Do Christian Gays Go to Heaven?
by Ron Kurtus (updated 22 December 2022)
There is a controversy in many Christian denominations on whether homosexuals (gays) can go to Heaven. Many fundamentalist Christian leaders say that homosexual behavior is a sin and those people will go to Hell for their sins. Interestingly enough, this may be in contrast to what Jesus Christ taught. In most Christian religions, it is God who decides who goes to to Heaven not some clergy.
Questions you may have include:
- Is being gay a sin?
- What would Jesus do?
- Who judges which persons go to Hell?
This lesson will answer those questions.
Note: This is an educational website. We are not promoting any one religion.
Gays and sin
The Seventh Commandment in the Old Testament Bible states "Thou shalt not commit adultery." This was interpreted by Martin Luther and others to mean that a person should lead a chaste and decent life, with no fornication or illicit acts. With that interpretation, homosexual behavior would be considered a sin. But also, sex between an unmarried man and woman is considered a sin.
In the seventh book of the New Testament, Paul the Apostle wrote an epistle to a church in Corinth, Greece that stated:
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Thus, Paul considered those involved in homosexual acts, as well as those who commit adultery, steal, or drink to excess will not inherit Heaven. However, in 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul states that even if a person sins, he can inherit the kingdom if he comes to the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jesus and sinners
Most Christians believe that Jesus Christ was sent to save people from their sins. Some Christian religions believe that good works are necessary to go to Heaven, but most believe that a person is saved by faith alone.
Religious groups that say that homosexuals will go to hell, also typically believe that a person is saved by faith alone.
During his life, Jesus had been criticized for associating with people who sinned and were considered "low-life" to the more dignified clergy. In fact, scholars state that Mary Magdalene may have been a prostitute. Jesus believed that sinners were the ones that especially needed to hear the Word of God and be saved.
The teachings of Christ say that if a person believes, he or she will be saved from sins and go to heaven. This includes homosexuals that have faith.
Judgment
When He was on the cross, Jesus said to one of the others who was being crucified along with Him, "Today, you will be in Heaven with me."
Christians believe that God determines who goes to heaven, not man or any human authority. Clergy who say that one person or other will go to hell seem to be making decisions for God. It may be an opinion of such a person, but it certainly does not follow the Christian religious belief.
As Christ said, "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone." Those that condemn others seem to be claiming that they are without sin.
No man knows what is in the heart of another. Conservative Christian leaders can have opinions, but they cannot decide on who will go to Heaven. That is up to God.
Summary
Homosexual behavior is most likely considered a sin. Christians believe that Jesus died for their sins, such that by believing in Him they will be saved and go to Heaven. People that say that gays or any other person will go to Hell are essentially trying to make a decision for Christ and God. Do Christian Gays go to Heaven or Hell? No one knows but God.
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