Homosexual (Same-Sex Attraction)

This word normally relates to a man having sexual relations with another man, while a woman in a corresponding relationship is called a lesbian.

God's Design for Sexuality

God created sex and sexual instincts yet gives conditions and guidelines about how these desires are to be fulfilled – with one partner of the opposite sex to whom you are married. Although same-sex actions, and even same-sex marriage, may be condoned by society, it is sin in God's sight and strictly forbidden (Gen 19:1-13; Lev 18:22, 20:13; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9-10). When people deny and disobey God they become perverted in their desires and actions including the sexual realm (Rom 1:18,21-27,32). Homosexuality is not a genetic problem, rather a distorted lifestyle choice of the individuals involved. As with any behaviour that is wrong, God loves the individual but not their wrong actions; this must be our response too.

Yet no sin is too great for the cleansing power of Jesus and God's help to overcome, as thousands have come into lasting victory over homosexual lifestyles and temptations through faith in Jesus (Rom 6:17-18; 1 Cor 6:11; Jas 7:7-8).

There is deliverance and wholeness in Jesus

In the past, some people were involved in that lifestyle but now they are new creations in Christ, the sins of the past abandoned by the grace of God (2 Cor 5:17). Through a genuine conversion to Christ the reparative process begins, with the heart change resulting in a behavioural change (Rom 12:1-2).

Transformation and Holiness

The transformation begins within, then manifests outwardly. We cannot continue in the sins that took Jesus to the cross and at the same time assume we are right with God. To be faithful followers of Jesus Christ, our lives should line up to the Scriptural standards in all aspects of life. Homosexuality is unnatural and a perversion of our God-given sexuality. Jesus came to save, heal, restore and make us whole enabling us to live in harmony with His values.

God offers us forgiveness and expects us to seek wholeness and holiness in Him. It is impossible for a person who actively and unrepentantly practices this unnatural sexual lifestyle, to be a true Christian; they will not enter heaven for they contradict the righteous laws of God. The Bible states, those who continue in active, wilful and unrepentant sin will not be saved (1 Cor 6:9; 2 Thes 1:8-9; Rev 21:27). However, as Paul testified, some of you were like that but now your sins are washed away, and you have been delivered and set free by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in you (1 Cor 6:11; 1 Tim 1:9-11; Rev 22:15).

Sin is always an expression of the fallen nature, and as with other misdemeanors there is a difference between the sinful active behaviour and the passive attraction or inner struggle. It is not a sin to struggle with temptation, it is only when this temptation is acted on that it becomes sin. We may not be able to control how or what we feel, but we can control what we do with those feelings (1 Pet 1:5-8).

Satan perverts what God creates

We have the responsibility to resist temptation and "walk by the Spirit" and not "gratify the desires of the flesh" (Gal 5:16; Eph 6:13). All Christians have struggles with sin, and sometimes fail in those struggles. A true Christian will always repent and return to God (1 Jn 1:9). While some people have a greater tendency or susceptibility to a particular wrong behaviour when we surrender our lives to Christ, we must let go of all that defined us in our sinful state. Jesus stated, "If anyone would come after me, let them deny themselves [die to those desires that violate God's righteous decrees], take up their cross and follow me" (Lk 9:23). We are to renounce our past with its sinful tendencies and embrace the wholeness available in God and become all He designed us to be (Eph 2:10). Praise God, following repentance those involved can be delivered from this evil practice and live wholesome God-honouring lives, forgiven by the blood of Christ.

Paul taught that the believer must "put to death the old life of sin" (Rom 8:13). This is a daily process, requiring vigilance and dependence on the Holy Spirit. As we continually surrender our will to God's purposes, He transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to live in the freedom and purity He intends for us.

Put to death the old life of sin

Reflection and Application:

God's design for sexuality is within marriage between one man and one woman.
Homosexuality is a sin, but God loves the individual and offers forgiveness.
Through faith in Jesus, transformation and deliverance are possible.
True Christians will repent and turn away from sinful lifestyles.