Confronting a Rainbow of Lies
Confronting a Rainbow of Lies
In a culture that increasingly celebrates and promotes LGBTQ+ lifestyles, Christians often find themselves confronted with claims that challenge biblical teaching. Many of these assertions create confusion about what the Bible actually says regarding homosexuality. Let’s examine what Scripture truly teaches on this topic and address some common misconceptions.
What Does the Bible Actually Say About Homosexuality?
The claim that the Bible doesn’t condemn homosexuality is simply untrue when we examine Scripture carefully. The Bible speaks clearly on this subject in multiple passages:
In Leviticus 18:22, God instructs: “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female. It is an abomination.” This text expressly forbids homosexual acts, using language that indicates such behavior is morally detestable in God’s sight.
Leviticus 20:13 reiterates this prohibition and adds consequences for those who engage in such behavior: “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act.”
In the New Testament, Romans 1:26-27 describes what happens when a culture rejects God: “For this reason, God gave them over to degrading passions. For their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural. And in the same way also, men abandoned the natural function of the woman, and they burned in their desire toward one another.”
Paul describes homosexual behavior as:
- Motivated by “degrading passions”
- “Unnatural” (against God’s designed order)
- “Indecent acts” motivated by lust
First Corinthians 6:9-10 lists homosexuality among behaviors that characterize those who “will not inherit the kingdom of God,” alongside other sins like adultery, theft, and drunkenness.
First Timothy 1:8-10 similarly includes homosexuality among behaviors that are “contrary to sound teaching.”
Is “Homosexual” a Mistranslation in the Bible?
Some claim the word “homosexual” in modern Bible translations is a mistranslation. This argument doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
The Greek word “arsenokoitai” in 1 Corinthians 6:10 combines two Greek words: “arsene” (male) and “koite” (bed). Together, they describe a man who seeks sexual relations with other men. Scholars believe Paul coined this term as a direct reference to the Leviticus 20:13 prohibition.
While the English word “homosexual” wasn’t introduced into Bible translations until 1946, this doesn’t change the meaning of what was being prohibited. The Bible clearly forbids same-sex sexual relations regardless of what terminology is used to describe it.
Are Christians Hypocritical in Their Reading of Scripture?
Another common claim is that Christians selectively follow some Old Testament laws while ignoring others (like dietary restrictions or clothing regulations).
To understand Scripture properly, we must recognize three types of Old Testament laws:
- Civil laws – governed Israel as a nation
- Ceremonial laws – prescribed worship practices, food restrictions, etc.
- Moral laws – dictated right and wrong based on God’s character
Romans 7:6 tells us: “But now we have been released from the law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.”
Romans 10:4 adds: “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
Through Christ’s work, the ceremonial and civil laws have been fulfilled. However, moral laws—grounded in God’s unchanging character—remain in effect and are reaffirmed throughout the New Testament. The prohibition against homosexuality falls into this moral category.
Did Jesus Address Homosexuality?
Some argue Jesus never mentioned homosexuality, suggesting it wasn’t important to Him. This reasoning is flawed for several reasons:
- All Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), so we shouldn’t elevate Jesus’ recorded words above other biblical authors.
- Jesus did affirm God’s design for sexuality in Matthew 19:4-6: “Have you not read that He created them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?”
By affirming God’s original design for marriage between one man and one woman, Jesus implicitly condemned all sexual activity outside this relationship—including homosexuality.
Jesus didn’t explicitly mention many sins (like kidnapping or incest), but that doesn’t mean He approved of them.
Can People Change Their Sexual Orientation?
Perhaps the most hopeful message comes in 1 Corinthians 6:11. After listing homosexuality among sins that will prevent people from inheriting God’s kingdom, Paul writes: “Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”
This powerful verse indicates that some Corinthian Christians had previously practiced homosexuality but had experienced transformation through Christ. The gospel offers hope and freedom from all sin patterns, including homosexuality.
Life Application
The biblical teaching on homosexuality challenges us to respond with both truth and grace. Here are some practical ways to apply these truths:
- Stand firm on biblical truth: Don’t compromise what Scripture clearly teaches about sexuality, even when cultural pressure is intense.
- Respond with compassion: Remember that everyone struggles with sin in different forms. Approach those experiencing same-sex attraction with the same compassion Christ shows to all sinners.
- Share the transforming power of the gospel: The good news is that Christ offers forgiveness and freedom from all sin to those who repent and believe.
- Build relationships: Rather than avoiding those who identify as LGBTQ+, seek to build genuine friendships where you can lovingly share truth.
- Pray for those struggling: Ask God to work in the hearts of those experiencing same-sex attraction, drawing them to Himself.
Questions to consider:
- Am I approaching this issue with both biblical truth and Christ-like compassion?
- Do I believe God’s power can transform any sinner, including those struggling with homosexuality?
- How can I better equip myself to share the gospel with those in the LGBTQ+ community?
- Are there relationships in my life where I need to speak truth with love regarding this issue?
The Bible’s message on homosexuality isn’t one of condemnation without hope, but rather an invitation to experience God’s transforming grace through faith in Jesus Christ.