Abnormal or deviant behavior can be unsettling, but how does the Bible address this? Scripture outlines behaviors that honor God and those that don’t, encouraging believers to seek righteousness. Let’s look at what the Bible says about deviant behavior and how to live in a way that pleases God.
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What Does The Bible Say About Abnormal Or Deviant Behavior
Leviticus 18:22
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
This verse clearly states that homosexual behavior is considered an abomination before God. It emphasizes the importance of upholding God’s design for human sexuality, which is the union between a man and a woman in marriage.
While society may condone and normalize such behavior, Scripture reminds believers that God’s standards are unchanging and that deviation from His established order is sinful.
Leviticus 20:13
“If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”
This verse reiterates the seriousness with which God views homosexual behavior. It emphasizes that it is not only an abomination but also worthy of the death penalty.
This serves as a reminder that God’s moral law is unchanging, and it is not for humans to alter or redefine what is considered right or wrong in His eyes.
Romans 1:26-27
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
In this passage, the apostle Paul addresses the deviant behavior of homosexuality, specifically pointing out the exchange of natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.
He highlights that this behavior is a result of God giving people over to their sinful desires and that it comes with consequences. This verse serves as a warning against engaging in or condoning such behavior.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul’s words in this passage clearly state that those who engage in homosexual behavior will not inherit the kingdom of God. He includes it in a list of other sinful behaviors that will also exclude individuals from God’s kingdom.
This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from deviant behaviors, including homosexuality, to enter into a right relationship with God and receive the promise of eternal life.
Genesis 19:4-5
“But before they laid down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.'”
This verse recounts the wickedness and deviant behavior of the men of Sodom, who desired to engage in homosexual acts with the two angels who visited Lot.
It serves as a historical example of the consequences of embracing deviant behavior and the destruction that can come as a result.
Jude 1:7
“Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
This verse references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as a cautionary tale for those who engage in sexual immorality and unnatural desires, including homosexuality.
It teaches us that God’s judgment will come upon those who persistently engage in deviant behaviors, and it highlights the severity of such actions in the eyes of God.
Deuteronomy 22:5
“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”
This verse addresses the issue of cross-dressing and emphasizes that it is considered an abomination before God.
It serves as a reminder to respect and honor the God-given distinctions between male and female, both in physical appearance and roles within society.
1 Timothy 1:9-10
“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.”
Paul’s words in this passage encompass various sinful behaviors, including those that deviate from God’s design for sexuality.
By highlighting them as contrary to sound doctrine, it emphasizes the need for repentance and transformation through Christ for individuals engaging in such behavior.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This verse establishes God’s original intent for marriage, which is the union between one man and one woman.
It serves as a foundational verse for understanding the biblical perspective on human relationships and sexuality, reinforcing the idea that deviant behavior, such as homosexuality, is contrary to God’s design.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
Paul’s instruction in this verse highlights the importance of marital fidelity and the proper expression of sexual desire within the context of marriage.
It reinforces the biblical teaching that any form of sexual activity outside the boundaries of heterosexual marriage is considered immoral and deviant behavior.
Romans 13:13
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”
This verse calls for believers to live lives characterized by decency and purity.
It specifically mentions sexual immorality as a form of deviant behavior that Christians are called to refrain from, emphasizing the importance of upholding God’s standards of morality.
Colossians 3:5-6
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”
Paul’s exhortation in this passage emphasizes the urgency of putting to death our sinful desires and behaviors, including sexual immorality.
It reminds believers that embracing deviant behaviors goes against God’s will and that it will ultimately lead to His righteous judgment.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul’s list in this passage includes various acts of deviant behavior, including sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, and idolatry.
He clearly states that those who engage in such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God, underscoring the serious consequences of deviation from God’s standards.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
Paul’s instruction in this passage highlights God’s will for believers, which is their sanctification and purity.
He specifically calls for abstaining from sexual immorality and emphasizes the importance of self-control and honoring God with our bodies.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of keeping the marriage bed undefiled.
It warns against engaging in sexual immorality and underscores the truth that God will judge those who act contrary to His standards of sexual purity.
Mark 10:6-8
“But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.”
Jesus’ words in this passage affirm God’s original design for marriage, which is the union between one man and one woman.
It reinforces the truth that any deviation from this design, including deviant sexual behavior, goes against God’s intention for human relationships.
Ephesians 5:3-5
“But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this, you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person–such a person is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
Paul’s exhortation in this passage not only addresses sexual immorality but also includes a broader call to holiness and moral purity.
It emphasizes the incompatibility of deviant behaviors, including sexual immorality, with the character of God’s holy people.
Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse highlights the importance of purity not only in actions but also in thoughts and intentions.
It emphasizes that deviant behavior is not limited to physical acts but also includes the internal desires and lustful thoughts that lead to sin.
1 Peter 2:11
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
Peter’s words in this verse call believers to abstain from the passions of the flesh, including deviant behaviors.
He reminds them that such passions are in direct conflict with the well-being of their souls and their identity as sojourners and exiles in this world.
Proverbs 6:32
“But the man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
This verse specifically addresses the sin of adultery, highlighting that engaging in this deviant behavior is not only morally wrong but also self-destructive.
It serves as a warning against the consequences and devastation that come with deviating from God’s standards of sexual purity.
Proverbs 5:3-5
“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end, she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”
These verses depict the allure and deceitfulness of temptation, particularly in the context of sexual immorality.
They serve as a warning against engaging in deviant behaviors, emphasizing the destructive path they lead to rather than the temporary pleasure they may seem to offer.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
Paul’s instruction in this verse is clear and direct: believers are to flee from sexual immorality.
He highlights the unique nature of this sin, as it is committed against one’s own body, further emphasizing the significance and negative impact of deviant behaviors.