It is often viewed by many in our culture that being homosexual is outside of a person's control. Just like a person cannot decide their race or eye color. Despite this cultural view, the Bible clearly and consistently declares that homosexual activity is a sin (Genesis 19:1–13; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). This ignorance of the scripture has lead to controversy, debate, and even hostility from people on both sides of the issue. 

It is important for us to get a right view on homosexuality and to do this we must take a look at the holy scriptures. 

In Genesis 19, the Bible tells us that God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone because of the wickedness of homosexuality which was referred to as an unnatural and abominable act. 

There are many other instances of homosexuality in the Bible, Romans 1:26–27 teaches that homosexuality is a result of denying and disobeying God. 

Romans 1:26-27
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. Their women exchanged the natural function for what is against nature. 27 Likewise the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men with men doing that which is shameful, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.

When people continue in sin and unbelief, God “gives them over” to even more wicked and depraved sin to show them the futility and hopelessness of life apart from God. One of the fruits of rebellion against God is homosexuality.

There is also the belief that a person can be a homosexual and a Christian. A careful examination of 1 Corinthians 6:9 tells us that those who practice homosexuality are not saved or Christian.

1 Corinthians 6:9
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."

When looking at homosexuality, it is important to distinguish between living in a openly homosexual lifestyle or just having homosexual thoughts or attractions. There is a difference in thinking about sin and actually carrying out or acting upon it. Homosexual behavior is sinful, but the Bible never says it is a sin to be tempted. Even heterosexual couples are tempted to sin sexually. Many marriages have ended in divorce because one spouse chose to act on the temptations of lust towards another person.

A person may be born with a greater susceptibility to homosexuality, just as some people are born with a tendency to violence. That does not excuse the person’s choosing to sin by giving in to sinful desires. Just because a person is born with a greater susceptibility to something doesn’t make it right for them to give in to those desires. The same is true with homosexuality.

No matter our attractions, we cannot continue to define ourselves by the very sins that crucified Jesus—and at the same time assume we are right with God. Paul lists many of the sins that the Corinthians once practiced (homosexuality is on the list). 

But in that same passage of 1 Corinthians 6, verse 11 tells us that there were those who were homosexuals that were saved and delivered from that lifestyle, 

11 Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, and you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus by the Spirit of our God. 

This should remind us that no sin is too great for the cleansing power of Jesus, not even homosexuality. Once we are cleansed, we are no longer defined by sin.

The problem with homosexuality is that it is something God has forbidden. Same-sex attraction is an expression of our fallen nature. Romans 1 tells us that there are ho humans that are good. All of us have wicked hearts and desires because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden. We are sinful people living in a sinful world. Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and missed the mark of God's standard of perfection. 

This world is full of temptations, lures, and entrapments because of sin and the devil, including being enticed to engage in a homosexual lifestyle. 

The good news is there is hope for those looking to be redeemed from this lifestyle.

The temptation to engage in homosexual behavior is very real to many people. Those who struggle with homosexual attraction often report suffering through years of wishing things were different. People may not always be able to control how or what they feel, but they can control what they do. We all have the responsibility to resist temptation according to Ephesians 6:13 which says 

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Romans 12:2 tells us to not be conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. 

According to Galatians 6, We must all “walk by the Spirit” so as not to “gratify the desires of the flesh” 16 I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. These are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

Finally, the Bible does not describe homosexuality as a “greater” sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Without Christ, all of us are lost, no matter what sin we engage in. According to the Bible, God’s forgiveness is available to the homosexual just as it is to the adulterer, idol worshipper, murderer, and thief. God promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

If you or a loved one is struggling with homosexuality and needs help let me give you a couple of resources. First is Living Hope Ministries....you can plug into the many resources and spiritual help through this ministry by visiting www.livehope.org

You can also find great information from Focus on the Family. Dr. James Dobson has helped many people find their way into the will and purpose of God through promoting biblical truths and the God-ordained family. Visit www.focusonthefamily.com for information and resources of this ministry.

One last great resource is a book entitled "Coming Out of Homosexuality" by Bob Davies and Lori Rentzel. This is not a theoretical book: it is a practical guide for people struggling with same-sex desires. You'll find answers to your questions about what it means to be a man or woman, how your past relates to your present tensions, how biblical principles apply to your daily life, how you can form healthy relationships, and how your healing may eventually prepare you for heterosexual romance and marriage.

Get your copy today by visiting www.americanchristianpodcast.com and click on the book link at the bottom of the page under book recommendations.