights.19

What Does The Bible Say About Being Gay

In general, Christians have done a poor job of talking about sexuality, especially when it comes to same-sex orientation. For many, it’s a taboo topic to avoid at all costs. Others speak about it plenty, but they focus solely on truth without any love or grace. What does the Bible really say about being gay? And how should we respond to people who experience same-sex orientation? This study draws on three articlestwo from Christianity Today and one from Her.meneuticsto address these questions in truth and love.

Session 1

What Does the Bible Say About Sexuality?God’s Word has a high view of sexuality, and it affects everyoneregardless of orientation.

There’s no question that we live in changing times. Many Christians are looking for ways to uphold God’s truth with love and grace. This is especially true as many of us have friends or relatives who are gay. What does the Bible really say about being gay? In this study, we’ll look at what the Bible says about sexuality and what that means for people who experience same-sex orientation. Plus, we’ll explore better ways to talk about sexuality as a whole.

Session 2

Is Same-Sex Orientation a Sin?How should the church respond to believers who experience same-sex attraction?

Session 3

Loving Our LGBT NeighborsFollowing Jesus’ example to love people who are different from us.

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Reasons God Loves Gay Christians

1.The term homosexual didnt exist until 1892. Some modern Bible translations say that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God, but neither the concept nor the word for people with exclusive same-sex attraction existed before the late 19th century. While the Bible rejects lustful same-sex behavior, thats very different from a condemnation of all gay people and relationships.

2. Sexual orientation is a new conceptone that the Christian tradition hasnt addressed. Many Christians draw on their faiths traditions to shape their beliefs, but the concept of sexual orientation is new. Until recent decades, same-sex behavior was placed in the same category with gluttony or drunkenness as a vice of excess anyone might be prone to not as the expression of a sexual orientation. The Christian tradition has never spoken to the modern issue of LGBT people and their relationships.

3. Celibacy is a gift, not a mandate. The Bible honors celibacy as a good way of living Jesus was celibate, after all but it also makes clear that celibacy must be a voluntary choice. Requiring that all gay people remain celibate is at odds with the Bibles teachings on celibacy, which are grounded Scriptures core affirmation that Gods physical creation is good.

Gay Is Stupid And Wrong

Being gay is just bad, I mean, imagine a boy and a boy kissing and smooching each other But it is only okay to be gay in the right way when a boy likes another boy as a friend so thats okay. But on the other hand, it is just bad, a boy and a boy cannot get married to another boy because it is not right and it is wrong.

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Would St Paul Call It Sin If Love Was Involved

Given the approach that Paul took toward the incestuous man in 1 Corinthians 5, St. Paul obviously did not think all adult sexual behavior, motivated by a loving disposition, should be considered morally clean.

As Dr. Gagnon states, if Paul, along with the rest of the leadership of early Christianity, believed that he was following Jesus in viewing same-sex intercourse as the epitome of Gentile sexual uncleanness, then there is little or no chance that Jesus harbored a secret acceptance of such behavior.

Again, keep in mind that NO first-century Jew could have spoken of porneiai without having in mind the list of forbidden sexual offenses in Lev. 18 and 20, particularly incest, adultery, same-sex intercourse and bestiality.

Pauls strong opposition to same-sex intercourse is no more an isolated view of the New Testament than his intense rejection of incest.

Historically speaking, it is the ONLY view.

Every narrative, moral exhortation, and metaphor in the New Testament that has anything to do with human sexuality presumes the sole legitimacy of opposite-sex unions.

The fact that Rom. 1:26 indicts female-female sex undermines the supposition that Paul was concerned only with certain exploitative forms.

In Rom. 1:27 Paul speaks of the mutual gratification of the participants: the males were inflamed with their yearning for one another, males with males

Every kind of homosexual union imaginable existed in Pauls day.

Sex is to be confined to male-female marriage.