Look Behind the Words

• “The word ‘homosexual’ was not in any Bible translation before 1946.”

• “Love the sinner, hate the sin” is not in the Bible in any translation.

• “We must speak the truth in love” is used almost exclusively about LGBT sexuality, not greed, pride, or idolatry.

• “Take up your cross” has been misused to enforce mandatory celibacy. Celibacy is a gift for some (1 Corinthians 7), not a universal mandate. Forcing celibacy on LGBT Christians who are not called to it turns a gift into a burden and distorts the very gospel of grace.

Scriptures Known as “Clobber Passages”

For generations, certain Scriptures have been used to condemn LGBTQ+ people. But when we read these passages with care—using context, history, and faithful interpretation—a different picture emerges.

Sodom & Gomorrah (Genesis 19) – Sin of Oppression, not Orientation

The sin of Sodom wasn’t homosexuality—it was oppression, violence, and inhospitality toward strangers. Scripture itself clarifies this in Ezekiel 16:49, naming arrogance and neglect of the needy as the city’s true sins.

Levitical Purity Laws – Cultural Codes, not Universal Commands

These verses are part of ancient purity codes meant to set Israel apart from neighboring nations. They reflect a patriarchal society and ritual purity concerns—not a universal rule for all time, especially under the New Covenant.

Romans 1 – Idolatry and Excess, not Covenantal Love

Paul’s words address excess, idolatry, and exploitative practices common in his cultural context—not loving, monogamous same-sex relationships.

1 Corinthians 6 / 1 Timothy 1 – Misunderstood Greek Words

For centuries, misinterpretation of two key Greek words led to the belief that LGBT people were excluded from God’s kingdom. Careful scholarship reveals this is not what Paul meant. In fact, the word “homosexuality” didn’t even appear in Bible translations until 1946.  

These few verses have been weaponized to silence and shame people who deserve to receive the same gospel of grace as everyone else.

It’s the difference between “Jesus plus nothing” and “Jesus plus change yourself.”

When we remember that Jesus called us to invite rather than exclude, our focus realigns with His heart and with His Great Commission to share the Good News with all.

The Gospel of Grace

If you’ve been taught a gospel that withholds God’s grace, the harvest of inclusion is ready—
The axe is laid to the root of every lie. 

It’s time to reclaim what the thief has stolen and to invite everyone who accepts the free gift of salvation into the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God.

A Warning Against a Different Gospel

The Apostle Paul warns of the severe consequences of preaching a gospel other than the true message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ in Galatians 1:8–9:

Galatians 1:8–9 (ESV)
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”

The verses emphasize the importance of the original, uncorrupted message of salvation and serve as a severe warning against any attempt to add human requirements or legalistic conditions to the gospel, which would distort the true message.  

This is not a casual warning, but a clear statement that misrepresenting the Good News of Jesus Christ has eternal consequences.