The question of whether a person can be born gay is a complex one that Christians have debated for many years. The Bible does not explicitly state whether homosexuality is biologically determined, but it does clearly define homosexual acts as sinful (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27). At the same time, the Bible calls Christians to treat gay people with love and compassion, not condemnation (Matthew 7:1-5, Luke 6:37).
Those who believe gay people are born that way argue that scientific evidence shows sexuality is hardwired into the brain before birth. They say God creates people with diverse sexual orientations, so living an active gay lifestyle is not inherently sinful. However, the science on biological causes of homosexuality is inconclusive and highly debated.
Christians who view homosexuality as a choice or learned behavior point to Bible verses stating all people are born with a sinful nature (Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23). They contend no one is born gay because God does not create people to inevitably sin. While having gay feelings may not be a choice, acting on them is. So believers must resist temptations to same-sex intimacy, just as unmarried heterosexuals must abstain from sex.
Ultimately, the origins of homosexual desire do not determine the ethics of gay sex. The Bible condemns homosexual acts regardless of whether the inclination is inborn or acquired. Christians are called to show compassion while upholding scriptural teachings on sexuality and marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31).
Below are key biblical principles related to homosexuality and suggestions for how Christians can respond in grace and truth.
The Bible Clearly Prohibits Homosexual Behavior
The Bible leaves no room for debate that God intended sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman within marriage. Several scriptures expressly condemn homosexual acts:
- Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
- Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.”
- Romans 1:26-27 – “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.”
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – “Or 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.”
- 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, for the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers.”
These verses clearly forbid same-sex sexual behavior, stating God designed sex for a man and a woman only. Two additional points help contextualize these prohibitions:
- The Levitical laws highlight the uncleanness of homosexual acts, grouping them with other unlawful behaviors like incest and bestiality.
- The New Testament descriptions place homosexuality in lists of serious sins that threaten salvation if unrepented.
So Scripture consistently classifies all homosexual conduct, whether consensual or not, as immoral. There is no provision allowing some same-sex relationships as long as they are monogamous and loving.
Having a Homosexual Orientation Is Not Necessarily Sinful
While the Bible categorically prohibits gay sex, simply experiencing same-sex attraction is not a sin. Jesus taught sins of adultery and lust stem from the heart (Matthew 5:27-28). Mere feelings and temptations are not inherently immoral, only dwelling on them or acting them out.
For example, it is not a sin for an unmarried man to be attracted to women. But it becomes sinful for him to entertain lustful thoughts or engage in sexual relations outside marriage. The same principle applies to those experiencing homosexual desires. Attractions alone do not violate God’s laws, though acting on them does.
Christians should show grace to those wrestling with same-sex attraction yet proclaim God’s design for sexuality. As with any struggle, gay Christians must rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to resist unbiblical desires and walk in holiness (Galatians 5:16-17). They need encouragement in their journey toward lifelong celibacy or obedience within heterosexual marriage.
Temptation Is Not an Excuse for Sin
Saying homosexuals were “born this way” does not justify sexual immorality. All people are predisposed toward various sins, yet we are still responsible for our actions. Innate urges do not force us to behave contrary to God’s word.
For example, some people may be prone genetically to alcoholism, anger issues, or promiscuity. But we do not condone their sinful behavior just because it feels natural. Scripture states we all inherited a sinful nature from Adam (Romans 5:12). Temptation is inevitable, but we make choices whether to resist evil desires or give into them.
While homosexual temptations may arise involuntarily, individuals can reject them and refrain from same-sex intimacy. Christians desiring to live godly lives must crucify fleshly passions and submit to the Spirit’s sanctifying work (Galatians 5:24, 1 Peter 1:14-16).
Celebrate Celibacy as a Gift
The church should affirm those who choose celibacy despite enduring homosexual desires not naturally oriented toward heterosexual marriage. Singleness can be a blessed calling, not a curse. Paul wished all believers could remain unmarried and undistracted in serving God (1 Corinthians 7:7-8). He described singleness as a gift enabling greater devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
Jesus himself never married but maintained perfect chastity. Many gay Christians report immense fulfillment upon embracing lifelong celibacy. They redirect passions toward undivided intimacy with Christ. Believers must encourage gay brothers and sisters joyfully pursuing celibacy for God’s glory.
Marriage is not the sole avenue for bearing God’s image or living abundantly. The church must provide strong support for unmarried Christians. It should assure them their dignity, worth and ability to reflect Christ does not depend on being married.
Support Spiritual Growth and Transformation
Salvation begins a lifelong process of becoming holy as Christ is holy. All believers undergo Spirit-empowered transformation to align desires with God’s will (Philippians 2:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:3). Though imperfect, Christians experience real changes in Christ’s power.
So believers should encourage and prayerfully expect gay persons to mature in holiness. Their orientation may not change drastically. However, with discipline and discipleship, gay Christians can grow in resisting temptation and abstaining from homosexual relations. They can increasingly image Christ through self-control and brotherly love.
There are testimonies of same-sex attraction diminishing significantly for some believers as they learn to cultivate godly passions. But the main focus should be on cherishing Christ above all to obey him in action and heart.
Uphold Heterosexual Marriage as God’s Plan
Any suggestions that God blesses same-sex marriages opposes the scriptural model limiting marriage between one man and woman (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:22-33). Christians must not condone any homosexual relationships, even committed partnerships. Marriage pictures Christ’s covenant with his church, a sacred symbol that cannot be redefined.
This stance reflects obedience to biblical teaching, not homophobia or bigotry. Christians affirming gay marriage endorse behavior God expressly prohibits. They risk enabling partners to continue in sinful lifestyles under a guise of legitimacy.
At the same time, Christians should condemn any disrespect, harassment or abuse targeting homosexuals. All humans deserve to be treated with dignity as image bearers of God. Faithful witness involves upholding truth while acting in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Summary Principles
The church faces tensions in ministering to those with same-sex attractions while holding God’s design for sexuality. Here are some key principles for Christians to uphold truth and grace on this sensitive topic:
- Homosexual behavior is always prohibited as an abuse of God’s natural created order.
- Experiencing homosexual desires or temptations is not itself sinful, though acting upon them is.
- Being “born gay” does not justify same-sex intimacy any more than having innate sinful tendencies excuses other sins.
- Same-sex attracted Christians should joyfully embrace lifelong celibacy as a sanctified calling.
- The church should provide strong support for unmarried Christians striving to be chaste.
- Christians should expect and encourage ongoing transformation toward Christ-like holiness among LGBT persons.
- Heterosexual marriage exclusively should be upheld as God’s sacred institution.
- All people deserve to be treated with kindness and human dignity, including those experiencing same-sex attraction.
The origins of homosexual orientation do not determine the ethics of gay sex or marriage. Christians are called to show compassion for the struggles of LGBT persons while firmly proclaiming God’s good design for sex and marriage. Though a sensitive and complex issue, God’s word provides clarity and hope for living faithfully in a fallen world.