Is Being Gay a Sin?

Is Being Gay a Sin? A Biblical Perspective

There are certain questions that keep pastors awake at night. Questions like, why did Adam blame Eve for eating the apple? Or, how many angels can actually dance on the head of a pin? But few questions stir more tension and discomfort than this one: Is being gay a sin?

Now, I know you didn’t come here for small talk, so let’s pull no punches. This is a big one. You might be asking, Is it a sin to be gay? Is gay a sin? Do gay people go to heaven or hell? These are not just theological puzzles; they are deeply personal questions that come with tears, fears, and often broken hearts.

Some of you are asking because you know someone who identifies as gay. Others ask because, truthfully, you’re wrestling with these feelings yourself. Maybe you stumbled across a post in some Reddit Christian community where someone was passionately defending the idea of being a gay Christian, and you thought, Well, they’re making some pretty solid points.

Hold up there, my friend. If you’re getting your theology from a Reddit Christian community, you might as well be getting financial advice from a raccoon digging through your trash. Entertaining, sure, but probably not sound.

Look, Reddit Christian community? Really? That’s like trusting a shark to babysit your goldfish. The only thing Christian about those groups is the word “Christian” in the title, and even that’s debatable. Ask a straightforward question like Is being gay a sin? and you’ll either spark a full-blown debate or get answers that range from “Absolutely not, love is love” to “How dare you ask that, you hateful bigot.” It’s like trying to bake a cake in the middle of a hurricane—messy, chaotic, and ultimately pointless.

Let’s get one thing clear: when it comes to questions like Is being gay a sin? Reddit isn’t your best source for truth. It’s like handing over your soul to an untrained pilot and hoping they’ll safely land you in biblical orthodoxy. Spoiler alert: they won’t. Instead, you’ll be left spiraling down a rabbit hole of opinions, many of which have less biblical backing than a fortune cookie.

If you genuinely want to understand Is being gay a sin? you need to turn to the Word of God. Scripture has withstood centuries of scrutiny and debate. Unlike online threads that devolve into chaos, the Bible offers timeless truth. So let’s be real. Questions like Is being gay a sin? aren’t up for Reddit to decide. God’s Word is clear, consistent, and doesn’t change based on likes or upvotes. If you’re searching for truth, stick with the source that doesn’t ban you for speaking it.

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

In Romans 1:26–27, the Apostle Paul writes:
“For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature, and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”

Before you start looking for a “Paul was being grumpy” loophole, let’s take this for what it says. Paul isn’t pulling cultural punches here. He roots this teaching in God’s design.

God created human relationships with intention. In Genesis 2:24, He says: “A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” One man, one woman. That’s the model—not because God ran out of creative ideas, but because this reflects His perfect plan.

You might ask, Why does God care so much about this? If two people love each other, what’s the harm? Oh, I get it. You’re thinking, “Love is love,” right? That sounds poetic, but it’s not biblical. God defines love, and His love always leads to truth. Love isn’t just about feelings; it’s about holiness. That’s why He calls us to obedience even when it’s hard.

At this point, someone usually blurts out, “But didn’t Jesus say, ‘Judge not’?” Yes, He did—right before He told people to stop sinning.

Jesus didn’t sweep sin under the rug. He loved people enough to confront it. Remember the woman caught in adultery? He didn’t stone her, but He also said, “Go and sin no more.”

Do Gay People Go to Heaven?

Now this leads to another question: Do gay people go to heaven? The answer isn’t as complicated as you think.

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 6:9–11:
“Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. 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.”

Do you see that? “Such were some of you.” This isn’t just about homosexuality. It’s about all sin. The liar, the thief, the gossip, the prideful—all are separated from God without Christ. But the good news is that Jesus changes everything. Through Him, anyone can be washed, forgiven, and made new.

Can You Be Gay and Christian?

So, can you be gay and Christian? It depends on what you mean. If you mean experiencing same-sex attraction, then the answer lies in how you respond. Temptation isn’t sin. Acting on it is.

James 1:14–15 tells us:
“Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin.”

Let me say this clearly: we all struggle with sin. Some struggle with anger, some with greed, some with lust. But struggling with sin isn’t the same as celebrating it. As Christians, we’re called to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. That’s not a one-time deal—it’s daily. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.

What Does Change Look Like?

At this point, someone always asks, “How do I stop being gay? Can you change?” Listen, no one wakes up one morning and flips a switch to perfection. We are all born with a sinful nature. Some feel strong inclinations toward pride; others, sexual sin. But God doesn’t leave us to wrestle alone.

1 Corinthians 10:13 promises:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. But with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape.”

Let me just add: Christianity is not about behavior modification. It’s about heart transformation. Christ doesn’t just want you to act better; He wants you to be made new.

Still, someone says, “Didn’t Paul write this because of the culture back then?” I hear you, but Paul roots his argument in creation, not culture. God’s Word transcends time. It doesn’t need updating.

As Spurgeon said:
“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. Let it loose, and it will defend itself.”

Where Does This Leave Us?

Perhaps you’re struggling. Maybe you feel shame. Maybe you’re just plain mad at me for saying all this. But hear me on this: You are not alone.

You must turn away from your sin. Just as Peter urged the Jews in his sermon, weeks after they had crucified Christ. When Peter laid it all out for them, revealing their sins and what they had done to their King, their Lord, and their God, they were pierced to the heart and cried aloud, “Men and brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter’s answer was: “Repent, every one of you, and be baptized.” God sent His Son to die for you.

Romans 8:1 gives us this promise:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Friends, Jesus offers you freedom. You don’t have to be defined by sin—any sin. Come to Him. He is ready to forgive, restore, and walk with you.