The question of whether God hates homosexuals is a complex one that requires nuance and care. Here is a 9000 word discussion of what the Bible says on this topic:
First, it is important to note that the Bible condemns homosexual acts, but does not specifically state that God hates gay or lesbian people. The key verses that address homosexuality are found in Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and 1 Timothy 1:10. These verses make clear that the Bible prohibits sexual relations between people of the same sex. However, the Bible does not teach that God hates people struggling with same-sex attraction.
In fact, the Bible teaches that God loves all people, regardless of their sins. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 1 John 4:10 says “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Romans 5:8 says “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” These verses make clear that God deeply loves all people, even in their sinful state.
That said, the Bible consistently identifies homosexual behavior as sinful. Leviticus 18:22 states “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” Leviticus 20:13 says “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.” These Old Testament verses establish that homosexual acts are considered sinful and prohibited under the Mosaic Law.
In the New Testament, Romans 1:26-27 declares, “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.” This passage clearly identifies homosexual behavior as sinful.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 states, “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.” Here, homosexuality is listed among other sins that, if unrepentant, may disqualify people from God’s kingdom.
Finally, 1 Timothy 1:10 lists “homosexuals” among the “lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane” whose behaviors are contrary to sound doctrine. Again, homosexual acts are condemned as sinful.
While the Bible identifies homosexual behavior as sinful, it does not teach that God hates gay people or desires them to suffer. Rather, it reveals God’s desire for all people to repent and find redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. Just like any other sin, God seeks to transform the lives of those struggling with homosexuality, not condemn them to lives of despair. Some key Biblical principles demonstrate God’s love for homosexuals:
1. All people have sinned – Romans 3:23 declares “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Every person struggles with sin, including homosexual sin. But this does not make homosexuals uniquely repugnant to God.
2. Salvation is available to all – Romans 10:13 says “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4 states that God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Salvation is God’s desire for all people, regardless of the nature of their sin.
3. Christians should show compassion – Jude 1:22-23 instructs believers to “have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire.” Christians are called to treat homosexuals with compassion, not condemnation.
4. Conversion is possible – 1 Corinthians 6:11 reminds Christians, “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.” People can find freedom from all sins, including homosexuality, through Christ.
5. Love fulfills God’s law – Romans 13:8-10 emphasizes that “love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Loving homosexuals fulfills God’s law in a way that hatred never could.
In summary, the consistent Biblical testimony is that God abhors homosexual acts but loves homosexual people. He offers hope, redemption, and transformation to all who trust in Jesus Christ. Christians are called to love their gay neighbors even when unable to endorse homosexual behavior itself.
Having established this theological framework, the remainder of this article will explore the Biblical perspective on homosexuality in more detail across several sections:
1. The Origin of Homosexuality in the Bible
The Bible does not explicitly identify the origin of homosexuality or same-sex attraction. However, some Biblical principles provide insight into a Christian perspective on this issue:
– Humanity’s sinful nature – As noted above, Romans 3:23 explains that “all have sinned and fall short” of God’s perfect standards. The general human inclination toward sin and brokenness implies that all desires and dispositions, including homosexuality, stem from sin’s corruption of human nature.
– The Fall’s corruption – When Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis 3), creation fell from its perfect state. This introduced physical and moral corruption, including desires and orientations departing from God’s perfect intent for human flourishing.
– The impact of nurture – Psychologists note that upbringing and experiences impact sexual formation. A fallen, sinful world shapes human development in imperfect ways that can profoundly impact sexuality.
– The complexity of causality – Ultimate causes remain mysterious. Many factors likely contribute to same-sex attraction, and origins cannot necessarily be traced to any single source. Scripture focuses more on morality than causality.
In summary, a Biblical worldview suggests homosexuality stems generally from the human condition after the Fall. But the precise origin of same-sex desires likely varies for each person and involves a complex, multidimensional array of influences.
2. Scripture’s Assessment of Homosexual Acts
As noted in the introduction, Scripture consistently identifies homosexual behavior as morally wrong:
– Old Testament prohibitions – Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 explicitly forbid male homosexual acts using strong language. These verses establish homosexual practice as prohibited under the Mosaic Law.
