Rev. Paul M. Turner

What does the Bible say about gay people?

What’s the truth about the Bible and gay people?

If you’ve ever been told that the Bible condemns you because of your sexual orientation, you’re in the right place. In fact, nowhere in the Bible are same-sex committed and loving relationships condemned. On the contrary, here’s what the Bible says on the subject:

This is how much God loved the world: God gave God’s child, God’s one and only child. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing… anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

John 3:16

Below is the truth that counters three commonly told lies about what the Bible says about homosexuality — plus here’s a complete Bible study on homosexuality and transgenderism, and here’s a comprehensive look at the “clobber passages” most commonly used to condemn homosexuality.

Lie #1: The Book of Leviticus expressly forbids homosexual sex.

The Truth: The purity laws of the ancient priesthood are a code of ethics rooted in a time and culture that is far removed from today’s world. Among other things it forbids shaving, wearing clothing made of two different materials, eating rare meat, and many other things. The edict against homosexual sex is part of this code, no more or no less important than the verse that forbids harvesting an entire field of grain or piercing an ear. It is important only as a historical document, not as a set of rules to follow in this time.

Lie #2: Sodom was destroyed for the sin of homosexuality.

The Truth: Sodom and homosexuality were not connected until the middle ages. In Biblical days it was acknowledged that Sodom was destroyed for greed and inhospitality. While some believe that it was probable that the men of Sodom were bent on raping Lot’s visitors, this was an act of violence, not an indication of the sexual preference of the male population of the city. There are many references of Sodom in the Bible (Ezekiel 16:49 and 2 Peter 2:6-8, among others) but none of them mentions homosexuality.

Lie #3: There are scriptures affirming the Biblical condemnation of homosexual sex.

The Truth: Many of the references to eunuchs in the Bible refer to homosexual men, not necessarily to castrated males. Jesus himself said:

Some, from birth seemingly, never give marriage a thought. Others never get asked — or accepted. And some decide not to get married for kingdom reasons. But if you’re capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it.

Matthew 19:12

The book of Isaiah holds one of the greatest promises to us:

To the mutilated who keep my Sabbaths and choose what delights me and keep a firm grip on my covenant, I’ll provide them an honored place in my family and within my city, even more honored than that of sons and daughters. I’ll confer permanent honors on them that will never be revoked.

Isaiah 56:4-5

Embrace the truth and reject the lies, the kingdom of heaven is for all!

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