When we share the gospel, what actually matters?

Do we need to address someone’s sexual identity? Does it make a difference whether a person identifies as heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender when presenting the message of Christ? These questions aren’t theoretical anymore. They’re part of real conversations happening every day. And compared to a few decades ago, something has shifted. More people who identify as part of the LGBTQ community also identify as Christians. That reality means this topic can’t be ignored, but it also can’t be handled carelessly.

Why This Topic Matters

There are strong emotions on every side. Some are quick to call non-traditional sexual identities sinful but struggle to explain why from Scripture. Others argue that the Bible affirms or permits them. Both approaches often skip something essential: a clear and careful understanding of what the Bible actually teaches. Before we can talk about how the gospel relates to sexual identity, we need to understand the Bible’s foundation for human sexuality.

The Biblical Foundation for Sexuality

Scripture begins this conversation in Genesis. In chapter one, humanity is created in God’s image as male and female.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

This distinction is presented as intentional, not accidental. In the next chapter, marriage is introduced. A man and a woman are brought together and described as becoming “one flesh.”

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24

This becomes the pattern that the rest of the Bible builds on. From the beginning, the picture is consistent: humanity is created as male and female, marriage is between a man and a woman, and sexual intimacy belongs within that relationship.

A Consistent Pattern in Scripture

As the Bible unfolds, this framework doesn’t change. Both the Old and New Testaments speak about sexuality within these boundaries. Sex before marriage, adultery, and other forms of sexual behavior outside this design are addressed as sin. Within that same framework, same-sex sexual behavior is also described as outside of God’s intended design in several passages like Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, and 1 Corinthians 6:9. It’s important to note that Scripture does not present any positive example of a same-sex relationship. Every reference appears within a broader picture of humanity moving away from God’s design.

What About Jesus?

Some say Jesus’ silence on LGBTQ topics means the issue isn’t central. But when He speaks about marriage in Matthew 19, He points back to Genesis—affirming male and female and the union of a man and a woman. He doesn’t redefine the standard; He reinforces it. In doing so, He treats the creation account as the authority for understanding marriage and sexuality.

Within that same conversation, Jesus also mentions “eunuchs,” which is where some confusion comes in. In context, this refers to men who do not marry, not to alternative sexual identities. The focus of that passage is on singleness and devotion to God, not redefining sexuality. So even though Jesus doesn’t use modern categories or labels like gay, lesbian, etc., His teaching still clearly supports the same design for marriage found in Genesis

Where This Leaves Us

When we step back and see the full picture of Scripture, its teaching on sexuality is consistent and grounded in God’s design. But that truth is meant to lead us somewhere. The gospel calls us beyond debate into redemption. It reminds us that every one of us comes as a sinner in need of grace. No label defines someone beyond God’s ability to save, and no one approaches Him on the basis of their own righteousness. That means our response must reflect both the truth of His Word and the grace of His heart.

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