Apologetics

Marriage Equality?

by Mark Trodd
07/29/15
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Gay Marriage is not an issue about equality or even about the freedom to love someone of the same sex. Rather, it is an issue about the true nature of marriage (why it exists) and the true nature of love (how it can be expressed).  For Christians who believe the Bible and take its teachings seriously, love must be the motivation behind ALL that we say and do.  But, it must also be informed by the truth that God has revealed.

1. MARRIAGE is an institution that pre-dates ALL other institutions, including the family, religion, government and society. When God created a man and a woman, He designed them to complement each other, to become one, both for companionship and having children.

"And God created man in his own image, male and female He created them God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue (manage) it." Genesis 1:27,28.

When God invented marriage, and the family, He designed them for the purpose of bringing children into the world and raising them to maturity. Every child has the right to be loved and cared for by their own biological parents (whenever possible), and our society ought to be doing everything it can to preserve and support this bond, not undermine it. The fact that so many children who were adopted or the result of donated sperm - to name two scenarios - seek out their biological parent(s) when they are older, demonstrates just how important this bond is.

 2. LOVE is an essential ingredient in every thriving relationship, but the way we express that love must be guided by the nature of each relationship, and by what God has revealed to be right and true. God is pleased when we seek companionship and love, because we were made for relationship, but He is grieved when we ignore His commandments and go our own way. The Bible makes it very clear that laying with someone of the same sex, and laying with someone else's spouse - to name two examples - are not permitted, even if we have a desire to do these things. 

But the Bible also makes it clear that  "If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

The Church exists to proclaim the good news of Jesus, to demonstrate His love, and bear witness to the truth as revealed in God's Word. Sadly, some Christians have chosen to compromise the truth on this issue not wanting to be accused of being unloving or homophobic.  But I believe it is impossible to be truly loving, without being truly honest. Even though some will be offended, the church must speak the truth as God has revealed it in LOVE.

Jesus came to show God's unconditional love, but He also came to show us the seriousness of our sin. He invites us ALL (male, female, gay, straight) to COME to Him with humble and open hearts and discover the life we were meant to live.

Mark Trodd 

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