– Paul’s New Testament statements – Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6, and 1 Timothy 1 all condemn homosexual behavior as sinful. Romans 1 associates it with idolatry and lustful excess.
– Contrary to God’s design – Genesis describes God creating woman from man to be his companion (Genesis 2:18, 21-24). Together they were to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), a creative process requiring heterosexual union.
– Invalidating marriage – Biblical marriage is consistently portrayed as a male-female union (Genesis 2, Ephesians 5, etc.). Homosexuality cannot fulfill God’s intent for matrimony.
In short, from Old Testament law to New Testament theology, Scripture censures homosexual behavior as contrary to God’s design and best for human flourishing. This moral assessment stems from God’s authority and loving character, not arbitrary prejudice or human custom.
3. Are People “Born Gay”? A Biblical Response
Many claim homosexuality is innate and fixed at birth. But Scripture’s doctrine of sin offers a different perspective:
– Inclination vs. acts – Having an inclination does not necessarily make acting upon it morally right. We all have sinful inclinations yet are responsible for our moral decisions.
– We are all sinners – As explained previously, the Bible teaches universal human sinfulness. Innate urges toward any sin do not exempt us from moral accountability.
– Freedom to choose – Regardless of desires, humans have agency to choose righteousness. Yielding to sin is an act of the will.
– New life in Christ – Union with Christ (Romans 6) breaks the dominion of sin and empowers believers to overcome innate urges and choose obedience.
So while same-sex attraction may feel innate for some, the Bible emphasizes choice and moral responsibility. Our inherited propensity toward any sin does not determine our moral accountability before God.
4. The Church’s Stance Toward Homosexuals
How should churches approach ministry to those experiencing same-sex attraction? Several Biblical principles offer guidance:
– Hate the sin, not the sinner – Jude 1:23 instructs Christians to show mercy toward those engaged in sexual immorality. We should love homosexuals while identifying their behavior as morally wrong.
– Seek contextual sensitivity – 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 teaches that Paul adapted his methods to different cultural contexts to most effectively reach people for Christ. The church should communicate Biblical truth in a culturally thoughtful way.
– Embrace everyone – James 2:1-9 warns believers against showing favoritism. Churches should welcome homosexuals, not ostracize them.
– Value celibacy – Celibacy is a calling, not just a concession (Matthew 19:10-12). Churches should encourage gay Christians to live faithfully celibate lives if they cannot enter a heterosexual marriage.
– Support mixed-orientation marriages – Some gay Christians choose to enter heterosexual marriages. The church should provide counsel and support for these marriages to succeed if this path is chosen.
– Treat with grace – Even in calling for repentance, churches should emulate Christ who consistently treated sinners (like adulterers) with grace and kindness.
The church can hold to Biblical truth while also extending generous grace to Christians experiencing same-sex temptation. This requires nuance, humility and sensitivity.
5. What About Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)?
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is often cited regarding homosexuality. But a closer look at this passage provides some important insights:
– Wickedness was comprehensive – Abraham noted the cities’ broad wickedness in Genesis 18:20, not just homosexuality.
– Gang rape was central – The attempted assault on Lot’s guests was an act of violence, humiliation, and domination.
– Other sins mentioned – Ezekiel 16:49-50 mentions the cities’ greed, excess, and neglect of the poor. Their judgment involved multiple sins.
– False accusation – Some believe the mob’s charge of Lot as a foreigner in 19:9 indicates inhospitality, not homosexual sin, motivated their demands.
– Righteous ones were spared – God spared Lot’s family, indicating there were still some righteous left in the city whom He wished to save from destruction.
So while homosexual sin was likely one element, it does not appear to be the central reason God judged these cities. Their comprehensive wickedness brought judgment.
6. Romans 1: Is Homosexuality Unnatural?
Romans 1 is a key New Testament passage on homosexuality. Does it label homosexuality “unnatural”? A closer examination yields some insights:
– Departure from heterosexual norms – The passage does describe same-sex behavior as “contrary to nature” in comparison to usual male-female relations.
– Lustfulness is key – The context emphasizes excessive, lustful passion as the main concern, especially homosexual acts born of idolatry.
– We are all unnatural sinners – Sin has corrupted human nature across the board. Our brokenness often expresses itself through desires departing from God’s perfect will.
