The topic of forgiveness is a central part of the Christian faith. The Bible makes it clear that God offers forgiveness to all people, regardless of their background or struggles. Today, we’ll discuss what the Bible says about God’s forgiveness for those who identify as gay, and how His love and grace extend to everyone.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Doctrine Of Pharisees
What Does The Bible Say About Does God Forgive Gays
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.”
This verse explicitly states that those who engage in same-sex relations will not inherit the kingdom of God. It emphasizes the importance of leading a righteous and holy life, free from sexual immorality.
While this verse does not directly address the topic of forgiveness, it serves as a reminder that repentance and a turning away from sinful behavior is necessary for salvation.
1 Timothy 1:9-10
“We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
This verse includes homosexuality among a list of sinful behaviors and serves as a reminder that engaging in such practices goes against God’s sound doctrine.
While this verse highlights the gravity of homosexual behavior, it also offers hope and forgiveness by acknowledging that the law is made for lawbreakers, sinners, and rebels. It implies that forgiveness is available through repentance and a turning towards righteous living.
Leviticus 18:22
“Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.”
This verse, found in the Old Testament, prohibits same-sex relations and deems it detestable in the eyes of God.
In the context of forgiveness, this verse emphasizes that homosexual behavior is considered sinful and against God’s design for human relationships. However, it is important to note that forgiveness is always available to those who genuinely repent and seek God’s forgiveness.
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, Paul discusses the consequences of rejecting God and engaging in sinful behavior, including same-sex relations.
While this verse does not explicitly address forgiveness, it serves as a reminder that the path of rebellion and embracing sinful desires leads to negative consequences. It highlights the need for repentance and turning towards God’s design for relationships.
Genesis 19:1-13
“The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. ‘My lords,’ he said, ‘please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.’ ‘No,’ they answered, ‘we will spend the night in the square.’ But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.’ Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, ‘No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.’ ‘Get out of our way,’ they replied. ‘This fellow came here as a foreigner, and now he wants to play the judge! We’ll treat you worse than them.’ They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door. But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door.”
This passage recounts the story of Lot offering hospitality to two angels who had come to visit Sodom. The men of the city, both young and old, surrounded Lot’s house and demanded to have sex with the angels.
This passage serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the gravity of sexual immorality and the consequences that can result from it. It underscores the importance of resisting sinful desires and exercising discernment in the face of societal pressures.
1 Kings 14:24
“There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land; the people engaged in all the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.”
This verse refers to the presence of male shrine prostitutes in the land, engaging in sexual practices that were considered detestable in the eyes of the Lord.
While this verse does not specifically address forgiveness, it emphasizes the importance of avoiding practices that are contrary to God’s commands. It serves as a reminder to seek forgiveness and turn away from all forms of sexual immorality.
Leviticus 20:13
“If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”
This verse, found in the Old Testament, highlights the severity with which same-sex relations were viewed under the Mosaic law. It deems such behavior as detestable and calls for the death penalty.
While this verse makes it clear that same-sex relations are considered sinful, it is important to note that the death penalty was a specific command under the Mosaic law and no longer applicable under the new covenant in Christ.
Deuteronomy 23:17
“No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute.”
This verse instructs the Israelites to avoid becoming shrine prostitutes, which were commonly associated with idolatrous and immoral practices.
While this verse does not directly address forgiveness, it emphasizes the importance of avoiding practices that lead to sexual immorality and impurity. It serves as a reminder to seek forgiveness and pursue a life of holiness according to God’s commands.
1 Kings 22:46
“He rid the land of the rest of the male shrine prostitutes who remained there even after the reign of his father Asa.”
This verse mentions the efforts of King Jehoshaphat to rid the land of male shrine prostitutes who were engaging in sexual practices considered immoral and detestable.
While this verse does not explicitly discuss forgiveness, it underscores the importance of eliminating practices that go against God’s commands and pursuing righteousness. Forgiveness is available to those who repent and turn towards God’s ways.
Jude 1:6-7
“And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.”
In this passage, Jude draws upon the examples of fallen angels and the sinful practices of Sodom and Gomorrah as a warning against sexual immorality and the consequences it brings.
While this verse emphasizes the severity of the punishment for sexual immorality, it also serves as a reminder of God’s judgment. It highlights the need for repentance and turning towards God’s righteousness.
