Gay Christian

[Chad]

"Is it possible to be a gay Christian?"

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

There is a tendency to declare homosexuality as the worst of all sins. While it is undeniable, biblically speaking, that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural (Romans 1:26-27), in no sense does the Bible describe homosexuality as an unforgivable sin. Nor does the Bible teach that homosexuality is a sin Christians will never struggle against.

Perhaps that is the key phrase in the question of whether it is possible to be a gay Christian: “struggle against.” It is possible for a Christian to struggle with homosexual temptations. Many homosexuals who become Christians have ongoing struggles with homosexual feelings and desires. Some strongly heterosexual men and women have experienced a “spark” of homosexual interest at some point in their lives. Whether or not these desires and temptations exist does not determine whether a person is a Christian. The Bible is clear that no Christian is sinless (1 John 1:8,10). While the specific sin / temptation varies from one Christian to another, all Christians have struggles with sin, and all Christians sometimes fail in those struggles (1 Corinthians 10:13).

What differentiates a Christian’s life from a non-Christian’s life is the struggle against sin. The Christian life is a progressive journey of overcoming the “acts of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21), and allowing God’s Spirit to produce the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). Yes, Christians sin, sometimes horribly. Sadly, sometimes Christians are indistinguishable from non-Christians. However, a true Christian will always repent, will always eventually return to God, and will always resume the struggle against sin. But the Bible gives no support for the idea that a person who perpetually and unrepentantly engages in sin can indeed be a Christian. Notice 1 Corinthians 6:11, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

First Corinthians 6:9-10 lists sins that, if indulged in continuously, identify a person as not being redeemed—not being a Christian. Often, homosexuality is singled out from this list. If a person struggles with homosexual temptations, that person is presumed to be unsaved. If a person actually engages in homosexual acts, that person is definitely thought to be unsaved. However, the same assumptions are not made, at least not with the same emphasis, regarding other sins in the list: fornication (pre-marital sex), idolatry, adultery, thievery, covetousness, alcoholism, slander, and deceit. It is inconsistent, for example, to declare those guilty of pre-marital sex as “disobedient Christians,” while declaring homosexuals as definitively non-Christians.

Is it possible to be a gay Christian? If the phrase “gay Christian” refers to a person who struggles against homosexual desires and temptations – yes, a “gay Christian” is possible. However, the description “gay Christian” is not accurate for such a person, since he/she does not desire to be gay, and is struggling against the temptations. Such a person is not a “gay Christian,” but rather is simply a struggling Christian, just as there are Christians who struggle with fornication, lying, and stealing. If the phrase “gay Christian” refers to a person who actively, perpetually, and unrepentantly lives a homosexual lifestyle – no, it is not possible for such a person to truly be a Christian.

gotquestions.org

 

[B-A-C]

Lev 18:22 'You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" />

Lev 20:13'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; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
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Gen 19:5 and they called to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on">Lot</st1lace> and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them."
Gen 19:6 But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him,
Gen 19:7 and said, "Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly.
Gen 19:8 "Now behold, I have two daughters who have not had relations with man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them whatever you like; only do nothing to these men, inasmuch as they have come under the shelter of my roof."

Gen 19:12 Then the two men said to <st1lace w:st="on">Lot</st1lace>, "Whom else have you here? A son-in-law, and your sons, and your daughters, and whomever you have in the city, bring them out of the place;
Gen 19:13 for we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the LORD that the LORD has sent us to destroy it."

Gen 19:24 Then the LORD rained on <st1:City w:st="on">Sodom</st1:City> and <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Gomorrah</st1lace></st1:City> brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven,
<o></o>
Rom 1:26 For this reason God allowed their shameful passions to control them. Their women have exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.
Rom 1:27 Likewise, their men have given up natural sexual relations with women and burn with lust for each other. Men commit indecent acts with men, so they experience among themselves the punishment they deserve for their perversion.

Rom 1:32 Although they know God's judgment that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do these things but also approve of others who do them.

