Does the Bible say anything about bisexuality? Is being bisexual a sin?

Quick answer

The Bible doesn’t mention bisexuality specifically, but it clearly calls all believers to flee sexual immorality and honor God with their bodies. We are called to live according to God’s design for sexuality and relationships.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Though the Bible does not directly speak about bisexuality, it frequently addresses issues related to sexual ethics. A look at some of these principles shows God's rejection of bisexuality. Genesis makes it clear that God’s design was for sex to take place within the context of marriage between one man and one woman (2:24), and Jesus later confirms this in the New Testament (Matthew 19:4-6). Additionally, both the Old and New Testaments condemn same-sex sexual activity (Leviticus 18:22; Matthew 19:4-6; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Though all human beings can be tempted into all manner of sins, including bisexuality, that desire should be suppressed, not cultivated (James 1:14-15). Even those with sexually immoral desires can be comforted that God doesn’t tempt us beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13), so they can overcome their temptation and lead lives that honor the Lord.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

God created sexual relationships to take place within the context of marriage between one man and one woman. Genesis 2:24 teaches, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Though the Bible records other forms of relationships, it only specifically presents one man and one woman enjoying sexual relations within marriage as God's design.

Bisexuality includes same-sex relationships, and the Bible prohibits those. In the Old Testament, same-sex activity was called an abomination (Leviticus 18:22).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Since bisexuality includes sexual relationships outside of marriage, it is a form of sexual immorality. First Corinthians 6:18 clearly teaches, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body."

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks directly of marriage (and sexual relations) between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6), which excludes bisexuality.

Bisexuality involves same-sex activity, which Romans 1:26-27 condemns, calling such desires “dishonorable passions.”

The apostle Paul mentioned that some Corinthian believers had been involved in same-sex relations before becoming believers, but through faith in Christ were renewed to a new life: "And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). Same-sex activity, including bisexuality, is clearly a lifestyle Christians must reject.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

“Love is love”---at least according to the signs that are on some lawns across America. Who can argue with that, right? But the message behind that slogan is much more sinister and an attempt to garner acceptance for what God has rejected: Same-sex relationships. Bisexuality is the “B” in the LGBT movement. And like the other letters, it represents a sexual identity that God rejects.

For believers, our identity isn’t a sexual preference. Our identity is in Christ, through whom we are “new creation[s]” (2 Corinthians 5:17). In our new identity, we choose to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). Part of that is doing what pleases Him, including rejecting sinful sexual practices.

One day, we will be in eternity with our Creator, forever free from sin. Until then, we’re to remain pure.

UNDERSTAND

The Bible calls all believers to flee sexual immorality and live in purity.

God’s design for sex is one man and one woman in marriage.

Our identity is in Christ, which means we live according to His purpose for sex and relationships.

REFLECT

How are you living out your identity in Christ when it comes to your thoughts and actions about sexual desires?

How can you resist temptations that go against God’s design for sexuality?

How does understanding God’s design for sex and relationships influence your identity and relationships?

ENGAGE

How can we explain to others why we must live according to God’s design for relationships and sexuality?

How can we support each other in pursuing purity and honoring God with our bodies?

How can we show Christ’s love while upholding biblical standards for sexual behavior?