A Stand to Take

What is God’s view of marriage? From the beginning, God’s view of marriage is that it is between one man and one woman. This is what He instituted in the Garden of Eden between Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter two. In this marriage relationship, God has the expectation that the husband loves his wife and the wife respects her husband (Ephesians 5:33). This is important to remember as to live outside of the Ephesians five model is to defile the institution of marriage. As Christians, we ought to seek to uphold the institution of marriage; to defend it, to live it, and to guard it! Unfortunately, ignoring Ephesians five is not the only attack upon marriage today. Another great attack is the homosexual movement. In this post I am not going to go over the movement as a whole, rather, I am going to just touch on a little piece of the puzzle. The piece of the puzzle I would like to present for us today is the claimed conservative leader who at best stops fighting for traditional marriage. This puzzle piece came across my radar as I was reading an article on Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and how she views the issue of same-sex marriage has been settled and that she has “moved on” from the issue. I am deeply saddened to hear this view as I know she has been and will continue to be championed by many conservatives in the great state of Iowa.

To come to a Biblical conclusion (this should be the goal of each and every Christian), we must see what God says about homosexuality. In Romans one, God calls homosexuality unnatural and says He has given those who practice homosexuality up to “vile passions”.

Romans 1:18-27 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man–and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

1Timothy 1:9-10 says, “ Knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.” It is clear that homosexuality (sodomites) is contrary to sound doctrine. Simply put, God takes the institution of marriage seriously and is against homosexuality.

To come to a Biblical conclusion on this issue we must ask ourselves, “is it right to vote for someone who is not for traditional marriage?” Kim Reynolds believes this issue is settled (currently it is “legal” in Iowa to get a same-sex marriage). Kim Reynolds, by her own admittance, does not hold to a traditional marriage only. As Christians, this should be repulsive. Remember, God calls homosexuality unnatural, vile passions, and unsound doctrine. To cast a vote in favor of someone who is not willing to fight for traditional marriage is to cast a vote of vile passion and unsound doctrine in the eyes of God. I will ask the question another way by quoting Rev. Cary Gordon, “What evil does a republican have to commit before you will stop rewarding them with your support?” Kim Reynolds has refused to stand against homosexual marriage; according to James 4:17 this is a sin, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” This is evil in the sight of God.

I fully understand the likely outcome of not supporting Kim Reynolds, we will most likely get a more evil governor in Fred Hubbell. This conclusion will scare many Christians into compromise. I ask that you take a minute and consider the question, “is it better to fear man or God?” For me, it is better to hear “well done thou good and faithful servant” than it is to gain temporary comfort upon this earth. I am sure that if preached as a mere principle nearly all Christians would give a hearty “Amen!”, but when placed before them as an application they will cringe. The question is will you merely hear God’s word or will you be a doer of His word?