NOTICE: It says not only those who do these things, but even if you merely approve of others doing it, you are just as guilty!

1Co 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">kingdom</st1laceType> of <st1laceName w:st="on">God</st1laceName></st1lace>? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,

μαλακός
malakos; a prim. word; soft, effeminate: - effeminate (1), soft (3).
<o></o>
1Ti 1:9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers
1Ti 1:10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching,
<o></o>
ar-sen-ok-oy'-tace
a sodomite: - abuser of (that defile) self with mankind

 

[ImmanuelWithUs]

Chad, thank you so much for posting this. So many of my Christian friends think that homosexuality is the greatest sin a person can commit. When I tell them that sex outside of marriage and adultery are just as sinful, they think I'm crazy. They think if a boyfriend and girlfriend have sex but aren't married, it's ok. I'll be sure and save this for later reference.

 

[stephen]

"Is it possible to be a gay Christian?

"

Absolutely not. We have to conform to biblical instruction to be followers of Jesus. Such sexual relationships, and all other sexual relationships, beyond the pale of scripture, are an abomination to God and a forerunner to the decline of any nation.

 

[shipwreck]

what i believe

i believe that we all struggle in sin reguardless, sin is sin. There is no one greater than the other. Homosexuality is no different from lying or stealing they are all the same. However i do believe that we will continually struggle throughout or lives with sin but as children of God He has given us the strength to overcome. i believe it is the unwillingness that will keep us from salvation we are called to change and if we truely belong to Christ we will desire that change and over time we will overcome and maybe not all but most, as i said we will always struggle with sin but through the conviction of the HolySpirit we will desire that change. If you become homosexual after you have been saved, one shall question that salvation but if you have become a christian after homosexuality I believe you can be a christian who is slowly overcoming his or her sin. Christ did not say come to me after you have changed your way of life, He said come to me now as you are For we overcome sin through Him. As christians we are all a work in progress.

 

[jiggyfly]

Good article Chad, bible thumpers seem to reason that homosexual sin is far worse than other sins. Yet they protect people like Jimmy Swaggart who was a liar and adulterer.

Proverbs 6:16-19
16* These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17*A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18*An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19*A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Pride is the cause in every case, it reminds me of a story that Jesus told.

Luke 18:9-14
9*Then Jesus told this story to some who had great self-confidence and scorned everyone else: 10*“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a dishonest tax collector. 11*The proud Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don’t sin, I don’t commit adultery, 12*I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
13*“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14*I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.”

 

[scofieldII]

"Is it possible to be a gay Christian?"

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

There is a tendency to declare homosexuality as the worst of all sins. While it is undeniable, biblically speaking, that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural (Romans 1:26-27), in no sense does the Bible describe homosexuality as an unforgivable sin. Nor does the Bible teach that homosexuality is a sin Christians will never struggle against.

Thank you Chad, the scripture says it all; quite clearly and discreet. Some people still choose to close an eye upon these wordings. They shall reap what they sowe.
Do not tell me nonsense that it is something one is born with for I will despise you for you chose the path to destruction, but rather tell me that it is the influence of past experiences-a mental wrong done to man, and maybe I shall pray for you that you be saved.

 

[jiggyfly]

"Is it possible to be a gay Christian?"

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

There is a tendency to declare homosexuality as the worst of all sins. While it is undeniable, biblically speaking, that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural (Romans 1:26-27), in no sense does the Bible describe homosexuality as an unforgivable sin. Nor does the Bible teach that homosexuality is a sin Christians will never struggle against.

Thank you Chad, the scripture says it all; quite clearly and discreet. Some people still choose to close an eye upon these wordings. They shall reap what they sowe.
Do not tell me nonsense that it is something one is born with for I will despise you for you chose the path to destruction, but rather tell me that it is the influence of past experiences-a mental wrong done to man, and maybe I shall pray for you that you be saved.

