“Can You Be Holy and Homosexual?” – A Bible-Based Perspective
Introduction:
In today’s culture, the topic of homosexuality is surrounded by confusion, compromise, and controversy—even within some churches. Many in the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters claim that God is love, and that He loves everyone just the way they are, even if they are gay. While it is true that God is love (1 John 4:8) and that He sent His Son to die for the sins of the world (John 3:16), it is equally true that God does not condone sin. Love and approval are not the same thing.
As a simple modern example: If a parent has a child who robs a bank or becomes addicted to drugs, they will still love their child. But that doesn’t mean they approve of the lifestyle or the actions. Love doesn’t cancel out truth—and God’s truth is clear about the sin of homosexuality.
In a previous Bible study titled “Sin is Sin” (available on Discovering Truths), we explored that not all sins are weighed the same in Scripture. Some sins are called abominations, and others bring heavier judgment. This Bible study will look at what God’s Word says specifically about homosexuality and whether a person can live a homosexual lifestyle and still be considered holy.
1. What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
The Bible is clear and direct when it speaks about homosexual acts. In the Old Testament:
Leviticus 18:22 (NKJV) says:
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.”
Leviticus 20:13 (NKJV) says:
“If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.”
The word abomination is not used lightly. It denotes something utterly detestable and offensive in God’s sight. While all sin separates us from God, not all sins are labeled this way. The severity is emphasized for a reason.
In the New Testament:
Romans 1:26–27 (NKJV) speaks of those who: “exchanged the natural use for what is against nature… men with men committing what is shameful.”
Paul explains that these actions are a result of turning away from God and are a sign of a corrupted, rebellious heart.
1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (NKJV) says: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators… nor homosexuals, nor sodomites… will inherit the kingdom of God.”
The word “effeminate” (KJV) or “homosexuals” (NKJV) refers to men who take on the sexual role of a woman. “Sodomites” refers to those practicing same-sex relations. Both are listed as disqualifying sins for entering the Kingdom.
2. What About People Who Say “I Was Born Gay”?
This is a common argument used to justify homosexual behavior. Many say, “God made me this way.” But let’s think this through biblically.
2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) says: “The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
If God’s Word says that practicing homosexuality leads to eternal separation from Him (1 Cor. 6:9–10), and if God desires everyone to repent and be saved, then it wouldn’t make sense for Him to create someone to naturally live in a way that leads them to hell. That would contradict both His nature and His Word.
The truth is that we are all born with a sinful nature because of the fall of Adam (Romans 5:12). Some people may have stronger temptations toward certain sins—be it lust, anger, addiction, or same-sex attraction—but temptation is not the same as identity. Just because someone feels a certain way doesn’t mean it’s God’s will for them to live that way.
Just like someone may be tempted to steal, lie, or commit adultery, someone may struggle with homosexual desires. But in Christ, we are called to repent, deny ourselves, and be transformed.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) says:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) says:
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
3. The Holy Spirit and Homosexuality Cannot Coexist
The word of God teaches that when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you are filled with power to live a holy life (Acts 1:8). That same Spirit cannot dwell in a vessel that is practicing sin.
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV) says:
“For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”
Homosexuality is not just a lifestyle choice—it is a spiritual issue. It is driven by a demonic spirit of perversion and confusion, and the Spirit of God and a demonic spirit cannot live in the same temple. If you are truly filled with the Holy Ghost, you will be convicted and empowered to turn away from any sin, including homosexuality.
4. The Example of Sodom and Gomorrah
People like to argue that homosexuality is no different than any other sin. But the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah says otherwise.
Genesis 19 shows that the men of Sodom desired to have sexual relations with other men. This was part of their widespread wickedness.
Jude 1:7 (NKJV) says:
“…Sodom and Gomorrah… having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
Yes, there were other sins in those cities (pride, idolatry, etc.), but God did not rain down fire and brimstone on David for committing adultery (2 Samuel 11), or on Noah for getting drunk (Genesis 9). Those sins had consequences, but Sodom and Gomorrah’s judgment was swift and supernatural. That tells us how seriously God takes sexual perversion, especially homosexuality.
5. God’s Design for Gender and Clothing
Deuteronomy 22:5 (NKJV) says:
“A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.”
This shows God’s intention for gender distinction. Today, our culture blurs the lines between male and female, even in the church. But God created two genders, and each has a God-given identity and purpose.
In Conclusion: Can You Be Holy and Homosexual?
The answer is: No—not according to the Bible.
Holiness means being set apart, filled with the Holy Spirit, walking in obedience, and rejecting the sinful desires of the flesh. Homosexuality is not a condition someone is born into, but a sin that must be repented of like any other.
But here’s the hope: You can be delivered. You can be set free. You can be made new.
1 Corinthians 6:11 (NKJV) says:
“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 and by the Spirit of our God.”
The Way to True Freedom: Acts 2:38 Salvation
If you or someone you know is struggling with homosexuality or any sin, know that Jesus Christ can save and deliver you. The Bible gives the clear plan of salvation in:
Acts 2:38 (NKJV):
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
This is the beginning of a new life—a life of holiness, peace, and purpose.
If you haven’t already read our Bible study on “Is All Sin the Same?”, we encourage you to do so on DiscoveringTruths.com. It will help you understand how sin works, why some sins are more severe, and how God wants to transform you from the inside out.
Truth and love go hand in hand. God loves you—but He also calls you to change. And through His power, you can.
