The New Testament talks about homosexuality primarily in three key passages: Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and 1 Timothy 1:9-10. These passages describe homosexual acts as "shameful lust," "unnatural relations," and include them in lists of behaviors that are considered sinful and that bar people from inheriting the kingdom of God. Jude 1:7 also mentions homosexuality in the context of sexual immorality and perversion. There is no mention of homosexuality specifically in the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, nor in many other New Testament books. Here are the main New Testament references on homosexuality:
- Romans 1:26-27 describes people who "exchanged natural relations for unnatural" and men "were inflamed with lust for one another" committing shameful acts.
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 includes "men who have sex with men" in a list of wrongdoers who will not inherit the kingdom of God.
- 1 Timothy 1:9-10 lists homosexual acts among behaviors contrary to sound doctrine.
- Jude 1:7 refers to sexual immorality including homosexuality as part of God's judgment on ungodly people.
These passages are typically understood in traditional Christian teachings as condemning homosexual behavior, consistent with the Old Testament prohibitions, but the New Testament also emphasizes hope and redemption through Jesus for all sins.