Christians Are Not Homophobic; That Is a Lie From Satan
Highlight: Like all sin, homosexual behavior must not be excused or justified. Many argue that they were “born that way,” but Scripture teaches that all humans are born in sin.
“Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.” - Psalms 51:5
The 21st century has seen a rapid shift in cultural attitudes toward homosexuality. In 2015, for the first time in American history, same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide. Acceptance of homosexuality has also increased among conservative and Christian communities. A 2015 survey reported that 54% of Christians across all denominations now view homosexuality positively, an increase of 10% since 2007. Among Black Protestants, 51% now express acceptance, a 12% increase from the same period. And more than two-thirds of Black Americans who identify as LGBTQ also identify as Christian.
For many churches throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa, these numbers should serve as a sober warning. Scripture is unambiguous in its teaching: God calls homosexual behavior an abomination (Leviticus 18:22). As more Christians embrace what God rejects, our spiritual health weakens, our witness is compromised, and our societies drift further from His truth.
The Warning of Sodom and Gomorrah
The well-known account of Sodom and Gomorrah stands as a sobering example of what happens when a society becomes consumed by sin. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, was living in Sodom when two angels visited him to warn of the coming judgment (Genesis 19:1-2). Before long, the city’s true nature was revealed: the men of the city surrounded Lot’s home and demanded that the visitors be brought out for sexual purposes (Genesis 19:4-5).
Lot’s misguided offer of his daughters was stopped by the angels, who struck the mob with blindness (Genesis 19:10-11). Shortly afterward, God brought down fire from heaven, destroying the cities and their inhabitants (Genesis 19:24-25). The New Testament affirms this event as a warning: Sodom and Gomorrah are examples of those who suffer “the punishment of eternal fire” for sexual immorality and “unnatural desire” (Jude 1:7).
Homosexuals Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God
Like all sin, homosexual behavior must not be excused or justified. Many argue that they were “born that way,” but Scripture teaches that all humans are born in sin (Psalm 51:5). Our sinful tendencies, whatever they may be, are not permission to continue in them (Romans 6:1-2).
The New Testament is clear and consistent about the danger of sexual immorality, including homosexual acts:
“Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral… nor men who practice homosexuality… will inherit the kingdom of God.” -1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Their women exchanged natural relations… and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women… committing shameless acts with men.” - Romans 1:26-27
“The sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality… and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.” -1 Timothy 1:10
These are not suggestions, cultural guidelines, or matters of personal interpretation. They are warnings inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Homophobia Is a Lie
The word homophobia implies hatred or fear of people who identify as homosexual. But Christians are not called to hate anyone. Christ commands us to love even our enemies. We reject sin, not people.
However, love does not mean moral approval or partnership. Biblical love is expressed through integrity, truthfulness, and compassion, not affirmation of what God calls sin (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
The world may label biblical conviction as “hate,” but that accusation is a deception. Satan seeks to shame believers into silence by corrupting the meaning of love and twisting the nature of truth.
Dealing With Christians Who Claim LGBTQ Identity
Scripture instructs believers on how to address professing Christians who openly practice sin while refusing repentance. Paul writes that such individuals must be confronted lovingly but firmly, and if they refuse to repent, they must not be treated as members of the Christian community (1 Corinthians 5:9-11). Jesus Himself taught that an unrepentant believer is to be regarded as a “stranger” (symbolized by the term tax collector) after all proper steps have been taken (Matthew 18:15-17).
Paul further warns that those who possess “a form of godliness but deny its power” should be avoided (2 Timothy 3:5). This is not cruelty; it is discipline meant to lead to repentance.
Righteous Judgment, Not Hypocrisy
Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment (Matthew 7:1-2), but He never forbids righteous discernment. In fact, He commands it: “Judge with right judgment” (John 7:24). Identifying and exposing sin is not unloving; it is an act of compassion aimed at restoration. Yet, believers must remain humble and vigilant, guarding themselves from temptation (Galatians 6:1).
Conclusion
Christians must not allow modern culture, social pressure, or deceptive language to redefine sin. The idea that biblical conviction is “homophobia” is a lie designed to confuse, silence, and shame the church. God calls His people to uphold truth with grace, to confront sin with humility, and to love every person while refusing to affirm what destroys the soul.
