Is Homosexuality A Sin?
There's a lot of confusion going on today concerning what GOD approves and what GOD does not approve and as foretold in Scripture, it would be exactly this way in these end times, as the whole world enters in to Babylon (confusion) once again. It is with nothing but absolute love that this study is written and below we're going to go ahead and begin and allow GOD's WORD to speak for itself in answer to this question. We will go over what is written in the Old Testament first but will also look at what the New Testament has to say about this as well. So be sure to read all of what is written in this study.
Leviticus 18:22
"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."
This word "lie" is shâkab in the Hebrew, and it means to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose). The word "abomination" is tôwʻêbah in the Hebrew and it means something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol. Tôwʻêbah is a feminine active participle of the Hebrew word taʻâb, which means to loathe, i.e. (morally) detest. As we can see, men having sexual connections with other men is morally disgusting in GOD's eyes, as HE does NOT approve of it.
Now the first thing people often have to say about this verse is "that was in the Old Testament." Well have you ever read Matthew 5:17-18 where JESUS said "17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." This word "jot" mentioned here is the Greek word iōta, which refers to the tenth and smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, Yod ('); It is what changes the sound of a vowel. And a tittle refers to the least particle of a Hebrew letter which distinguishes the difference between two letters similar in appearance. So as we can clearly see, CHRIST did not come to change even the slightest bit of the law, nor even the pronunciation till all be fulfilled; and all will not be fulfilled until CHRIST returns at the seventh trumpet, which is the last trumpet and this heaven and earth age pass away and our sinful desires are gone. So this Old Testament law still stands today. The only thing that was done away with in part of fulfilling the law was blood ordinances (i.e. animal sacrifices) because CHRIST became our ultimate Sacrifice on the cross, for one and all times (Hebrews 10:12), which not only covers sins, but is able to forgive sins as well (1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:1), and to sacrifice an animal today would be a great sin to do. Remember CHRIST was GOD in the flesh, as HIS very name Emmanuel means "with us is GOD" or "GOD with us", which is why HE would say "I AM the BREAD of LIFE (John 6:35, John 6:41, John 6:48, John 6:51)", "I AM the LIGHT of the world (John 8:12)", "I AM the DOOR of the sheep (John 10:7, John 10:9)", "I AM the resurrection and the LIFE (John 11:25)", "I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD (John 10:11, John 10:14)", "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE (John 14:6)", "I AM the TRUE VINE (John 15:1, John 15:5)". And remember, who the GREAT "I AM" is? It is Almighty GOD, as HE does not change; HE is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, Revelation 1:8).
Some might say "well if that law still applies today, then why is it not addressed in the New Testament". As you will see below, it is addressed. Let's now turn to the New Testament and we will see examples of where this is mentioned.
Some might say "well if that law still applies today, then why is it not addressed in the New Testament". As you will see below, it is addressed. Let's now turn to the New Testament and we will see examples of where this is mentioned.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
"9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
Notice it says "Nor abusers of themselves with mankind..." which is the Greek word "arsenokoítēs", and it means a person who participates in a homosexual act (i.e. sodomy). Notice this verse also says "nor effeminate"; the word effeminate is "malakós" in the Greek and it means a catamite, which is a boy or youth kept for homosexual practices. Another example where we see this addressed is in Romans 1:22-27, which addresses both male and female to make it more clear.
Romans 1:22-27
"22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."
This word "vile" is the Greek word "atimía" and it means infamy, i.e. (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace. "Affections" in the Greek is "páthos" and it means properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e. (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence). "Natural" is the Greek word "physikós" and means "physical", i.e. (by implication) instinctive. So as we can see, these women and men mentioned here went against and changed their natural instinct, which is why GOD gave them up, as HE wants no part of that abominable lifestyle. After all, GOD made male and female as Genesis 1:26-27 says "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." And when GOD formed the adamic man Adam in Genesis 2:7, HE took HIS rib (= curve in the Hebrew [likely the helix in DNA]) and made Eve, whereby they could reproduce. Every man is born with an X and Y chromosome and every woman is born with two X chromosomes. GOD doesn't make mistakes and for anybody to say "I was born this way", would be saying that GOD made a mistake, which is a very dangerous thing to say, as you would be accusing HIM of lying. To say a person is born homosexual would be the same as saying a person is born to cheat on their spouse, or born to steal, or born to be addicted to drugs and alcohol, or born to lie but that's not true, as those actions are developed in lifestyle and surroundings. You see, every person is born with a nature that's liable to sin and has the urge to sin because we live in a fallen world due to what happened in the first world age but it's up to each individual to be self-disciplined enough to control their sin because if not, their sin is going to control them and those who don't repent will be led into eternal damnation. That is why JESUS said, unless ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish (Luke 13:3). Repentance is a recognition of sin, followed by a heartfelt sorrow, culminating in a change of behavior. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." True CHRISTians strive to be free from sin, not to sin freely and promote sin and the things in which GOD forbids and hates. We can make as many excuses as we want to for sin but that will not change the consequences because with CHRIST, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13) which means we can overcome anything and everything; so for someone to stay in their sinful habits, that would be their own choice and those who continue going their own way won't be in Heaven.
