DOES THE BIBLE'S VIEW ON SEXUALITY STILL MATTER TODAY?

The Bible teaches that all sex outside of a marriage between one man and woman is forbidden and harmful, but Jesus offers hope to all who want to live a life in accordance with God’s purposes. Although it is not fashionable in our society, if Christians truly love their friends and family, they need to be willing to speak the truth about this subject and compassionately offer to help those who are struggling!

I. Understanding the Biblical View of LGBTQ+ Begins with Understanding a Biblical View of Sex

Sexual intimacy and sexual attraction are powerful forces. For all of the problems that American culture may have from over-glamorizing sex, there is some truth in the observation that sex is a very good thing!

Marriage, including its sexual intimacy, is a gift from God that is meant to be enjoyed (Proverbs 5:18-19; 1 Timothy 4:1-5).

II. Because sex is good, it is easy to abuse.

Because sex is such a good gift from God, there is naturally going to be a lot of temptation to use this gift in ways that were never intended by the Creator.

God is clear in his law regarding sexuality that all sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman is sinful.

That means no sleeping around, no cheating on your spouse, no sex with animals, no sex with children, no pornography, no strip clubs, no prostitution, no group sex, no homosexual sex, and no “trial” sex before marriage. To see God’s seriousness about this, read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and Romans 1:18-32.

Sex outside of marriage is not forbidden simply for the sake of divine law, but because it is destructive. God knows that it often leads to heartbreak, disease, and unplanned pregnancies. That is why God lovingly teaches us both about the goodness of sex and the consequences of misusing it (see Proverbs 5).

III. Likewise, gender is good.

Similarly, the Bible has a lot to teach about the unique qualities and blessings of manhood and womanhood.
One’s gender is assigned by God and not open to personal interpretation. It is an element of one’s biological and spiritual makeup.
When Christians encourage people to embrace their God-given gender, it is an act of love.

IV. We need to trust God on this subject, not ourselves.

Although it is common in movies and books to promote the idea of following your heart, the Bible declares that this is a bad idea. God teaches us that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it” (Jeremiah 17:9)?

Just because something feels natural and good does not mean that it is natural and good. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12).

When we think about sexuality and gender, the wisest thing we can do is to turn to God and learn from his wisdom. We are taught in the Bible, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

V. Addressing LGBTQ+ matters in a Christian context requires love, sensitivity, and wisdom.

The Bible’s teaching on this subject can feel difficult and raise a lot of important questions. Christians need to be ready to talk about these issues with friends and family in a loving and gracious way.

Although we have seen that sexual sin is a serious matter to God (Romans 1:18-32), it is certainly not the only sin that people struggle with.
All people fall short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23), so no Christian can ever speak on the subject of sin from a place of superiority over others (see Jesus’ parable about such foolish self-righteousness).
Jesus is eager to love and forgive all who come to him with a desire to turn away from sin. He understands our struggles (Hebrews 4:15) and “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for [us]” (Hebrews 7:25).

Below, we have compiled a list of resources about this subject. Our hope is that everyone can find hope, truth, and happiness in the name of Jesus!

I. Understanding the Biblical View of LGBTQ+ Begins with Understanding a Biblical View of Sex

Sexual intimacy and sexual attraction are powerful forces. For all of the problems that American culture may have from over-glamorizing sex, there is some truth in the observation that sex is a very good thing!

Marriage, including its sexual intimacy, is a gift from God that is meant to be enjoyed (Proverbs 5:18-19; 1 Timothy 4:1-5).

II. Because sex is good, it is easy to abuse.

Because sex is such a good gift from God, there is naturally going to be a lot of temptation to use this gift in ways that were never intended by the Creator.

God is clear in his law regarding sexuality that all sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman is sinful.

That means no sleeping around, no cheating on your spouse, no sex with animals, no sex with children, no pornography, no strip clubs, no prostitution, no group sex, no homosexual sex, and no “trial” sex before marriage. To see God’s seriousness about this, read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and Romans 1:18-32.

Sex outside of marriage is not forbidden simply for the sake of divine law, but because it is destructive. God knows that it often leads to heartbreak, disease, and unplanned pregnancies. That is why God lovingly teaches us both about the goodness of sex and the consequences of misusing it (see Proverbs 5).

III. Likewise, gender is good.

Similarly, the Bible has a lot to teach about the unique qualities and blessings of manhood and womanhood.
One’s gender is assigned by God and not open to personal interpretation. It is an element of one’s biological and spiritual makeup.
When Christians encourage people to embrace their God-given gender, it is an act of love.

IV. We need to trust God on this subject, not ourselves.

Although it is common in movies and books to promote the idea of following your heart, the Bible declares that this is a bad idea. God teaches us that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it” (Jeremiah 17:9)?

Just because something feels natural and good does not mean that it is natural and good. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12).

When we think about sexuality and gender, the wisest thing we can do is to turn to God and learn from his wisdom. We are taught in the Bible, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

V. Addressing LGBTQ+ matters in a Christian context requires love, sensitivity, and wisdom.

The Bible’s teaching on this subject can feel difficult and raise a lot of important questions. Christians need to be ready to talk about these issues with friends and family in a loving and gracious way.

Although we have seen that sexual sin is a serious matter to God (Romans 1:18-32), it is certainly not the only sin that people struggle with.
All people fall short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23), so no Christian can ever speak on the subject of sin from a place of superiority over others (see Jesus’ parable about such foolish self-righteousness).
Jesus is eager to love and forgive all who come to him with a desire to turn away from sin. He understands our struggles (Hebrews 4:15) and “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for [us]” (Hebrews 7:25).

Below, we have compiled a list of resources about this subject. Our hope is that everyone can find hope, truth, and happiness in the name of Jesus!

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MORE RESOURCES

Check out these articles and videos to dig deeper into this topic.

CAN THE BIBLE BRING CLARITY TO GENDER CONFUSION? Read More