.

Redemption From Sin

Although the Bible describes homosexual acts as sin, it also identifies many other sins. In ancient Hebrew culture and throughout the early Church era, same-sex behavior had both religious and social implications.

Romans 1:26-27

“Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Is there any truth to their claims? Leviticus 20:13

“If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both have committed an abomination.”

Echoing Leviticus 18:22, this command is nested among additional instructions regarding sexual immorality.

First Corinthians 6:9 proclaims that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. Homosexuality is immoral and unnatural. The Bible consistently tells us that homosexuality is a sin (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, fornicator, idol worshiper, thief, greedy person, etc.—it is equally available to all sinners, which is all human beings.

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.

Genesis 2:24 - Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Mark 10:6-9 ~ But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.

Leviticus 18:22

“Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; it is an abomination.”

In the wider context of Leviticus 18, various prohibitions on sexual conduct are listed to preserve holiness among God’s people. First Corinthians 6:11 says, “And that is what some of you were.

The gospel announces redemption for every person, regardless of past or present struggles. 1 Timothy 1:9-10

“We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless…for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals…”

This statement includes same-sex acts in a broader list of behaviors counter to the “sound doctrine” rooted in the gospel.

---

Theological Themes

1.

But God’s offer of forgiveness through Jesus Christ is extended to all people; anyone who puts his faith in Jesus can be forgiven of all his sin and become God’s child (John 1:12; 3:16–18; Ephesians 2:1–10). But you were washed, you were sanctified, you werejustified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (emphasis added).

Does God approve of homosexuality?

This distinction was critical for maintaining faithfulness to God’s covenant.

---

New Testament Passages

1. No. Can a person truly be a Christian and at the same time a practicing homosexual?