And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.*1
The male and female were created in the image and likeness of God.*2 In the creation, God determined that the helper of mad would be a women. Moreover, He created woman from man so they could she would be flesh of his flesh. Sin always destroys God’s plan for humanity. God's principles have never changed and never will. If Heaven will be the garden of Eden restored you can be certain that man and woman now covered with immortality will once again be in the image and likeness of God
While I know same-sex marriage is a sensitive topic I also know that it is necessary to examine it according to the Bible. I sincerely speak with love knowing that the invitation to salvation is extended to any person who seeks God.
In the Old Testament the people of Israel looked at the issue of homosexuality as a serious sin. In fact homosexuality is referred to as an abomination which only had one consequence, death.*3 Even dressing in a manner contrary to the nature of the person was considered sin.*4 Many may say that these are old traditions and that we now live in a modern and progressive society. But God's principles have never changed and the image and likeness of God remains the same!
The apostle Paul says:
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 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. *5
Although his words may seem harsh, they are what God inspired him to write. He refers to these acts as "vile passions" because they go against the nature of both men and women. They go against God’s original plan during the creation.
Finally, the Bible clearly says:
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.*6
In light of Scripture how is it that popular Protestant denominations have begun to accept gay priests and ministers. The largest Lutheran denomination in the United States consisting of more than 4.6 million members has now accepted gay clergies. Prior to that, the Episcopal Church consisting of 2 million members took the same resolution. Others, like the Presbyterian Church and the Methodist church have discussed the issue and have not yet accepted it but only by a minimal margin. The reason this issue grabbed my attention is because these articles includes comments from scholars who see this change as "progressive".*7
The Mormons were highly criticized for actively supporting a proposal that prevents the recognition of same-sex marriages. One critic said that some progressive individuals now see the church as a force of evil and an enemy of equality and justice. The scholars mentioned that this will damage the image of the church which has fallen behind in an era where moral principles have shifted.*8
The fear of not adapting to what society deems is the norm is driving political and religious leaders to accept something that is against the Bible. It is easier to imagine how this country will establish Sunday laws when society demands it and religious leaders controlled by the forces of evil enforce it. It will be considered a progressive movement (what the president has emphasized) when in fact it is the change of "time and the law” prophesied by Daniel.
As the Protestants churches have been seeking the favor of the world, false charity has blinded their eyes. They do not see but that it is right to believe good of all evil, and as the inevitable result they will finally believe evil of all good. *9
we cannot be afraid to preach about the sins of Babylon because even if we persecuted the power of the Holy Spirit will join us to preach the message of Revelation 18,
After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”
1 * Genesis 2:18,21-24
2 * Genesis 1:27
3 * Leviticus 18:22, 20:13
4 * Deuteronomy 22:5
5 * Romans 1:24:27
6 * 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
7 * http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/22/us/22lutherans.html (Lutheran Group Eases Limits on Gay Clergy) http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/21 / Lutherans-to-allow-sexually-active-as-gay clergy / (Lutherans to Allow Clergy as Sexually Active Gays)
8 * http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090816/ap_on_re_us/us_mormon_church_image (Gay Marriage Fight, 'Kiss-ins' Smack Mormon Image)
9 * The Great Controversy, "Liberty of Conscience Threatened", Ellen G. White
No comments:
Post a Comment