⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 4 min read
New Creation in Christ: Why Labels Matter
By Dave Jenkins
In recent years, it’s become increasingly common—even in professing evangelical circles—for people to identify as “gay Christians” or “same-sex attracted believers.” Some argue that using such labels helps build bridges, show honesty, or create space for those who experience ongoing temptation but affirm biblical sexual ethics.
But while that might sound compassionate on the surface, it is neither biblically faithful nor theologically wise.
Let’s be clear: no one should build their identity around their sin or their temptations—even if they are striving to obey Christ.
🔍 Where Did This Language Come From?
The rise of the “gay Christian” or “SSA Christian” label is often associated with Side B theology—a position promoted by ministries like Revoice. Side B theology affirms that homosexual behavior is sinful but teaches that people can still embrace a fixed, unchangeable gay identity as long as they remain celibate.
This is often framed as a “third way” between affirming same-sex practice (Side A) and denying same-sex attraction altogether. But biblically, there is no middle ground between obedience and compromise.
Before we consider why this language is spiritually dangerous, it’s important to understand the thinking behind it.
🚨 Why This Language Is Spiritually Dangerous
1. It Blurs Identity in Christ
Scripture teaches that our identity is rooted not in our desires, temptations, or past sins—but in Jesus Christ. Paul says:
“Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified…” —1 Corinthians 6:11
We are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), not hyphenated Christians trying to hold on to sinful categories. “Gay Christian” is a contradiction in terms—Christ doesn’t share identity space with rebellion.
2. It Legitimizes Disordered Desires
Same-sex attraction is not morally neutral. It’s a result of the Fall—a distortion of God’s good design. While temptation itself is not sin when resisted, to embrace a sexual orientation as a fixed identity crosses that line. It confuses what Scripture condemns as “against nature” (Romans 1:26–27) with something worth preserving.
We must be compassionate toward those who struggle—but compassion never affirms confusion.
3. It Creates a New Category of Christianity
Labels like “gay Christian” create the idea of a special class of Christians defined by sexual brokenness. That’s not how the New Testament speaks of the people of God. Christians are defined by union with Christ—not by lingering temptation.
There’s no such thing in Scripture as a “lustful Christian,” “angry Christian,” or “greedy Christian.” Why create one for homosexuality?
4. It Weakens the Church’s Witness
When churches and ministries adopt this language, it often signals an erosion of biblical clarity. The world sees a church unsure of what sin is, afraid to speak plainly, and hesitant to call people to repentance and transformation.
The church is not called to affirm confusion—it is called to proclaim freedom in Christ.
Having seen the dangers, let’s turn to what Scripture calls us to instead.
✝️ The Biblical Alternative
The Bible calls all sinners—gay or straight—to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The good news is not that we can hold on to our fallen identities while following Christ, but that Christ gives us a new identity altogether.
“You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” —Colossians 3:3
Believers who struggle with same-sex temptation are called to the same path as every believer: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). The Church must come alongside them with truth and grace—not with worldly categories wrapped in Christian language.
🧑🏫 Final Thoughts
Words matter. Identity matters. And so does clarity.
Christ did not die so we could stay defined by our temptations—He died to make us holy (1 Peter 1:16), and to conform us to His image (Romans 8:29). To say “gay Christian” is to say too much and believe too little about the power of the gospel.
If you’re personally wrestling with same-sex attraction or questions about identity, know that you are not alone. The hope, forgiveness, and transformation found in Christ is for you—and His church is here to walk with you in truth and grace.
