Can someone be gay and Christian? Is it possible to be a gay Christian?
The issue of homosexuality is very controversial, even among Christians. Many wonder if it is possible to be a gay Christian. What does the Bible teach?
First, we must be clear that there is a distinction between same sex attraction and same sex sexual activity. A person may have desires or attractions to someone of the same sex whether as a Christian or non-Christian. These desires do not automatically go away when a person becomes a Christian. However, the Bible is very clear that gay sexual activity is considered sinful and that a Christian is not to take part in such activities.
Same sex activity was called an "abomination" in the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:22), and the New Testament likewise addresses same sex activity as sinful. Romans 1:26-27 notes gay activity as "unnatural" while 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists same sex activity as something done by those who will "not inherit the kingdom of God."
Interestingly, however, the verse that immediately follows this list of sins states, "And 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" (1 Corinthians 6:11). Clearly, some of the Corinthian Christians had previously been involved in same sex activity. However, once they trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation, they were given new life and were called to live differently.
While same sex activity is condemned as sinful throughout Scripture, it is also not listed as a "worse" sin than any other sin. In fact, Paul's list includes, "the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
In summary, a person with same sex attraction can be a Christian. In addition, a Christian may sometimes fall to temptations in the area of same sex activity. However, same sex activity is sinful in the Bible and is prohibited from a Christian's lifestyle. Those who regularly practice and/or approve of same sex activity and claim to be a Christian may not actually be a Christian as noted in Paul's statement to the Corinthian Christians. Regardless, same sex activity is no more or less sinful than any other sin. Ultimately, Christians are called to show love to all people while also standing firm regarding biblical convictions related to same sex activity.
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