2 Peter 2:6
“If he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;”
This verse refers to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire, highlighting the consequences that befell them due to their ungodliness and sexual immorality.
While this verse does not directly discuss forgiveness, it reminds us of the importance of living a godly life and avoiding sexual immorality. It also offers a sobering reminder of the consequences that can come from rejecting God’s commands.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse describes God’s design for human relationships, emphasizing the union of a man and a woman in marriage.
In the context of homosexuality and forgiveness, this verse serves as a reminder that same-sex relationships go against God’s original plan for human intimacy. However, it is important to note that forgiveness is available to all who repent and seek God’s forgiveness, regardless of their past or present actions.
Matthew 19:4-6
“‘Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
In this passage, Jesus affirms God’s original design for marriage, highlighting the union between a man and a woman as the foundation for marital relationships.
While this verse does not directly discuss forgiveness, it reinforces the scriptural teaching on the sanctity of heterosexual marriage. Forgiveness is available to all who genuinely repent and seek reconciliation with God, regardless of their past actions or orientations.
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This verse reminds us that all individuals, regardless of specific sins or actions, have fallen short of God’s glory and are in need of forgiveness.
In relation to the topic of homosexuality, this verse serves as a reminder that everyone is in need of forgiveness and that no sin is greater or lesser than another in the eyes of God. God’s forgiveness is available to all who genuinely repent and turn towards Him.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
This passage highlights the biblical truth that salvation is a gift from God and is not earned through our own works or efforts.
While this verse does not directly address homosexuality or forgiveness, it emphasizes that our salvation is not dependent on our specific sins but on God’s grace. Forgiveness is available to all who trust in Jesus Christ by faith.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
This verse assures believers that if they confess their sins to God, He is faithful and just to forgive them and cleanse them from all unrighteousness.
While this verse does not specifically mention homosexuality, it applies to all sins, including sexual immorality. It reminds us that repentance and confession lead to forgiveness and purification from all unrighteousness.
John 8:11
“‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.'”
In this passage, Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. When the accusers disperse, Jesus tells her that He does not condemn her and instructs her to go and sin no more.
While this verse does not specifically address homosexuality, it demonstrates Jesus’ attitude of mercy and forgiveness towards sinners. It encourages repentance and turning away from a life of sin in order to receive forgiveness and restoration.
Psalm 32:5
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
This verse highlights the act of acknowledging and confessing one’s sins to God, resulting in His forgiveness and the removal of guilt.
While this verse does not specifically address homosexuality, it applies to the act of confessing any sin, including sexual immorality. It reminds us that through genuine repentance and confession, we can receive God’s forgiveness and be freed from the guilt of our sins.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
In this verse, Peter urges his listeners to repent and turn to God, emphasizing the promise of forgiveness and refreshment that comes through sincere repentance.
While this verse does not specifically mention homosexuality, it emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning towards God in order to receive forgiveness and experience spiritual refreshment. It applies to all sins, including sexual immorality.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
This verse portrays God’s invitation for His people to come and reason together with Him, promising forgiveness and cleansing from sins that are as scarlet or crimson.
While this verse does not specifically address homosexuality, it reveals God’s willingness to forgive and cleanse His people from their sins. It offers hope to all who genuinely repent and seek His forgiveness, regardless of their specific sins.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
In this verse, the psalmist David pleads with God to create in him a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit.
While this verse does not specifically mention homosexuality or forgiveness, it reflects the psalmist’s recognition of his need for God’s cleansing and transformation. It serves as a reminder to seek God’s forgiveness and ask for His help in living a life that is pleasing to Him.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
This verse expresses the boundless extent of God’s forgiveness, using the imagery of the east and the west to depict the removal of our transgressions from us.
While this verse does not specifically address homosexuality, it reassures us of God’s willingness to remove our sins from us when we genuinely repent and turn towards Him. It applies to all sins, offering the assurance of complete forgiveness and restoration.
Colossians 1:14
“in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
In this verse, Paul describes Jesus as the source of redemption and forgiveness of sins.
While this verse does not specifically address homosexuality, it emphasizes that forgiveness is available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. It reminds us that through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, we can receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God, regardless of our past or present sins.