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Is homosexuality really a sin?

Although the Bible does not discuss sexual orientation, it does discuss sexual acts. Leviticus 18 tells us with whom it is not appropriate to engage in sexual activity. Leviticus 18: 22 says, “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.” 

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul discusses sexual morality and marriage when he says, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4) 

We can see from these two scriptures alone that homosexuality is definitely a sin whether it is promiscuous or not. God intended sexual relations to take place only within the confines of marriage between a man and a woman. 

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Marriage, in the eyes of God, is a sacred institution and any sexual activity that takes place outside of it, be it homosexual or heterosexual, can be scripturally classified as fornication. 

Unfortunately, today’s standards of morality have declined so that sexual cohabitation prior to, or instead of marriage is becoming acceptable behavior. But accepted behavior by the world is not necessarily the right behavior according to God. Our personal feelings, desires, or orientations should not be the dictators of our actions. We are born in sin and inherit all kinds of dispositions in which we fall far short of the way God originally intended His creation to be. 

Therefore, having a predisposition toward homosexuality is not the real issue for the Christian. It is just another weakness that needs to be altered in order to conform to the will of God. If we call ourselves Christians, we must abide by the rules of Christianity and sacrificing one’s will is part of that discipline. 

Everyday each one of us is challenged by fleshly desires. Jesus said when a man lusts after a woman, he has already committed adultery in his heart. Even the thought is a sin. (See Matthew 5:28) So, then, what are we saying to those whose sexual thinking is different from the norm? We are saying the same thing that we would say to a heterosexual. All of us need to bring our thoughts, words and deeds in line with the example set forth in the Bible and modeled by our Master, Jesus.

 “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Galatians 5:24) 

The good news is that we have help. In Hebrews 2:18 we find that Jesus suffered when he was tempted, so that he is able to help those who are being tempted. It is important to stay connected to the Lord in prayer, asking Him for guidance while seeking His will. One should ask Him for strength to overcome weaknesses. He has promised to help us in our time of need. 

“In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”

(Psalm 18:6) 

“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17) 

“The LORD is nigh unto them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” (Psalm 145:18-19)

 Please remember that on our own, we are weak and can never overcome our flesh, but with the Lord all things are possible. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29) 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) 

For more on what the Bible says about homosexuality listen to, “The Gay Marriage Law- How Do We Respond?”

To learn more about sin listen to, “Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?”