THE BIBLICAL VIEW ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 2:18-25, Leviticus 18:22
Supporting Texts: Romans 1:26-28, Matthew 19:4-6, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Jude 1:7, Ephesians 5:31-33
INTRODUCTION:
Marriage is one of the most sacred institutions ordained by God. In the beginning, when God created man, He also created woman as a complementary partner, establishing the foundation of marriage as a covenantal, heterosexual union. This divine blueprint is consistent throughout the Scriptures and affirms God’s design and purpose for human relationships.
However, in today’s society, there is a growing movement to redefine marriage outside the bounds of Scripture. The concept of same-sex marriage has not only gained cultural acceptance in many nations but is now being championed as an alternative lifestyle—even among some religious circles. As believers, we are not guided by cultural trends but by divine truth.
The Bible is not silent on this issue. God’s Word offers both clarity and compassion. While we are called to love all people, we are also called to uphold the truth of God's Word without compromise. In this message, we will explore God’s original design for marriage, the distortion brought by sin, and how we must respond with both conviction and compassion.
1. GOD’S ORIGINAL DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE
God instituted marriage from the beginning as a union between one man and one woman.
a) Marriage Is God’s Idea, Not Man’s (Genesis 2:18–24)
God created woman for man and established marriage as a one-flesh union. This union is purposeful, spiritual, and reproductive.
b) Male and Female Were Created With Distinct Roles (Matthew 19:4)
Jesus affirmed that marriage involves a male and a female as created by God from the beginning.
c) Marriage Reflects Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-33)
Biblical marriage symbolises Christ’s covenant relationship with His Church—full of love, sacrifice, and unity.
d) God Blessed the Union of Male and Female (Genesis 1:27-28)
Fruitfulness, dominion, and purpose come from the complementary nature of man and woman.
Biblical Example: Adam and Eve’s union in the Garden of Eden established the divine template for all future marriages (Genesis 2:22-25).
2. THE BIBLE CLEARLY CONDEMNS SAME-SEX RELATIONS
Scripture explicitly describes same-sex acts as contrary to God’s moral order.
a) It Is Called an Abomination in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 18:22)
God commands that a man shall not lie with another man as with a woman—it is detestable.
b) It Is a Sign of Rebellion Against God’s Order (Romans 1:26-27)
Paul shows how same-sex relationships are a consequence of rejecting God’s truth.
c) It Is Among the Sins That Lead to Separation from God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Those who practice homosexuality, along with other unrepentant sins, will not inherit God’s kingdom unless they repent.
d) God’s Judgment Fell on Cities for Sexual Perversion (Jude 1:7)
Sodom and Gomorrah serve as examples of the consequences of indulging in unnatural sexual practices.
Biblical Example: The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-29) reveals God's displeasure toward unrepented sexual immorality.
3. CULTURE MAY CHANGE, BUT GOD’S WORD STANDS FOREVER
Our standard is not popular opinion but eternal truth.
a) God’s Word Is Settled in Heaven (Psalm 119:89)
Truth does not evolve. God’s design is perfect and final.
b) The Church Must Not Compromise the Truth (2 Timothy 4:2-4)
In a time when people prefer comforting lies, we must preach sound doctrine.
c) Truth Must Be Declared in Love (Ephesians 4:15)
We are not called to hate people but to love them enough to tell them the truth.
d) Approving Sin Is as Damaging as Practising It (Romans 1:32)
Celebrating or tolerating what God forbids invites judgment.
Biblical Example: Noah stood for righteousness in a corrupt generation and was saved from judgment (Genesis 6:5-9).
4. GOD OFFERS REDEMPTION TO ALL SINNERS
Same-sex attraction, like other temptations, can be overcome by God’s power.
a) No Sin Is Beyond God’s Forgiveness (Isaiah 1:18)
God invites even the worst sinner to come and be cleansed.
b) Many Have Been Delivered from Homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:11)
“Such were some of you…” indicates that transformation is possible through Christ.
c) The Holy Spirit Empowers Sanctification (Galatians 5:16-25)
Walking in the Spirit helps us overcome every sinful desire.
d) God Calls for Repentance and Restoration (Acts 3:19)
When we turn to God, He gives us times of refreshing and a new life.
Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery was forgiven and challenged to go and sin no more (John 8:3-11)— God’s grace transforms, not condones.
CONCLUSION:
God’s original design for marriage as the union of one man and one woman remains unchanged and unchangeable. While the world seeks to redefine truth, the Church must stand firm on what God has declared. Our message must be clear: God loves everyone, but He does not approve of all behaviour.
We must compassionately speak against sin while extending hope and redemption to all who desire to be free. Homosexuality, like any other sin, is forgivable and redeemable through Christ. As believers, we must live by biblical convictions, not cultural pressure. Our duty is to reflect God's love and holiness in a world desperate for both.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to stand boldly for Your truth in this confused generation.
2. Father, restore the honour and sanctity of marriage in our land.
3. Grant the Church courage and wisdom to speak truth in love.
4. Set free every soul trapped in the lie of sexual immorality.
5. Use me as a vessel to uphold righteousness in my generation.
