Listen to Nancy’s answer recorded live on Moody radio, here:
I just read, yet again, that homosexuality is not found in the Bible and therefore is not a sin and people should be fine with it. Many others argue that they were born that way making it okay.
As Christians we all sin. “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).
The practice of homosexuality is the sin. Having attractions toward someone of the same sex and not acting on it is not a sin. Heterosexuals often struggle in the same way by being tempted by those of the same sex. They, like those who have same sex attractions can honor God by being obedient to his commands in the Scriptures. Christ too was tempted.
“Christ had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:17-18).
A person may be born with a greater susceptibility to homosexuality but it does not give him or her to excuse to act on it. Many people are born with propensities to drink alcohol, or to take drugs or to steal or to lie or to violence. Because someone has a desire to drink does not give them a pardon from getting drunk. A person who is not a truth teller does not justify his lying. The same is true with a susceptibility to homosexuality. There is no proof that being homosexual is a genetic phenomena.
Where does the Bible say that homosexual behavior is a sin?
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22)
“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” (Leviticus 20:13).
“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” (Romans 1:26–27; 9).
“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 Corinthians 6:9).
Yes, the Bible very clearly states that those who practice homosexuality are sinning.
Does that mean that God hates them? No. Is there hope? Yes. Just like all sins, Jesus died for them on the cross.
1 Corinthians 6:9, “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 Corinthians 6:9). But in 1 Corinthians 6:11, he reminds them, “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”.
Some of the Corinthians, before they were saved, lived homosexual lifestyles; but no sin is too great for the cleansing power of Jesus. Once cleansed, we are no longer defined by sin. It is not easy, but with Christ, we can do all things.
“But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” (Acts 3:18,19).