Good scripture reference ScofieldII, what makes one righteous enough to inherit the kingdom of God?

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Do not tell me nonsense that it is something one is born with for I will despise you for you chose the path to destruction, but rather tell me that it is the influence of past experiences-a mental wrong done to man, and maybe I shall pray for you that you be saved.

I agree that it is nonsense to claim that people are born to be homosexual. However, I'm bothered by your use of the word despise in describing your attitude toward people who adopt that belief. You appear to condemn the people involved; an unloving, unChristian attitude. Condemnation of people is God's function, not ours.

SLE

 

[B-A-C]

Born with Tendencies

I do think some people are born with homosexual tendencies.
Obviously, or else why would there be homosexuals?

But there are also born liars, born theives, born killers, child molesters, rapists, etc....

The point being, even though you might be born with a particular tendency, or desire to do a certain thing, that doesn't make it right.
The Bible says we are all born into sin.

Now while we might all agree that murderers and child molesters are things we don't agree with, and people we don't want to associate with, the closest thing I can find to this is... 1Cor 15:33

Yet in todays society it is OK to associate with homosexuals, it's even promoted in newspapers, television, movies, and even political platforms. Interestlingy enough the Bible specifically singles out homosexuals as people we should not approve of their behavior.
(Rom 1:32) or else we are just as guilty as those who do it.
Now I believe in love the sinner and hate the sin, we just need to be sure we know what the sin is, and not just brush it under the carpet just because society says it's OK.

 

[Enow]

One thing to watch out for is covetousness which is idolatry. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life... these things are in the world and the love of the Father is not in them. When one trains the eye to lust and to covet, one can reap corruption. If the eye being single as in treasuring the things above and not evil as in having an eye of covetousness upon the earth, then we may find ourselves more able to walk with Him by faith, but if we sow to the flesh, then we allow sin to cause us to stumble.

Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

If anyone wonders how "straight" gay becomes "bi-sexuals" or how some "straight" people have gone "gay", it is because of the eye of covetousness which is idolatry.

Television and the media plays up the beautiful and the appealing, hence the pride of life and thus leading to the lust of the eye and the lust of the flesh. We have music, books, movies and even comic books and cartoons that cater to that eye in the pride of life so is it any wonder how it is represented in the toys and dolls of the day?

Can anyone be born gay? No. We are all born in sin and with the capacity to sin. If we really look at what little children are being exposed to... then being born gay is hardly the reason why.

 

[Ed]

So how do we approach a gay person? While I agree that no sin is greater than another, a Christian approaching a homosexual needs to warn them not only about their everyday sin, but their homosexual sins as well. If we don't, then they will assume such things as:

Oh well, I don't have a problem with lust, as I already live with my boyfriend.

I don't commit adultery, since I am not lusting after a woman or man.

The tragedy ast Sodom and Gomorah wasn't caused by homosexuals, it wasn't their fault!

My point is: I've met a LOT od Gay Christians who think that they can love God, go to church, be good, and enter into heaven still living in their gay lifestyle.

I don't know...I mean, if a gay person can get into heaven, then that means that an adulterer can get in there too, followed by a child molester, etc.

I know it sounds impossible..but we have to be absolutely clothed in white in order to enter into heaven...spotless white. We can't continue to live in sin and expect to get to heaven.

Let us remember, a young teenage man/woman doesn't just wake up one day and decide that they are gay...events happen...they are either introduced by satan himself into that lifestyle, they are seduced by someone, probably a friend, etc. In their hearts they may know it's totally wrong, but the experience totally changes them. And it's not their fault...until they seduce someone themselves and that usually turns out to be someone who is younger than them (I've been in chat rooms where a seemingly younger person states that they have "seduced" an older person, which I don't believe so...BUT I know things happen...)

So what becomes of the Lord's will in Matthew 18:6? :rtm:

 

[B-A-C]

Where the heart is.

None of us are perfect (Rom 3:23)
We struggle with sin everyday.

