What does the Bible say about LGBTQ+ and Gay Marriage?
Short Answer:
In short, the Bible condemns same-sex sexual relationships as contrary to the will of God and against the natural order He created. In other words, same-sex relationships are considered sin (rebellion against God) in the Bible.
LGBTQ+ and Homosexuality in the Bible:
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.
It’s important to remember that God created sex and marriage when He created the world. He defines proper sex and the boundaries of marriage. From the beginning of time, God has been very clear that “marriage” is the union of a man and a woman. He has been equally clear that “sex,” in its proper form is something that can only involve a man and a woman.
God was clear about this in the law He gave to Moses and the Israelite people:
Lev 20:13 - If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.
The Apostle Paul repeats a similar condemnation when writing about Jesus’ law for all people in the New Testament:
Rom 1:26-27, 32 - 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… Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
Many people, who don’t know or respect the Bible, will try to convince you the Bible’s teaching on these issues is hazy and unclear, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
God does not condone same-sex relationship and He does not acknowledge same-sex “marriages,” which are by definition (God’s definition) not real marriages at all.
Counter Points:
I want to briefly address 2 counter points used by those who suggest Christians should support the LGBTQ+ lifestyle:
Counter Point #1 - “Jesus never said anything about homosexuality, so He must not have been strongly opposed to it.”
It is true that Jesus never specifically talked about the issue of homosexuality, at least not in the words recorded in the Bible, but it would be incorrect to assume homosexuality is ok because Jesus never addressed the topic with specificity. Jesus did address it generally. He condemned “sexual immorality,” which would have included the sexual practices of homosexuals.
Furthermore, the critical error of this counter point is the wrong conclusion that God communicated ever detail of His instructions to men through the mouth of Jesus. Jesus ordained other spokesmen, His Apostles, to carry His teachings into the world. Paul, who wrote Romans 1:26-32 which was quoted above, was one of those Apostles. Paul’s statements in Romans were inspired by the Holy Spirit and were perfectly in line with the teachings of Jesus.
If Jesus approved of Paul’s writing (which He did), it cannot be argued that Jesus was ok with same-sex marriages or the sexual practices of the LGBTQ+.
Counter Point #2 - “The same-sex relationships condemned in the Bible are only those that included violence, coercion, and rape.”
Several books and articles have been written which attempt to frame the Bible’s condemnation of homosexuality as condemning only violent or domineering acts. They suggest what the Bible is really forbidding is violent homosexuality, where a man commits an act on another man against his will or to show his superiority. These books and articles often cite historical sources that talk about this kind of behavior in the ancient world.
While it is true these types of violent acts were committed in ancient times, the problem with this counter point is that the Bible doesn’t limit its condemnation of same-sex relations to only those including violence. The Bible’s condemnation is broad, broad enough to include all violent acts AND all consensual homosexual behavior. Those who use this counter point are not being honest with the text.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Bible is very clear about God’s view of LGBTQ+ relationships and gay marriage. These things are condemned by God. The Bible is also very clear about what God wants from people who engage in these sexually immoral practices, God wants them to repent and turn to Him. God’s arms are open to those who will turn their back on their sins and live as He intended.