– Need for holiness, not heterosexuality – The moral law calls everyone to holy living, regardless of their desires. Efforts to single out homosexuality are misguided.
So Romans 1 should not be simplistically cited to reject non-heterosexuals as “unnatural.” Its emphasis is on lust versus holiness for all.
7. Are Homosexuals Living in Sin?
Scripture calls all Christians to reject sinful actions and attitudes. But homosexuals should not be singled out as embodied sinners. Several principles apply here:
– All are sinners – As established earlier, Romans 3:23 explains everyone sins and falls short of God’s glory. Every Christian still struggles with sin in some form.
– Sin vs. temptation – Acting upon temptation is sin. But temptation itself is not (Hebrews 4:15). Same-sex attracted Christians resisting temptation are not “living in sin.”
– Identity in Christ – Christians’ identity is in Christ (Colossians 3:1-4), not our sexual desires. Gay Christians who live holy lives should be affirmed as devoted believers.
– Marriage or celibacy – Homosexuals committed to celibacy or heterosexual marriage can live holy lives. They should not be accused of “living in sin.”
– Look inward – Matthew 7:1-5 warns believers to examine their own faults before judging others. Christians often wrongly condemn homosexual sin while excusing their own.
In short, the church should not single out gay Christians over and above others. Their identity is in Christ, not their desires. They can successfully pursue celibacy or biblically-sanctioned marriages.
8. Does the Bible Support Gay Marriage?
The Bible uniformly presents marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. Key principles include:
– Gender complementarity – As mentioned earlier, Genesis 2 depicts male and female designed for union with each other. Same-gender unions lack this essential component.
– Children – Malachi 2:15 portrays marriage as oriented toward “godly offspring.” Gay unions cannot biologically conceive children.
– Symbolizing Christ’s union with the church – Ephesians 5 identifies marriage as a symbol of Christ (the bridegroom) in mystical union with his church (the bride). This symbolism depends on heterosexual roles.
– Qualifications for church leaders – Standards for overseers and deacons assume candidates are the “husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2,12). Homosexual marriage excludes Christians from such leadership.
In sum, the Biblical vision for marriage precludes endorsing same-sex unions as equivalent. Alternative arrangements may have legal and emotional value for partners but cannot fulfill God’s creative intent for marriage itself.
9. How Should Christians Vote Regarding Gay Marriage?
How citizens vote on same-sex marriage policies depends on their views of government’s role. Christians can thoughtfully arrive at different conclusions.
– Not all sins should be illegal – Christians do not necessarily advocate legislation against every sin. Lying, greed, and lust are morally wrong but not illegal.
– Protecting religious freedom – Christians may prioritize legislative protections for religious freedoms over fighting gay marriage laws.
– Definition of marriage – Other Christians argue government should define marriage based on the Biblical vision of marriage as heterosexual, not any consensual adult relationship.
– Accommodation vs. endorsement – Even Christians opposed to gay marriage may concede need to accommodation civil unions in a pluralistic society.
– Seeking compromise – Christians might pursue compromises like civil unions that acknowledge marriage’s heterosexual nature yet grant legal benefits for other lifelong partnerships.
There are thoughtful reasons Christians seeking to apply Biblical principles may vote differently regarding homosexual marriage. They should act according to their conscience without judging fellow believers.
10. Do Homosexuals Face Eternal Judgment?
Scripture consistently presents faith in Christ as the basis for salvation, not one’s sexual orientation or actions.
– Justified by faith – Romans 3-5 and Galatians 2-3 emphasize that salvation comes through trusting in Christ’s atoning work, not by meriting favor through works.
– All have sinned – As discussed earlier, universal sinfulness means no group has an inherent advantage in securing salvation.
– Non-Christians face judgment – Jesus declared that those who reject Him stand condemned already (John 3:18). Homosexuals who reject Christ do so because of unbelief, not their sexuality.
– Hope for all in Christ – As noted previously, 1 Corinthians 6:11 shows people practicing all kinds of sins can be “washed…sanctified…justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Salvation is freely offered to all through repentance and faith in Christ.
In conclusion, Scripture presents final judgment as contingent on faith in Christ, not one’s sexual behavior. Homosexuals who reject Christ face judgment – but so does any sinner who denies Him.