What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
The Bible consistently teaches that homosexual behavior is a sin. Passages such as Genesis 19:1–13, Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Romans 1:26–27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, and 1 Timothy 1:10 declare that engaging in homosexual acts is contrary to God’s design. Marriage and sexual relationships were created by God to be between one man and one woman, as affirmed by Jesus in Matthew 19:4–5: “At the beginning, the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’” Any deviation from this design is sin. Followers of Christ are called to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him in all areas of life, including their sexuality (Matthew 16:24).
It is important to distinguish between homosexual behavior and homosexual inclinations or attractions. The former involves active sin, while the latter is a temptation. Temptation itself is not sin; it becomes sin when acted upon. Struggling with same-sex attraction does not equate to committing sin, but giving in to those desires through behavior is sinful.
Romans 1:26–27 reveals that homosexuality results from rejecting and disobeying God. When people persist in sin and unbelief, God “gives them over” to deeper sin, highlighting the emptiness of life apart from Him. Homosexuality is presented as one of the consequences of rebellion against God. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 6:9 states that those who engage in homosexual acts and reject God’s created order are separated from Him.
Some argue that same-sex attraction may stem from innate tendencies, similar to a predisposition toward other sins like anger or violence. However, being predisposed to a particular sin does not justify indulging in it. Just as someone prone to anger must resist the urge to lash out, those with same-sex attractions must resist acting on them.
Scripture emphasizes that believers are not defined by their past sins. Paul reminds the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 6:11: “That is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” This means that no sin, including homosexuality, is beyond the redeeming power of Christ. Once cleansed by Jesus, we are no longer identified by our sins.
Homosexual attraction is an inclination toward something that God has declared sinful. While it does not always lead to active sin, it is rooted in humanity’s fallen nature. Sin’s pervasive effects distort human desires and inclinations, including those related to sexuality. Romans 3:23 reminds us that all have sinned, and we live in a world filled with temptations, including the temptation to engage in homosexuality.
Though same-sex attraction is a real struggle for many, the Bible calls believers to resist temptation and pursue holiness. 1 Peter 1:5–8 and Ephesians 6:13 remind us to stand firm and resist sin. Romans 12:2 calls for the renewing of our minds, and Galatians 5:16 urges us to walk by the Spirit to avoid gratifying sinful desires.
It is important to recognize that homosexuality is not a greater sin than others. All sin separates humanity from God. Forgiveness and redemption are available to everyone, regardless of the specific sin they struggle with. Through Jesus Christ, God offers forgiveness and victory over sin, including homosexuality, to anyone who believes in Him for salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:13). In Christ, there is hope, transformation, and the strength to live a life pleasing to God.
The Bible addresses homosexuality in several passages, clearly describing it as contrary to God’s design for human sexuality and relationships. Here’s what Scripture teaches on the topic:
Homosexual Behavior is Sinful
Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
This verse directly forbids homosexual acts, describing them as detestable before God.Leviticus 20:13: “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”
This passage emphasizes the seriousness of such behavior in the Old Testament law.Romans 1:26–27: “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, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
Paul describes homosexuality as a consequence of humanity’s rejection of God, illustrating how sin distorts natural desires.1 Corinthians 6:9–10: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Homosexual behavior is listed alongside other sins that separate people from God.1 Timothy 1:9–10: “The law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.”
Homosexual acts are included in a list of behaviors contrary to God’s moral law.
God’s Design for Sexuality
The Bible consistently affirms that God created marriage and sexual relationships to be between one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage. This design reflects His purpose for human flourishing.
Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This establishes the foundation for marriage as a union between a man and a woman.Matthew 19:4–5: Jesus reaffirms this design, saying, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?”
Any sexual relationship outside of this design—including homosexual behavior—is described in Scripture as sin.
The Nature of Temptation and Redemption
The Bible distinguishes between temptation and sin. Experiencing same-sex attraction is not a sin; it becomes sin when acted upon or dwelled on in a way that leads to lust or sinful behavior.
James 1:14–15: “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.”
The good news of the gospel is that no sin, including homosexual behavior, is beyond God’s forgiveness. Through faith in Christ, anyone can experience transformation and freedom from sin.
1 Corinthians 6:11: “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
This verse highlights the power of God to redeem and change lives, including those who once lived in sinful lifestyles.
All Sin is Equal Before God
Homosexual behavior is not singled out as a greater sin than others. All sin separates us from God, and everyone needs the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Conclusion
The Bible teaches that homosexual behavior is sinful, but it also offers hope and redemption through Jesus Christ. God's forgiveness is available to all who repent and trust in Him. As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love, showing compassion while upholding God’s Word (Ephesians 4:15).
