Topical Bible: Gays

Topical Encyclopedia

The topic of homosexuality, often referred to in contemporary terms as "gays," is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. From a conservative Christian perspective, the Bible provides specific teachings and narratives that have been traditionally interpreted as addressing homosexual behavior.

Old Testament References

1. Genesis 19:1-11: The account of Sodom and Gomorrah is frequently cited in discussions about homosexuality. The men of Sodom sought to engage in sexual relations with Lot's male visitors, which led to the city's destruction. This narrative has been interpreted as a condemnation of homosexual acts.

2. Leviticus 18:22: "You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination." This verse is part of the Holiness Code, which outlines various laws for the Israelites, and it explicitly prohibits male homosexual acts.

3. Leviticus 20:13: "If a man lies with a man as with a woman, they have both committed an abomination. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them." This passage reiterates the prohibition found in Leviticus 18 and prescribes a severe penalty for such acts.

New Testament References

1. Romans 1:26-27: "For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." The Apostle Paul describes homosexual acts as contrary to God's design and as a result of turning away from Him.

2. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." This passage lists homosexual acts among other behaviors that are seen as incompatible with inheriting God's kingdom.

3. 1 Timothy 1:9-10: "We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching." Here, homosexual acts are included in a list of behaviors that are contrary to sound doctrine.

Theological Considerations

From a conservative theological standpoint, the Bible is viewed as affirming heterosexual marriage as the intended context for sexual relations. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse is often cited as the foundational biblical model for marriage and sexual relations.

The traditional interpretation holds that homosexual behavior is inconsistent with biblical teachings on sexuality and marriage. This perspective emphasizes the call to holiness and the transformative power of the Gospel, which offers redemption and a new identity in Christ to all individuals, regardless of their past actions or inclinations.

Pastoral and Ethical Implications

In pastoral care, conservative Christian communities may focus on offering support and guidance to individuals experiencing same-sex attraction, encouraging them to live in accordance with biblical teachings. This often involves promoting celibacy or seeking change through spiritual and community support.

The topic of homosexuality remains a significant and sensitive issue within the broader Christian community, with ongoing discussions about how to uphold biblical teachings while demonstrating love and compassion to all individuals.

Topical Bible Verses

1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.
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1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.
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Leviticus 18:22
You shall not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
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Leviticus 20:13
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be on them.
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Romans 1:26-27
For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
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Genesis 19:1-38
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
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Romans 1:26
For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
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Romans 1:27
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
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1 Corinthians 6:9
Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
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1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
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1 Timothy 1:10
For fornicators, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for enslavers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
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1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
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