Can I be Gay and Still be a Christian?
You can’t 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.
There are people, even some pastors, who waver or distort Scripture regarding the subject of homosexuality even though the Bible is very clear. People who twist and manipulate the Word to fit their own desires or preconceived ideas are not a new phenomenon. We see that correction had to be brought to the Galatians because they began to leave the truth of the gospel for a different “gospel.” There were some people who began to confuse the believers by altering the gospel of Christ. Paul’s message to them was that if he, or even an angel from heaven began to preach a different gospel contrary to the one they received, consider the messenger to be “accursed” (Galatians 1:7-8)
Some people alter their beliefs because they want to please and be accepted by others. They don’t want to appear as if they are outside the fashionable crowd. But our goal must be to seek the favor of God not man. Paul said that if he strived to please men, he wouldn’t be a true servant of Christ. Popular culture never changes truth; instead, truth needs to change popular culture.
Yes, it is tough to stand up against culture. We all want to be liked and accepted, but it’s a stand we must take. The world will always try to press you into its mold. People even resort to bullying, ridicule, and name-calling if you stand up for biblical truth. However, Jesus’ words ring true when He said, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20, NIV). Christians are called to be overcomers even in the midst of pressure situations.
Whenever you hear someone try to justify a sin by manipulating or explaining away a verse of Scripture, a red flag should instantly go up. If you try to convince yourself that God really said something, then it’s time to stop and get your heart right before God.
In Genesis 3:1, the devil asked Eve, “Did God really say,” and it got her in a lot of trouble. Let’s use her life as an example. Justifying a sin is dangerous because our hearts and minds can become hardened toward the things of God. Always keep your heart open and pliable before Him.
Paul, without a doubt, classifies homosexuality as a sin. In Romans 1:25, he states that some people exchanged the truth of God for a lie. They abandoned the natural function of intercourse between male and female and, instead, committed acts men with men and woman with woman. He distinguishes between what is “natural” and what is a “lie.” Someone who practices this way of life without turning from it will come under judgment.
A very telling account of God’s judgment is seen in Genesis chapters 18 and 19. “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know” (Genesis 18:20-21, NIV). The Lord sent two angels who had the appearance of men to these two cities to confirm if the sin was, indeed, as bad as it appeared. The two angels planned to spend the night at the home of Abraham’s nephew, Lot. Yet many men of the city surrounded Lot’s home and demanded that Lot send the two men out to them so that they could have intercourse with them. The angels struck the men of the city with blindness. They told Lot and his family to immediately get out of the city because the outcry of sin was confirmed and judgment was about to fall. Fire and brimstone rained down on the cities, and they were destroyed.
I would like to point out two important facts revealed in this account. First, according to the biblical passages, homosexuality was the primary sin that the angels encountered in the cities, and that experience sealed God’s judgment on the people. Second, the Genesis account states that the angels sought out anyone who was righteous in the cities. God is not willing for any person to perish but extends forgiveness to anyone who repents and turns from sin.
God gave Moses many laws regarding immoral relations. In Leviticus 18:22, God told Moses that a male shall not lie with another male as he does with a female. This is a straightforward law from God and isn’t subject to any misinterpretation. Sexual relations between two people of the same sex was, and still is, forbidden.
In addition to specific biblical passages forbidding homosexuality, there is the totality of Scripture that supports those verses. In Genesis 2:24, God said that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. He did not say he is to be joined to another man. This husband and wife, man and woman structure in marriage is seen throughout the entire Bible.
Peter discussed healthy family relationships in 1 Peter 3:1-9. The whole foundation of the family structure is set in the context of a man and a woman. Jesus himself put His stamp of approval on the institution of marriage consisting of a man and a woman in Matthew 19:3-6. Jesus also confirmed the will of God by quoting Genesis 2:24; a man leaves his parents and joins himself to a woman. That’s a huge insurmountable fact to dismiss.
Detailed advice is given for marriage in 1 Corinthians 7. Sexual relationships and guidelines are discussed. These are entirely applied to a man and a woman. Death of a spouse, remarriage, divorce, and separation are all in the context of a man and a woman. If homosexual relationships were accepted, then all of the teachings on marriage and the principles illustrated throughout the Bible would not be solely framed, as they definitely are, to a male and a female.
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 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. He 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).
On the other hand, those individuals who know what the Bible says regarding homosexuality and refuse to allow God to have that area of their life are in a dangerous position with God. It would be like someone who lives a lifestyle of adultery being called a Christian adulterer. The good news is that there will be many former homosexuals in heaven who have repented and given their lives to Christ