Now concerning marriage, GOD says in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Did it say cleave unto his husband? Of course not. And Mark 10:6-9 says "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." GOD made woman for man and whereby man and woman could be a team, work together, and reproduce. Think of it like a puzzle; it takes two pieces which are called an outie and a hole, in which one resembles the male reproductive organ, while the other resembles the female reproductive organ. In order to see the full picture, those pieces have to connect, which is why those set on trying to connect with the same piece will never see the full picture, as all they will see is just a portion of their picture. A man may feel like he wants to have sex with another man but his very nature on the inside seeks for a woman which is why the sperm always searches for an egg in order to reproduce. So that in fact tells us that homosexuality is not an issue with biology but rather an issue in the mind. When we think wrong, it leads to wrong actions and patterns of death but when we think right, it leads to righteous actions and patterns of life. JESUS said in Mark 7:20-23 "And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." Again, GOD doesn't make mistakes and we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23), which is why we must deny ourselves and our fleshly sinful desires and take up our cross daily and follow HIM, if we truly want to be HIS child, disciple, and follower (Luke 9:23). In a figurative sense, you must be born again into CHRIST. When you pray, ask GOD to change your mind, to heal you, and HE most certainly will, as long as you're willing to work and commit. Proverbs 16:3 says "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." and Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." As TRUE CHRISTians, we have to be willing to allow the Gospel to change us, not try and change the Gospel to suit our sin, for those who try to do that are walking on very thin ice and will not be in Heaven (Revelation 22:19).
When a person has truly come to CHRIST and repented, they are a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17), which means their old worldly ways will be thrown away and they will take on the ways of CHRIST. Romans 6:6 says "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." and Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things". When you draw close to GOD, HE will draw close to you, which is why James 4:8 says "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." and Proverbs 4:23-27 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil". There is only ONE pure and true way to look and go, and that way is CHRIST, as HE is the only way to Heaven which is eternal life (John 14:6). JESUS died and rose again so that we could conquer sin, not tolerate it.
Now if you're someone reading this today who happens to be homosexual, it's time to repent and trust in CHRIST today, as it is not impossible to overcome your lifestyle as again, all things are possible with CHRIST, who is the ONE who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13); HE offers forgiveness but in order to be forgiven, there must be repentance on your part which is why the best apology is always a change of action. Proverbs 28:13 says "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy". And so it is, GOD's will is not for anyone to perish but instead for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). JESUS said in John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments".
Although some reading this today might be offended and try to accuse us of judging, we aren't judging you as GOD HIMself already has, as HIS WORD speaks for itself and is the final authority whereby it does not matter what you think, what our thoughts are, or what anyone else's thoughts might be, our opinions don't matter. We here warn you in love, just as CHRIST HIMself did the exact same thing concerning all sin. And to anyone who thinks we're teaching "hate", they are indeed a fool who doesn't understand that TRUE love warns because the BIBLE teaches love and repentance (Revelation 3:19), it doesn't teach love and tolerance. To call GOD's WORD "hateful" is also walking on thin ice. We here love people enough to tell them the end result if they don't repent. It would only be hate if we didn't warn others. Now if you're one of those critics who wants to refuse repentance and choose to continue in your wickedness, chasing after the god of this world (satan) and his confused ways, there will be no salvation for you, unless you repent and surrender your life to JESUS CHRIST [see our page "How To Become A Christian"]. GOD is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), but instead peace, love, and understanding. Any confusion is from satan, which is why the closer we come to GOD and the more we stay in HIS WORD, the more Wisdom, peace, and understanding we will receive.
Now if you're a CHRISTian reading this today and you happen to know someone who is homosexual, then kindly tell them that what they are doing is wrong by planting seeds of TRUTH gently, and GOD will bless you for that, as you are standing up for HIS WORD, and trying to save a soul from death. If that happens to offend somebody, then so be it, at least you've done your job. GOD says in Ezekiel 3:18-19 "When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul". Though many in this world will refuse repentance, at least you as a CHRISTian have done your job by warning those people. When you stand up for GOD's WORD, you're not going to be liked by many people and that's okay because CHRIST certainly did not come to fit in and neither should you. If you're truly a CHRISTian, then you'll strive to be pleasing to GOD and in doing so, those who are truly of GOD will be pleased in how you are living your life. JESUS said in John 15:18-20 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also". It is better to be loved by GOD and to be pleasing to HIM, and to be judged by the world, than it is to be loved by the world and judged by GOD. For if you're truly a CHRISTian, you'll stand for HIS WORD (TRUTH), no matter the cost and no matter what. JESUS says in Mark 8:36-38 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels". GOD is the only ONE who holds your soul and determines where you'll spend eternity based on how you have lived your life, therefore the opinions of others do not matter, as the only ONE you should care about who thinks of you is GOD HIMself and when you're truly living for HIM, HE will be pleased and happy with you. Proverbs 1:7 says "The fear [= reverence] of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." and Proverbs 8:13 says "The fear [= reverence] of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate". And so it is, who do you stand with, GOD or satan? Will you receive eternal life, or eternal death? "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:14)."
Now concerning marriage, GOD says in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Did it say cleave unto his husband? Of course not. And Mark 10:6-9 says "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." GOD made woman for man and whereby man and woman could be a team, work together, and reproduce. Think of it like a puzzle; it takes two pieces which are called an outie and a hole, in which one resembles the male reproductive organ, while the other resembles the female reproductive organ. In order to see the full picture, those pieces have to connect, which is why those set on trying to connect with the same piece will never see the full picture, as all they will see is just a portion of their picture. A man may feel like he wants to have sex with another man but his very nature on the inside seeks for a woman which is why the sperm always searches for an egg in order to reproduce. So that in fact tells us that homosexuality is not an issue with biology but rather an issue in the mind. When we think wrong, it leads to wrong actions and patterns of death but when we think right, it leads to righteous actions and patterns of life. JESUS said in Mark 7:20-23 "And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." Again, GOD doesn't make mistakes and we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23), which is why we must deny ourselves and our fleshly sinful desires and take up our cross daily and follow HIM, if we truly want to be HIS child, disciple, and follower (Luke 9:23). In a figurative sense, you must be born again into CHRIST. When you pray, ask GOD to change your mind, to heal you, and HE most certainly will, as long as you're willing to work and commit. Proverbs 16:3 says "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." and Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." As TRUE CHRISTians, we have to be willing to allow the Gospel to change us, not try and change the Gospel to suit our sin, for those who try to do that are walking on very thin ice and will not be in Heaven (Revelation 22:19).
When a person has truly come to CHRIST and repented, they are a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17), which means their old worldly ways will be thrown away and they will take on the ways of CHRIST. Romans 6:6 says "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." and Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things". When you draw close to GOD, HE will draw close to you, which is why James 4:8 says "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." and Proverbs 4:23-27 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil". There is only ONE pure and true way to look and go, and that way is CHRIST, as HE is the only way to Heaven which is eternal life (John 14:6). JESUS died and rose again so that we could conquer sin, not tolerate it.
Now if you're someone reading this today who happens to be homosexual, it's time to repent and trust in CHRIST today, as it is not impossible to overcome your lifestyle as again, all things are possible with CHRIST, who is the ONE who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13); HE offers forgiveness but in order to be forgiven, there must be repentance on your part which is why the best apology is always a change of action. Proverbs 28:13 says "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy". And so it is, GOD's will is not for anyone to perish but instead for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). JESUS said in John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments".
Although some reading this today might be offended and try to accuse us of judging, we aren't judging you as GOD HIMself already has, as HIS WORD speaks for itself and is the final authority whereby it does not matter what you think, what our thoughts are, or what anyone else's thoughts might be, our opinions don't matter. We here warn you in love, just as CHRIST HIMself did the exact same thing concerning all sin. And to anyone who thinks we're teaching "hate", they are indeed a fool who doesn't understand that TRUE love warns because the BIBLE teaches love and repentance (Revelation 3:19), it doesn't teach love and tolerance. To call GOD's WORD "hateful" is also walking on thin ice. We here love people enough to tell them the end result if they don't repent. It would only be hate if we didn't warn others. Now if you're one of those critics who wants to refuse repentance and choose to continue in your wickedness, chasing after the god of this world (satan) and his confused ways, there will be no salvation for you, unless you repent and surrender your life to JESUS CHRIST [see our page "How To Become A Christian"]. GOD is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), but instead peace, love, and understanding. Any confusion is from satan, which is why the closer we come to GOD and the more we stay in HIS WORD, the more Wisdom, peace, and understanding we will receive.
Now if you're a CHRISTian reading this today and you happen to know someone who is homosexual, then kindly tell them that what they are doing is wrong by planting seeds of TRUTH gently, and GOD will bless you for that, as you are standing up for HIS WORD, and trying to save a soul from death. If that happens to offend somebody, then so be it, at least you've done your job. GOD says in Ezekiel 3:18-19 "When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul". Though many in this world will refuse repentance, at least you as a CHRISTian have done your job by warning those people. When you stand up for GOD's WORD, you're not going to be liked by many people and that's okay because CHRIST certainly did not come to fit in and neither should you. If you're truly a CHRISTian, then you'll strive to be pleasing to GOD and in doing so, those who are truly of GOD will be pleased in how you are living your life. JESUS said in John 15:18-20 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also". It is better to be loved by GOD and to be pleasing to HIM, and to be judged by the world, than it is to be loved by the world and judged by GOD. For if you're truly a CHRISTian, you'll stand for HIS WORD (TRUTH), no matter the cost and no matter what. JESUS says in Mark 8:36-38 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels". GOD is the only ONE who holds your soul and determines where you'll spend eternity based on how you have lived your life, therefore the opinions of others do not matter, as the only ONE you should care about who thinks of you is GOD HIMself and when you're truly living for HIM, HE will be pleased and happy with you. Proverbs 1:7 says "The fear [= reverence] of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." and Proverbs 8:13 says "The fear [= reverence] of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate". And so it is, who do you stand with, GOD or satan? Will you receive eternal life, or eternal death? "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:14)."