1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1Jn 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

I think part of it is recognizing sin as sin.
There is a difference between....

"I know (pornography/adultery/homosexuality/fornication/alcohol addiction/drug addiction/etc... fill in the blank) is a sin, and I struggle with it, but I confess it and I am wanting to repent from it even though I am still struggling with it".

and

"(Fill in the blank) just isn't a sin. I don't care what the Bible says. The Bible is wrong. God is tolerant. God is love. I haven't done anything wrong, therefore I have nothing to repent from."

Rom 1:21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,

I have also heard some of the arguments...
"There is nothing wrong with it. I am supposed to love my brother. There is nothing wrong with me loving my brother. God is love."

This is true. However there is a difference between loving your friends and having sex with them. There is a commandment that says "Love one another" (John 13:34,35) But I haven't found the commandment that says "Have sex with one another". Love is not sex. Sex is not love.

 

[SaulC76]

Born into sin

"The Bible says we are all born into sin."

BAC - first, I 100% agree with the spirit of your post. However, I saw this line that I quoted from your post and wanted to tell you that "born into sin" is actually not in the Bible.

The reason I'm posting this isn't to play word games, but because someone had told me this long ago and it disturbed me in one way: if we are "born into sin", then do babies who die have no chance to be redeemed? So, finally, I looked it up. Lo and behold, there is no such line in the Old or New Testament.

We are born into a sinful world. If we are born, eventually we will consciously sin. But no one is "born into sin."

God bless!

 

[Gracealone]

Iniquity is the word you need to look for.
Psalms 51:5
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my Mother conceive me.

It is indicated in scripture that the little children who are under the age of accountability
will be with the Lord if they die.
King Davids Son,who died.........read 2 Samuel12:23......
But now he is dead,wherefore should I fast?
can I bring him back again?
I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

Gen..18:25 Says shall not the judge of all the earth do right?

Also Jesus said of the little children ,Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.

 

[SaulC76]

Thank you for that. When faced with the context of this passage, especially 51:1-4, you can see David asking for forgiveness of sin he committed. Verse 5 is like his "bottom line" - something like, "Behold, I was born of a sinner, I am going to sin, I was formed in the womb to sin!" So, even though he is asking forgiveness, he is acknowledging that God knows we're all going to sin since our formation in the womb.

I believe that there are Christians who do believe that if a baby dies that he goes to hell or "purgatory" or some such thing. What a sad way to think when there's no evidence of that in the Bible.

God bless, and thanks for your post!

 

[B-A-C]

Born unto sin

Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--
Rom 5:13 for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
Rom 5:15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.
Rom 5:16 The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.
Rom 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.
Rom 5:19 For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

As for children being born into sin, do children lie, cheat, steal and misbehave? Of course they do, but I believe sin is only sin if you know it is. You can't "accidentally" sin. Younger children simply don't have accountability for their actions.

 

[Ed]

Sin is sin only when you know it's sin. For some reason, I don't believe that we will be held accountable for committing a sin when we haven't realized that it's an actual sin.

For example, I am a portrait artist. My favorite portraits to paint are of Jesus. However there are some that say that if I do paint a portrait of Jesus, that I am actually making a graven image, which goes against the commandments. But I think what the Lord's intent on that is that we shouldn't make a graven image and bow down and worship it, or cause other people to worship it.

My actual intent is to glorify the Lord through my portraits of Jesus. If someone comes along, sees one of my portraits, and buys it to take it home to worship it, is it my sin?

 

[Boanerges]

I was talking to a precious soul, lost without Christ and quite gay. When he told me he was born that way I told him there was great news, he could be born again another way.
We certainly can hate the sin but we must love the sinner or else how can we ever expect to reach them?

 

[Ed]

I was talking to a precious soul, lost without Christ and quite gay. When he told me he was born that way I told him there was great news, he could be born again another way.
We certainly can hate the sin but we must love the sinner or else how can we ever expect to reach them?

WOW! I like that!