Can a gay or lesbian person go to heaven?

I know the Bible says it's a sin, but it also says that the only unforgivable sin is not accepting Jesus. If a gay person accepts Jesus but does not change his lifestyle, can he go to heaven? I have a cousin who's gay.
—Lucy

You've asked a very important question—and a very hard one.

And you are exactly right: there is only one sin that is unforgivable. That is the sin of not believing and not receiving Jesus Christ into your life.

A gay or homosexual person can accept Christ, just as an alcoholic, a drug addict, or a mass-murderer can accept Christ. Jesus' offer of salvation is open to everyone.

Your question is whether someone can accept Christ, not change his lifestyle, and still go to heaven. The Bible teaches that if someone has truly accepted Christ into his life, nothing can keep him out of heaven. In John 10:28, Christ says of Christians,

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand.”
So, Lucy the real question, I believe, is whether your cousin had a life-changing experience with Christ. Jesus said in Luke,

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?”
Someone once put it this way:

“No Jesus, no change. Know Jesus, know change.”

Is your cousin trying to overcome his homosexuality?

If he is, that's a good sign that Christ is working in his life.

God is the only one who truly knows our hearts. He's the only one who truly knows your cousin's heart. But if Christ has become the Lord of your cousin's life, then the Holy Spirit will begin to deal with the sin of homosexuality in his life.

I would encourage you to pray daily for your cousin. And I'd encourage you to tell your cousin you are praying for him. God may use you in his life.

Thanks for being there and thanks for caring for him.

Author: Dawson McAllister of Dawson McAllister Live!