Can You Be Both Gay and Christian?

Growing up today can be overwhelming, especially with the vast amount of content about belief in God and the teachings of the Bible.

For instance, questions frequently arise about the compatibility of homosexuality and Christianity, such as:

“Will being gay send me to hell?”

“Can a Christian struggle with homosexual temptations?”

“Is anyone born gay because God made them that way?”

Could there be a new perspective on the Bible that supports same-sex relationships?

It is not as difficult as it may seem!

What Does God’s Word Say About This?

There’s nothing happening today that the Bible hasn’t already addressed, whether it’s about love, evil, family, famine, forgiveness, repentance, or any other issue.

God’s Word is unchanging, and everything written in it remains constant forever.

For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.

Hebrews 4:12

In the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah, God, disturbed by the widespread wickedness in these cities, decides to bring judgment upon them.

Abraham’s nephew, Lot, encounters two angels who appear as men in the city square.

Lot invites them to stay at his house, and they agree.

The Bible then reveals the sinful nature of the Sodomites:

“But before they retired for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the house.

“They shouted to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!” (Genesis 19:4-5)

The angels then blind the men around Lot’s house and urge his family to escape.

As Lot and his family flee, burning sulfur rains down on the cities from the heavens.

God’s Word tells us that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah included homosexuality, as evidenced by the men seeking to engage in such acts with Lot’s visitors.

While homosexuality was not the sole reason for God’s destruction of these cities, it was a significant factor in the overall judgment.

The Bible, therefore, forbids homosexual practice, and its stance on this matter remains unchanged.

Homosexuality is both immoral and unnatural.

It is possible for anyone, Christian or not, to experience desires or attractions to the same sex for various reasons.

However, the Bible is clear that engaging in homosexual activity is sinful.

Anyone who truly believes in and fears God is advised against participating in such actions.

Do not practice homosexuality; it is a detestable sin.

Leviticus 18:22

If such actions can provoke God’s wrath to this extent, it should be a serious consideration for all of us.

Homosexuality is entirely against God’s foundational design for human beings.

God’s Foundational Design for Sex is Male and Female

God’s design for sex is rooted in the complementary relationship between male and female, a truth that has existed since the beginning of time.

In the beginning, Eve was formed from Adam.

When Adam sees her, his helper and partner, he recognizes their deep connection and attraction, saying:

“She is part of my own flesh and bone! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken out of a man” (Genesis 2:23)

Here’s the key point: because the woman was taken from the man, the very next verse says:

“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one” (Genesis 2:24)

This union is specific to a man and a woman, based on the unique combination of similarities and differences that aren’t present in same-sex relationships.

Even an atheist can recognize the lack of anatomical complementarity and the absence of biological purpose in same-sex relationships.

For those who identify as gay Christians, I encourage you to spend time with God, reflecting on whether you believe you were created to be with the same sex or the opposite sex.

The Truth of the Gospel

Some gay theologians argue that the traditional gospel message leads to negative outcomes, such as depression and apostasy, in the LGBTQ+ community.

However, this is not true, as the gospel offers forgiveness, unconditional love, freedom, righteous correction, hope, and deliverance.

Sometimes, we encounter individuals who identify as both homosexual and Christian.

But to be a Christian means you are called to costly sacrifice.

Denying yourself involves putting aside your personal desires to follow Christ, taking up the cross, and surrendering the life you’ve known.

It means recognizing that your life isn’t truly yours; it belongs to God.

Being a Christian means reflecting the life of Christ in everything you do, including how you handle sexual attraction.

The gospel demands total commitment.

If someone claims to be a Christian but it doesn’t show in their life, they have not truly begun following Jesus.

And while the cost of choosing to live a godly life is high, the blessings that come with it are equally great.

So then…

It is possible to feel attracted to the same sex for various reasons. However, you cannot be both gay and Christian.

Christianity is a lifestyle that embraces all that is right and pure; there is no middle ground with God.

For those experiencing same-sex attraction, avoid defining yourself by these desires.

Instead, focus on knowing the truth and do not reinterpret the Bible to fit your attractions.

Trust in God’s goodness and mercy, relying on His grace to guide you away from all forms of evil.

Remember that the truth of God’s Word brings freedom today, tomorrow, and always!

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:32