What does the New Testament say about homosexuality?
Homosexuality and the Bible: God’s View and the Hope of Salvation
Homosexuality is a sensitive subject in the Bible that is often the subject of much controversy and disagreement. However, the Bible clearly addresses this issue, and it is presented as a sin. In this article, we will delve deeper into the Bible’s teachings on homosexuality, seeking to understand God’s perspective on it and the possibility of salvation.
1. Homosexuality in the Bible: God’s Viewpoint
Homosexuality is described in the Bible as a sin, and it is condemned by God’s standards. Leviticus 18:22 states: “You shall not lie with a man in the presence of a woman; it is a detestable thing.” Similarly, Romans 1:26-27 identifies homosexual behavior as a violation of natural relations and an unnatural act. These scriptures condemn homosexuality and present it as a sin, one that causes man to reject God’s guidance.
In Romans 1:24-27 , the Bible explains that when people reject God’s command and persist in their own desires, God gives them over to “sinful desires.” Homosexuality is thus presented as a result of such sinful desires, which is a degradation of society and a rejection of a relationship with God.
2. Homosexuality and Deliverance: A Hopeful Perspective
Homosexuality is a sin, but it is not outside of God’s grace and forgiveness. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 , Paul says that homosexuality is a sin, but it can be cleansed through repentance and the salvation of Jesus. Paul wrote, “And 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.”
This proves that if a person who is caught up in homosexuality repents and believes in Jesus, God can cleanse him and give him a new life. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
3. Practical Approach: The Process of Change and Salvation
The Bible has a guide for change for people struggling with homosexuality and sexual identity. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “If anyone is in Christ, he has become a new creation. The old has passed away; the new has come!” As people begin their new life with Christ, their old sinful lifestyle is replaced. These people are provided with a path to change and purity through the salvation of Jesus.
Although homosexuality is a serious sin, the Bible says that it is forgivable. This requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit and faith in the power of Jesus. For example, if a person who is struggling with homosexuality or other sexual perversions confesses his sin and puts his faith in Jesus, God will cleanse him and give him new life.
4. Homosexuality and Society: A Sign of Sin
Homosexuality is not the cause of society’s decline, but it is a symptom of it. Romans 1:21-23 states that when people reject God’s guidance and follow their own sinful desires, they begin to show signs of depravity and sin. Here homosexuality is presented as a sign of the depravity and corruption of society.
When a society rejects God’s rule, sin and immorality spread in that same society. When we reject God’s creation and command, then the consequences of sin result in perversions, including homosexuality.
5. Hope of Salvation: Jesus’ Love and Forgiveness
Homosexuality is a sin, but it can be forgiven through God’s love and forgiveness. In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to bring life and salvation to everyone who believes.” Jesus has already made a sacrifice for all sins, including homosexuality, giving everyone the opportunity for new life.
Even for sins like homosexuality, Jesus, through his death and sacrifice on the cross, has given everyone the possibility of salvation. If people repent by believing in Jesus, God forgives their sins and gives them a new direction in life.
Conclusion: The Way to Salvation
As we delve deeper into homosexuality and its biblical perspective, we can see that the Bible acknowledges it as a sin, but God’s love and forgiveness are available for this sin as well. Homosexuality, like other sins, can be cleansed and a new life can begin through the salvation of Jesus. John 1:12 says, “To all who did receive him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Homosexuality, which the Bible presents as a sin, can be resolved by God’s grace. The principles revealed in this article clarify the biblical perspective and the path of salvation in practical life. If you are free from sin and want to have a new life, believe in the name of Jesus and trust in His grace and forgiveness.
