God's Definition Counts

While driving home yesterday, I heard on the radio that a federal judge in San Francisco overturned Prop 8 which was made law in California by a majority vote in 2008, citing it was "unconstitutional."  As exuberant homosexuals were interviewed concerning their "victory" in court, one common theme was repeated over and over:  equality.  Apparently a common belief among many in California is people should have equal rights to marry whomever they wish, no matter the sex.  Even though California recognizes civil unions, gays want the ability to buy a marriage certificate and have a wedding recognized by God and the government as legitimate.

To make gay marriage an equality issue is completely incorrect.  Over and over the same strawman arguments are repeated and prove a complete lack of understanding of who created and instituted marriage.  "But shouldn't  equality extend to gays as well as straight?  That's what this country was founded on.  Should we be punished because God made us this way?"  All of these comments miss the mark.  Couched in false, twisted logic, these statements seek to make villains of any person who upholds the biblical, historical, traditional, and true definition of marriage.

Let me preface this by saying that everyone who walks this earth has the God-given right to believe and do whatever you want to do.  It is because I regard God as my heavenly Father that I love those who differ greatly in their lifestyle and beliefs from my own and intend to treat all people with respect and grace.  I do not feel threatened or uncomfortable with the fact I am in the minority.  I also realize that I will likely not be given the same grace from others, but I am reminded that Jesus forgave and loved those who wronged Him.

Here are my beliefs founded upon the truths of scripture:  God created the heavens and the earth.  He made all that exists, for "without Him nothing was made that is made."  He created man in his own image.  God saw that man did not have a suitable companion among the animals and took a rib from Adam and created Eve.  Adam said of Eve that she was "bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh."  Genesis 2:24 says clearly, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."  Marriage defined by God is between one man and one woman.  God says in Malachi 3:6, "I the LORD do not change."  God's character or laws do not alter over time.  He is the same yesterday, tomorrow, and forever.  Two men therefore CANNOT be married, nor can two women.  That is not marriage, nor could it ever be.  Marriage was not created by government or popular opinion of the masses, but by a God who created man, woman, and marriage.

A prime part of marriage is "be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it."  A gay union cannot produce children, being incompatible with the design God intended.  Because of man's rebellion against God, sin entered into the world and death through sin.  God made people exactly how He wanted to, but to blame a lifestyle upon God is wrong.  Because of the sin nature passed down through Adam's line, we all struggle with various temptations.  For some it is stealing, for others lustful thoughts.  We have all lied, coveted, and been envious of others.  Homosexuality is a perversion of God's intended plan for sex, as well as bestiality, incest, adultery, and fornication even among straight people.  Having sex outside of marriage is defined as sin in God's own words, and you must be a man and a woman to be married.

The fact is God will judge the entire world and all the people individually for their own sin.  I have lied, cheated, hated, and sinned in more ways than I could quantify.  I do not stand in judgment of any person because of their sins, for I have an abundance of my own!  You may not believe that homosexuality is a sin.  You may believe whatever you want.  But if you believe the Bible is God's Word and is true without error, than you should believe what is written therein.  When our lives are over we will be brought to judgment for all sins, even for our thoughts and intentions.  The wages of sin is death.  We cannot stand before God on our own merits, and we will be doomed to damnation for every evil word, deed, or thought.

I deserve to burn in hell for eternity for my sins, and when compared to the goodness and righteousness of God even that is too good for me.  But praise be to God!  In the Bible I learn not only of God's Law and harsh wrath towards sin, but also the mercy, love, grace, and forgiveness afforded all sinners by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.  His resurrection from the dead proves His power over sin and death, and He calls to sinners everywhere to repent.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  When we place our faith in Jesus and submit to His rule, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us.  We are thus made alive unto God and dead unto sin by His grace.  He changes our hearts and takes away the power of sin which once ruled over all our desires.  God has the power to deliver us from lying, hatred, pride, homosexuality, drunkenness, one-night-stands, cutting, fear, every other sin, and ultimately death.  The sad part is many refuse to be delivered and give themselves completely over to their lusts for they know nothing else.  But peace and contentment cannot be found in sin no matter how devoted you are to it.

"Gay" marriage cannot exist, because God has already defined what marriage is:  a man (husband) and woman (wife) making a commitment to each other for the remainder of their lives.  Though we often fall short of God's ideal, it gives us no right to twist what He has made straight.  As for me, I will stick with God's definition.  The prevailing winds of our godless culture roar against God and His people, but we will remain firm.  1 Cor. 15:58 reads, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."