John Piper Reveals Why He'll Marry a Cohabitating Couple--But Not a Homosexual One

By Leah Marianne Klett
Theologian John Piper
John Piper is the author of New York Times bestseller, ''Desiring God.'' (Photo: The Gospel Coalition)

Reformed theologian John Piper recently tackled a controversial issue within the church: sexual impurity vs. homosexuality.

On an "Ask Pastor John" broadcast this week, the "Desiring God" author was asked whether he would marry a couple who were already living together and if so, how that would be different from marrying a homosexual couple.

In response, Piper said he would marry a heterosexual couple who were cohabiting only if they genuinely repented of their sin and remained chaste until marriage.

"That bears a beautiful testimony of the grace of God in their lives," the pastor said, noting that failing to remain abstinent prior to marriage is not an unforgivable sin.

"Purity on the other side of sin is possible through the justifying and sanctifying work of Christ," he noted.

However, Piper says that while there is also forgiveness for a cohabitating homosexual couple if they repent of their sin of sexual relations outside of marriage, he would not participate in marrying such a couple.

He clarifies: the heterosexual couple is "moving out of sin of fornication ... marrying in accordance of God's ordinance and they're not sinning in the marriage, whereas the same-sex couple are moving out of a sinful relationship (of cohabiting) and are about to move into another one (marriage)."

Homosexual behavior within itself is a sin, Piper notes, referencing 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 which states, "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

"There is no such thing as homosexual marriage, it doesn't exist, it's a mirage in our culture. The Bible knows nothing of it and therefore it can't be used as a warrant in order to justify homosexual behavior," the Piper stated.

However, the renowned theologian ended his discussion by reinforcing that no matter what kinds of sexual sin people engage in, God is ready and waiting to forgive those who turn to him in repentance and faith.

"God holds out hope for all sinners who will turn away from the sins of the past ... and move forward into lives of holiness," he concluded.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories