LGBTQ+ Culture in the Bible

Each October, the “queer” community observes “LGBTQ History Month” by remembering milestones important to their demands for widespread acceptance of deviant sexual behavior. As legal standing has been achieved, sexual practices that were once considered taboo in organized society are now flaunted in parades, publications, and the public marketplace. Society’s attitude has become “if it feels good, do it,” regardless of the impact on our health—physical or spiritual. And while many are loathe to admit it, the impact of opening the floodgates to unrestrained sexual behavior has been disastrous.

Is there an authoritative standard of conduct pertaining to sexual activity? For those who look to the Bible, the answer is clear. The Ten Commandments, given by God to Moses, give detailed instructions on this subject. The Seventh Commandment, found in Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18, states, “You shall not commit adultery.” Properly understood, this edict from God prohibits all sexual activity outside of marriage—and other verses make plain that marriage is between a man and a woman (Genesis 1:27; 2:21–24; Matthew 19:4–6). Given the prolific messaging today about gender issues and related questions, those interested and willing to read what the Bible says in its record of history will find much in its pages concerning homosexual practices and other types of sexual behavior.

Genesis 13 gives the story of Abraham and his nephew Lot. To keep peace in the family, they decided to go their separate ways because of disputes involving their vast flocks and herds. Lot chose the lush pastures near Sodom. The Bible reveals that “the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord” (Genesis 13:13). What was their sin? As the story unfolds, we read that Lot was visited by two angels, whom he welcomed into his home for the night. Genesis 19:4–7 describes what happened next:

Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out that we may know them carnally.” Lot went out and pleaded with them saying, “Please my brethren, do not do so wickedly!”

At the urging of the angels, Lot, his wife, and two of their daughters escaped, shortly before the city was destroyed.

During times of pagan influence in Israel and Judah, there were male and female temple prostitutes, which God condemns. In the reign of Rehoboam, son of Solomon, king of Israel, there were “perverted persons in the land” (1 Kings 14:24). As righteous Asa reigned in Judah, it is recorded that “Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did his father David. And he banished the perverted persons from the land” (1 Kings 15:11–12). Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, continued that process: “The rest of the perverted persons who remained in the days of his father Asa, he banished from the land” (1 Kings 22:46).

Some will argue, “Well, that was during the Old Testament times. It’s different now.” Yet New Testament scriptures make it plain that such wicked behavior is still prohibited. The Apostle Paul told the brethren in Corinth, “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 homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

Thus, the Bible teaches that any sexual practice other than what occurs between a husband and wife within the bond of marriage is prohibited under the laws God gave to Israel and in the Church according to the New Testament.

In the final judgment described in Revelation 21:1–8, the fate of unrepentant sinners is proclaimed: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolators and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (v. 8).

This recap of biblical history involving sexual immorality is not meant to condemn individuals or encourage violence against those who practice such behaviors; however, the Bible clearly calls these practices sin—that is, contrary to God’s Law (1 John 3:4) and an impediment to God’s plan for humanity—and does not condone them. If people recognize and repent of those elements of their lives that the Bible defines as sin, cease from them, and accept the sacrifice of Christ and the forgiveness it provides, they can be reconciled to God and move forward in newness of life (Romans 6:1–4).

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