I was presented a document titled: “FAQ’s About Jesus, the Bible & LGBTQ+ people”. Some people asked my thoughts about the ideas presented and I said I would look it over to give a thoughtful reply. This is that reply. I was merely going to write this and return to the original person who asked me. However, after prayer and consultation with others, I have decided to post this in the chance it could help out others who are seeking answers.
This is not to attack anyone, or any denomination or religion. I realized that the original FAQ did not mention any actual words of Jesus, or any scriptural text for that matter. It struck me that people seeking honest answers from Jesus and the Bible should receive words from them. This motivated me to respond with Biblical answers to the questions presented. I simply took the questions from that document and answered them. I did not come up with the questions and made only one change where I added a clarifying statement in the body of that question.
Is being gay a sin?
‘Being’ anything is not a sin. Acts and attitudes are sins. According to the Bible homosexual acts are sins:
Romans 1:26-31
[26] For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. [27] Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; [29] being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, [30] backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.1.26-31.NKJV
Note that there are many activities listed that the Bible calls sins. There are none worse than others because any and all sin will cause us to be separated from God.
What did Jesus say about gay people?
Same as He said about all people. Everyone needs to accept Jesus for salvation and to reject Him means you remain condemned.
John 3:17-18 NKJV
[17] For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. [18] “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.3.17-18.NKJV
It is our relationship with Jesus, and the work of the Holy Spirit changing us from the inside, that makes us acceptable before God.
Does the Bible really condemn homosexuality?
Yes. The above passage in Romans along with; 1 Corinthians 6, 1 Timothy 1, Galatians 5 plus Old Testament passages make it clear that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with the Christian life. Again, this incompatibility is not unique to homosexuality. Promiscuity, lying, stealing, being unloving and others are equally incompatible with a Christian life.
We need to recognize that nobody has achieved perfection, and we are all in the process of sanctification (the process of learning from the Holy Spirit what is expected of us by God as Christians, along with the ability to do it). We do not remain where Jesus finds us, and we are all on a journey to be more and more conformed to His image.
How do I respond when people say, “God hates f—s?”
You may respond with, “The Bible lists several things that the Lord hates…”
Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV
[16] These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: [17] A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, [18] A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, [19] A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.6.16-19.NKJV
Sexual orientation is not in this list. However, we know that God feels the same about all sin. God detests sin primarily because it separates us from Him.
If we rebelliously engage in what God calls ‘wicked’ He will be angry with us.
Psalms 7:11 NKJV
[11] God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day.
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.7.11.NKJV
The good news is that God has sent His son Jesus to make a way for us to be reunited with Him and be freed from the power of all sins.
Romans 6:18 NKJV
[18] And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.6.18.NKJV
How about transgender people? Where do they fit in?
Same as everyone else (see previous 4 answers). There are some passages that warn against attempting to appear as the opposite sex, but again, sin is sin.
Romans 3:23 NKJV
[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.3.23.NKJV
Transgender, gay, straight, tall, short, men, women, ALL people are sinners.
What do I tell people when they say being gay is a sin and a choice?
Because of sin, no person today is who God originally intended them to be. Whether we call it a ‘choice’ or ‘nature’ or something else, we all fall short of God’s ideal for us. The question is, will you choose God’s plan for your life or insist on doing your own thing? God is not interested in making you a better version of yourself. The truth is because of sin the only hope is to get a ‘new’ nature.
Ephesians 4:22-24 NKJV
[22] that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, [23] and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, [24] and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
https://bible.com/bible/114/eph.4.22-24.NKJV
The “deceitful lusts” are not limited to sexual desires. It can be lust for money, fame, power or anything that promises to be fulfilling in place of God. Everything that is not from God is deceitful because it will not truly satisfy the human soul’s need for connection with its creator who is God.
How do I respond when politicians condemn my sexuality, citing their belief in the Bible?
The fact that this question and answer is included shows that the original FAQ was more of a political document disguised as a religious one.
