Stand for Marriage

Stand for Marriage: Responding to the S.C.O.T.U.S. Ruling  from June 26, 2015

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The Supreme Court handed down their ruling, “redefining” marriage. However, God has already ruled on marriage from the beginning in the book of Genesis. One man and one woman in a marriage covenant relationship for life is the divine pattern expressed throughout the Bible. Jesus declared:

 Have you not read that at the beginning, the Creator made them male and female, and said: `For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh?’ So they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate (Matthew 19:4-6).

A good marriage enables people to be happier, live longer, and build more economic security. But it is not just about the individual. Marriage is an exclusive union that takes its distinctive character from being founded, unlike other friendships, on this bodily unity that sometimes generates new life. Certainly, marriage has value in itself and not just as a means to procreation. Yet marriage is the form of relationship that is uniquely suited for childrearing, which is why it is a matter of vital public concern and not just a “private matter.” In fact, marriage is a public, social contract for which the law requires witnesses. Why? It has profound implications for the common good, for the health of society.

Marriage impacts children. Wherever possible, children should be reared in the context of the bond between the two parents whose marital union gave them life. Research shows that when both genders are represented in the parenting role, children have the best opportunity for health, wellbeing, development, and success in life. Every civilization has been built upon the institution of marriage. It is the foundation. The happiness and success of individuals, the welfare and security of children, and the soundness of society, are all largely dependent upon the stability of marriage according to the divine pattern. Regardless of Court rulings, we must stand for marriage.

Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage

What does it mean? The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that same-sex “marriage” is a constitutional right on the basis of the majority’s interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment. As a result:

• “Marriage” is now a genderless institution that discards the important, unchangeable, and unique roles that mothers and fathers play in parenting. 

• Each state must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. 

• Laws and ordinances based on the ruling will pose enormous risks to the future of our First Amendment religious liberty.

What remains the same? God is on His Throne as the “Supreme Judge of the World” as our Founders recognized in the Declaration of Independence. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8).

• God has ruled that marriage is between one man and one woman. His ruling is authoritative and final, regardless of what Courts rule.

• All are sinners and the Gospel offers full reconciliation and forgiveness to anyone who repents of sin, trusts in and follows Jesus Christ (Mark 1:14- 15), including those who participate in LGBT behavior (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

• Affirmation of Biblical marriage (and opposition to same-sex “marriage”) is not hatred or bigotry. It is grounded in the teachings of Scripture and affirmed by Christ Himself (Gen. 1-2; Matt. 19:4-6).

• Christians must “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) regardless of the consequences that come as a result of our beliefs on marriage.

What should be our response? Believers should respond as Jesus would: with "grace and truth" (John 1:14).

• Model Christ to those who identify as LGBT, struggle with same-sex attraction or their God-given sexual identity (John 8:1-11).

• Resist the temptation to despair and lose hope. His Kingdom will prevail.

• Repent of the ways our own churches have downgraded marriage and resolve to restore the Biblical standard in our homes. 

• Ensure that your church has an explicit Biblical statement on Marriage and Sexuality within its Statement of Faith/Doctrine, Constitution and Bylaws, Property-Use Documents, and Personnel Policies. State clearly that advocates or practitioners of other points of view, while welcome to attend, may not be members, allowed to marry, serve as personnel, etc.

• Support the First Amendment Defense Act introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID). Call (202) 224-3121.