7 Things Unchanged by The Supreme Court
Even if you’re not a “news junkie” by now everyone has heard that the Supreme Court of the United States ruled Friday that same-sex marriage is legal is all 50 states.
The reaction has been swift and predictable. Homosexuals and liberals are ecstatic. Conservatives and Bible Believers have denounced the decision.
Joe Ortwert of the Missouri Family Policy Council, called the decision ”a reckless ruling that will have a devastating impact on the future of our nation. This disgraceful decision is the latest most evident sign of the moral bankruptcy of the U. S. Government, the moral corruption of its leaders, the vile decadence of American culture and society, and the growing godlessness of the American people.”
Change, however, has been rapidly occurring in the past 20 years. On September 21, 1996, President Bill Clinton signed The Defense of Marriage Act, declaring marriage as union between one man and one woman. Today, President Clinton, as well as Mrs. Clinton, have repudiated that view and favor same-sex marriage. Massachusetts was the first state to allow same-sex marriage in 2003. Five years ago there were only 6 states where same-sex marriage was legal.
On August 21, 2008, then candidate Barack Obama told Rick Warren, “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. For me as a Christian, it is also a sacred union. God’s in the mix.”
Friday the President proclaimed, “This ruling is a victory for America….we’ve made our union a little more perfect….America should be very proud.”
Indeed change has come to America!
However, Christians need not fear the future. Some things cannot be changed by either by the Supreme Court or the President.
(1) Our Loyalty to the Lord is Unchanged.
Our true allegiance is not to the flag, the US government, or a political party. Our commitment is to Christ. No ruling by SCOTUS can deter Christians from their true loyalty. When Peter and the apostles were commanded to stop preaching Jesus, they resisted that ruling and boldly stated, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)
(2) God’s definition of Marriage is Unchanged.
The Supreme Court is not the Supreme Being! Since the beginning of time our Creator ordained that marriage is between a man and a woman. Jesus reaffirmed this Truth when he said…
“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matt 19:4-6)
(3) The Bible condemnation of Sexual Immorality is Unchanged.
“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.”
Our opposition regarding sexual sins is not confined to homosexuality. It includes adultery and fornication as well. All are sins in the eyes of God. That is unchanged.
(4) The Need to Nurture our Marriage Relationships is Unchanged.
It’s easy to bemoan recent attacks on the family unit, as we rail and wring our hands over the SCOTUS ruling. However, there is little we can do about it. But husband and wives can show the world what real marriage is about. Men can lead, love and nurture their wives. And women can fulfil their God ordained role as defined Biblically. We can build our homes on spiritual values. That is unchanged.
(5) Our Calling to live Righteously is Unchanged.
In a world deceived by the devil, we are called to a knowledge of the Truth. In a society darkened by sin, we are called to be the light of the world. In a culture corrupted by immorality, we are called to live “soberly, righteously and godly” (Titus 2:14). The Bible exhortation is never more needed: “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds”. (Rom 12:1-2)
(6) My Preaching and my Teaching is Unchanged.
The SCOTUS decision has no bearing on my preaching. I will preach the Word. I will be ready at all time to “reprove, rebuke and exhort with great patience and instruction.” (2 Tim. 4:1-2).
I will not be intimated from teaching the truth on marriage. Nor will I allow it to become my only focus. There continues to be a need to “preach the whole counsel of God.”
(7) Our Mission to Share the Gospel Message is Unchanged.
The world is lost without Christ. The gospel is the only power to save people from sin. And Christ has commissioned us to take His message of life and light to the entire world. Let’s be ready to give a defense for our faith. Be willing to stand up for truth. And accurately with love proclaim the only message that can truly change people for the better. Both in this life and in the life to come.
Yes, we live in a changing world. But thankfully we serve an unchanging God. And find safety, security and solace in an unchanging message.
Some things never change!