The Bible does not directly address the modern concept of bisexuality, as it emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, there are several passages in Scripture that are relevant to discussions of same-sex attractions and behavior in general.
Old Testament perspectives
The Old Testament clearly prohibits sexual relations between men. Leviticus 18:22 states, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” Leviticus 20:13 prescribes the death penalty for men who engage in same-sex relations: “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.”
These Levitical prohibitions are grounded in the creation order established in Genesis 1-2, where God created humans male and female and designed heterosexual marriage as the sole legitimate context for sexual relations. Same-sex relations are considered “unnatural” (Romans 1:26-27) because they contradict God’s intended design.
While the Old Testament focuses specifically on male same-sex behavior, the principles would apply to both men and women. Any sexual relation outside of God’s design within heterosexual marriage is considered sinful.
New Testament perspectives
In the New Testament, Paul strongly condemns same-sex relations in Romans 1:26-27, stating that “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.”
Paul uses similar language in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, where he warns that the “sexually immoral” and “men who practice homosexuality” will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Timothy 1:10 lists those who practice homosexuality among the “lawless and disobedient.”
While these passages do not explicitly address bisexuality, they make clear that any same-sex sexual behavior is sinful in God’s eyes. Those who experience same-sex attractions are called to live in purity, either in celibacy or in repentance and growth toward God-honoring heterosexual unions.
A redemptive approach
While Scripture condemns all same-sex sexual behavior as sin, it does so within the larger context of God’s grace and transformative power. Just as God redeems and restores all sinners who repent and believe in Christ, so Christians should treat those struggling with same-sex attraction “with the same patience and love required of all Christians” (The Baptist Faith and Message 2000).
Churches should show compassion while holding to biblical standards of sexual ethics. Christians who experience same-sex attraction and gender identity questions can and should be welcomed into church families where they find belonging, care, and discipleship. As those submitted to Christ’s lordship, Christians should refrain from identifying themselves primarily by their sexual desires and instead find their fundamental identity in Christ.
Within a supportive Christian community, those struggling with same-sex attraction can discover deeper dimensions to God’s good design for human sexuality and be empowered to pursue holiness in Him. God promises sufficient grace for obedience in every circumstance. As believers walk in step with the Spirit, transformed desire and flourishing can emerge, even amid ongoing struggle.
Evaluating claims of genetic causation
Some argue that same-sex attraction is always immutable and genetically fixed. However, studies on the origin of homosexuality have been inconclusive. Twin studies show some correlation between identical twins in same-sex orientation, but the correlation is not 100%, indicating non-genetic factors are also at play. No “gay gene” has been discovered, and the exact origins of same-sex attraction are multi-factorial and not fully understood.
Scripture teaches that the Fall profoundly impacted human nature in ways that cannot be simplistically attributed to genetic determinism. Everyone inherits a nature inclined toward sin (Psalm 51:5), and the effects of the Fall range across many areas of life, including sexuality. As with other areas of struggle, believers must submit their sexuality to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Pastoral care
Christians should provide compassionate pastoral care for those navigating questions regarding their sexuality. Churches should avoid quick and simplistic answers, instead entering into ministry that reflects the patience, mercy and power of Christ. Christians experiencing same-sex attraction should be welcome in the church, while guided and exhorted toward a life of sexual holiness.
For Christians, identity is ultimately found in union with Christ, not in sexual desires. As part of the larger body of Christ, Christians with same-sex attraction have gifts to offer and can flourish as they live out the implications of their baptism. Within a community pursuing scriptural obedience, God provides the power to live in a way that honors Him.
Clarifying the issue
When discussing same-sex attraction, it is important to define terms carefully. Temptations toward sin are a common human experience, but giving into temptation is when it becomes sin. Many heterosexual Christians face temptations toward lust or sexuality outside of marriage. Likewise, those with same-sex attractions face temptations, which are not inherently sinful unless acted upon.
Churches should avoid discriminating against or ostracizing those experiencing same-sex attractions. However, embracing homosexuality or bisexuality as moral and natural is also unbiblical. Christians should humbly uphold God’s design for sexuality while extending grace to all.
Hope in Christ
For Christians struggling with same-sex attraction, many questions and pains await in this life. But in Christ there is always hope. His grace comforts, sustains and empowers His people amid all suffering. His cross points the way to forgiveness and liberation from the power of sin. His resurrection guarantees that one day all God’s people will experience true wholeness in His presence.
As His followers, the Church is called to reflect God’s heart of compassion. Christians are all fellow pilgrims supporting one another through the trials of this age. While God’s design for sexuality remains steadfast, His love abounds for His people. As believers walk together in humility, mutual care and dependence on Christ, God will complete the work He began.
Marriage and family
The Bible defines marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5). Sexual intimacy is reserved for this marriage relationship. Marriage between man and woman is the sole context for godly sexual expression and fulfillment of the biblical marital duties (1 Corinthians 7:1-5).
Those living with same-sex attraction may still enter fruitful heterosexual marriages. With spiritual support, many have found strength to re-order their desires and commit to God’s design for sexuality within marriage between man and woman.
For Christians experiencing same-sex attraction who do not feel called to heterosexual marriage, voluntary celibacy offers opportunities to glorify God through chaste living. Singleness also provides unique opportunities for undivided devotion to Christ (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Churches should provide care and inclusion for those living faithfully in singleness.
Responses to common arguments
“The Bible verses on homosexuality are unclear or debatable.”
While some try to dismiss the Bible’s prohibitions as unclear, the Scripture is consistent throughout in portraying same-sex relations as contrary to God’s design. This prohibition is affirmed in both Old and New Testaments, rooted in the created order, and counted among lists of serious sins.
“Jesus never said anything about homosexuality.”
Jesus explicitly upheld the male-female foundation for marriage from Genesis 1-2 (Matthew 19:4-6). The rest of the New Testament, written under Christ’s lordship by the Spirit, also prohibits homosexual behavior.
“Biblical authors had no concept of committed same-sex relationships.”
It is debated whether long-term same-sex relations existed at the time Scripture was written. However, the Bible’s prohibitions are not confined merely to cultic practices but speak to same-sex relations in general. The emphasis is on functioning within God’s design for human sexuality.
“Loving same-sex relationships should be affirmed.”
Human definitions of love, however sincere, do not override God’s moral commands. Scripture warns against false teachers who will advocate following “the desires of the flesh” (2 Peter 2:18). Christians are called to test all claims against God’s revealed will in Scripture.
“Identifying as gay or bisexual is harmless.”
Descriptors like “gay Christian” imply an identity rooted primarily in one’s sexual desires rather than in Christ. Christians with various struggles should find their identity in Jesus Christ, not in the particular temptations they face.
“Change is impossible for those with same-sex attraction.”
While complete elimination of same-sex desires is rare, by God’s grace significant change is possible for many. A survey of mixed-orientation couples found that two-thirds of men and half of women experienced substantial decreases in same-sex attraction.
Conclusion
The Bible clearly identifies same-sex relations as morally wrong, a sinful twisting of God’s good design. At the same time, Scripture upholds the hope of redemption through Christ. Christians should speak the truth in love, calling those with same-sex attraction to find their identity in Christ and sexual ethic in God’s word.