If you are non-Christian, then of course you do not care what God and the Bible say, vote however you wish. However, this FAQ says that it is about “Jesus, the Bible & LGBTQ+ people”. In light of that I feel that it is well within the scope to answer this from a Christian perspective.
All politicians, at all levels, need to be scrutinized as to what they believe about God, the Bible and the proper role of government. We have a tremendous honor to be able to choose those who will govern over us and we should keep the uniqueness in mind. Throughout human history this is indeed a very rare circumstance in which we find ourselves. The bottom line on any politician is do they believe in the God of the Bible and will they attempt to govern for the good of everyone. They will of course be imperfect, as they are chosen from a pool of imperfect people.
To sum up this answer, PRAY! Pray for those who are in charge, whether you agree or disagree. Also pray that God may give you wisdom to select accordingly.
As this is supposed to be about the Bible I will conclude this answer with the following:
Proverbs 29:2 NKJV
[2] When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.29.2.NKJV
Pray that God will raise up followers of Christ because true righteousness is found only in Him.
What about those who say they need “religious freedom laws” (their quotes not mine) to protect their right to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people because of their religion?
Those people are justified in their desire for such laws. The original poster states that “The Constitution already protects their right to exercise their religion. It does not protect their right to impose their religion.” I agree with that statement. I disagree that not wanting to participate with you is equal to imposing my religion on you.
An analogy should help.
I am vegan, you hold a barbecue. I refuse to cater the event with my soy dogs and bean burgers. Am I imposing my vegan lifestyle on you? Could it not be said that by getting court orders demanding I cater your event it would be YOU imposing your carnivore lifestyle on me?
When it comes to business, if you have the free choice to use or not use them, they should have the same choice to engage or not engage in business with you.
A scripture that some would use to justify NOT being involved in things that they consider against the will of God.
Romans 1:32 NKJV
[32] who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.1.32.NKJV
In reading this, you can see where Chirstian service providers would see that their participation would be equal to approving of practices that the Bible calls sins.
So, I get LGBT – but I don’t understand the Q. I’ve heard it stands for “questioning” and I’ve also heard it stands for “queer.” So, which one is it?
Again, to answer this from a Biblical perspective, it doesn’t matter what the initials stand for. LGBTQ+, AFL-CIO, NRA, SBC, LARP whatever group, club or association you belong to it is populated by sinners. People are born with the terminal condition of sin, which keep us separate from God, and there is only ONE cure, JESUS!
If you do not identify as ‘Christian’ before everything, even your nationality, then you are lost. If you identify as Christian then the Bible lays out some signs that you are indeed one. Such things as the Fruit of The Spirit;
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
https://bible.com/bible/114/gal.5.22-23.NKJV
and a desire for the Word of God (Bible)
I Peter 2:2 NKJV
[2] as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
https://bible.com/bible/114/1pe.2.2.NKJV
It is not about the group(s) you belong to. It is about recognizing your need for a savior and realizing the only option is Jesus.
Should I try to “pray away the gay”?
No, and you shouldn’t try and pray away lust, lying, stealing, cheating or any sin. You should pray:
- First you should ask Jesus to save you from your sins.
Acts 4:12 NKJV
[12] Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
https://bible.com/bible/114/act.4.12.NKJV
- Then ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and empower your life in order to leave sin behind.
Luke 11:13 NKJV
[13] If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
https://bible.com/bible/114/luk.11.13.NKJV
Conclusion
Yours, mine and everyone’s biggest issue is sin. Jesus’ whole reason for coming; living; dying and being raised, was to give us victory over sin (no matter how consuming that sin may be). Jesus, and me as one of His people, love you too much to not share this hope with you. Please, reach out if you would like to know more about the LOVE of Jesus and His POWER to change lives.
God Bless
Pastor Scott Shaler, Ingleside Church of the New Testament
For more information contact us at info@ntchurch.org