Apologetics

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Another election and public debate ratchets up again. Different people with differing ideas of the “way it should be”. Why does it seem that political opinion has replaced the Word of God as the criteria by which we judge the course of our lives and our country? On many issues facing our nation (such as same-sex marriage, the danger of pornography, the legalization of drugs, the placement of the Ten Commandments, where prayer is permitted, etc.) we rely on the opinion of man for guidance instead of looking to the Bible to see what our Creator would have us do. R. Albert Mohler’s words should remind us of the larger perspective on elections, “This much is certain—God will not change based on how a vote turns out” (R. Albert Mohler Jr., The Disappearance of God. Multnomah Books, 2009. p. 120).

Too many people behave as if God simply suggests how they should live and gives them the prerogative of adjusting His declarations. The Supreme Law from the Supreme Lawgiver is being set aside in order that we may use our own standard as the instrument by which we judge ourselves. Could this be a case of the fox guarding the henhouse?

Now, if we believe the history contained in the Bible (and Christians certainly should), then God set down His standard long before man decided to adjust (pervert) it. What motivated Adam and Eve to sin against God in the first place (Genesis) was the exercise of their own will over and against His will. However, we have no right to modify or adjust the moral standards that God reveals in His Word, the Bible.

Now, this writer is not advocating that the government force biblical behavior on anyone. On the other hand, the government should not legitimize, sanction, or approve behavior the Bible clearly calls immoral. Humankind does not have the right to change God’s standards, and it is dangerous, harmful, and counterproductive when we try.

So-called ‘enlightened’ people take pride in the tolerant attitudes they exhibit. However, the American idea of ‘tolerance’ repeatedly conflicts with the biblical idea of moral absolutes. Humans are attempting to make ourselves judges of what is right and wrong instead of following the standards given to us by a Holy God through the revelation of His Word. Tolerance too often ends up being just another excuse for rebellion and disobedience toward God. Mohler writes, “Tolerance becomes a code word for avoiding truth, and openness means never having to make a judgment about truth at all” (R. Albert Mohler Jr., The Disappearance of God. Multnomah Books, 2009. pp. xii-xiv).

We are accountable to God for the way we live our lives. God calls people to worship and obey Him. There will be consequences for our disobedience and blessings for our obedience. These consequences will be experienced both by individuals and by nations. Although the following biblical passage was written to Israel, the truth it contains applies to God’s people anywhere, everywhere, and at all times. “...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

May God’s people sincerely, honestly, and completely strive to follow God and honor Him. He is the Creator of the universe, and everything in it, and deserves our complete allegiance and worship. The standards He has given us are the best that could be. We cannot improve on them. We are not God.

Our allegiance should be given to God first. People should put their faith in God, not government. Government will fail us, God will not.

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