Can I Be Gay and Be a Christian?

You cannot live a homosexual lifestyle and have an abundant, victorious Christian life!There are many voices today in our culture. The media, movies, political and educational systems, and even some churches try to influence our beliefs and attitudes regarding homosexuality with views that are not based on a sound biblical understanding. Even well-intentioned people such as family and friends can give advice lacking biblical truth. Without a foundation based on Scripture, we become “tossed back and forth by the waves,  and  blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14, NIV). Therefore, this is a very difficult question to answer.All sin separates us from God, for He cannot tolerate sin in His presence. Both the Old and New Testaments define homosexuality as a sin. The Bible is not unclear about this. Some argue that there is very little said about it in Scripture, but this is not true. Here are a few passages: Genesis 19:1- 11; Leviticus 18:22; Judges 19:16-24; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:8-10; and Jude 7.If we accept Scripture as truth, then a person needs to forsake sin. The good news is that Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty of all sin, including homosexuality. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 6:10-11 that we should not allow ourselves to be deceived. Homosexuals, among others, shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. But, those who have lived that lifestyle can be washed and rendered innocent by Jesus’ sacrifice. In fact, some of the Corinthians Paul was writing to were formerly living the homosexual life. They were called out, and they responded.It’s important to bear in mind that a Christian can still be tempted with homosexuality. Being tempted, in and of itself, is not sinful. Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, yet He didn’t give in. Sound friendships and solid church involvement, as well as continually being immersed in prayer and Bible study, will lessen and overcome the power of temptation.What if a Christian gives in and commits a homosexual act? That person does not become a Christian homosexual. He must confess and repent of that sin, and God will cleanse him from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). It is only when a person “practices” sin that they are in serious danger, and it reveals their heart is not right with God (1 John 3:8-10).Here lies the critical distinction between a Christian who loves God yet falls into a sin, versus someone who calls himself a Christian but habitually sins and does not seriously ask for forgiveness. The former person needs to repent and grow in respect with God. That person may need to seek out help from other mature believers. Whereas, the latter person is deceiving himself, and we must pray for his eyes to be opened.There are several decisions or habits that people must integrate into their life in order to gain victory over temptation. First and foremost, they must immerse their hearts and minds in God’s Word. When Jesus was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4, He responded to each temptation by quoting Scripture. The Word of God is called, “the sword of the Spirit.” It’s an offensive weapon that will destroy every ungodly thought that is thrown at you. David said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11, NIV).Second, it’s vital to connect to a Bible-believing church. God has placed pastors and leaders in the church who will minister to your life. Putting yourself in a place where you’ll receive encouragement will help ensure success in your Christian walk. Getting involved in a small group where you are accountable to others is very helpful. But you must also be willing to serve others in some area of ministry. Blessings will be reaped when you focus on the needs of other people.Surrounding yourself with positive people is only part of the solution. Negative influences also need to be cut off from your life. Old friendships and hang-outs that were a part of your past will need to be left behind. The Bible says not to team up with darkness (2 Corinthian 6:14). Pray for your former acquaintances (friends), but you must not subject yourself to an atmosphere that will draw you away from walking a holy life. The Internet and certain websites are often sources of temptation. You must submit those areas to God.Set aside time to pray every day. Lack of one-on-one time with God in prayer will result in spiritual weakness. This makes you more susceptible (vulnerable) to temptation. Jesus told His disciples in Luke 22:40 to pray so they would not fall or give in to temptation. A life without prayer is like a car without gas — you won’t get to your destination.Others argue that God is love and His grace will cover them no matter how they live their lives. God certainly is love.God loves us so much that He has provided a way out of sin.His blood was shed to pave the way that will take us across the breach that sin creates. But we must follow His direction. We must receive His love. The choice is ours.Paul, again, sheds light on this issue. He asks, “Can I sin because I live under the grace of God?” In the verses that follow, he answers by saying, “May it never be,” or literally, “God forbid” (Romans 6:1-7). We have to realize that it’s the very love of God that is reaching out to us and imploring us to steer far from sin. God knows where sin desires to take us and where its end will be. Sin will take us further than we want to go and keep us longer than we want to stay.When God instructs us not to partake in certain behaviors, people often misinterpret that by thinking that God just doesn’t want us to have any fun. But think of it this way. When parents tell their young children not to leave the yard when they are playing outside, it’s for the protection of the children, not to stifle the fun factor. They could be struck by a car or be a victim of abduction. God’s commands are for our protection. Fulfillment comes to our lives when we do things according to His will.The devil lies to us just as he did in the beginning when he asked Eve, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from the tree? You surely won’t die.” Adam and Eve believed the lie and the consequences were sin, struggle, heartache, disease, and banishment from the Garden of Eden. God’s plan is for us to listen to His will and ask forgiveness for our sins, and He will deliver us from destruction.The Christian life is all about becoming more like Christ. We are continually being transformed into His image as we follow His Word and forsake sin in our lives. John said, “I write this to you so that you will not sin” (1 John 2:1, NIV). In other words, we should not be living our lives in such a way that we’re always pushing the limits or seeing how close we can come to sin.In summary, people who have lived a homosexual lifestyle can, without a doubt, become a Christian or return to their Christian roots. Even though they become “new creations in Christ,” that doesn’t mean they will no longer be tempted and struggle. As they grow in their relationship with Christ and learn what the Bible teaches about homosexuality, they will need to lay aside the sin that has so easily entangled them (Hebrews 12:1).God’s ultimate desire for every person is not about gay vs. straight, but rather about experiencing true wholeness in Christ!