JUSTIN, Tex. (BNC) by Joe Slater — Several hours have passed since the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) announced its 5-4 majority decision declaring that homosexual marriage is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. While hardly surprising, the decision is distressing to me, as well as to millions of other people who accept the Bible as the inspired word of God, and who, therefore, uphold marriage as God designed it (one man, one woman, for life – see Genesis 1).

What, then, are Christians to do?

First, do not panic! Marriage is still what God said it is. Grand and august as the SCOTUS is, there is yet a higher court. While states may be required to issue “marriage” licenses to same-sex couples, God certainly is not required to accept what any human court decides (nor are His people).

Second, remember to respect and pray for all of the “powers that be” (i.e. civil government officials, see Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Timothy 2:1-3). In this country, we are blessed with the right to disagree with our governing officials, and to express that disagreement plainly. Constitutionally, we have the right to be rude and vindictive about it; but Biblically, we have no such right. Be Biblical; be respectful; be calm. And, above all, pray!

Third, get ready for more! The same hopelessly twisted reasoning that gave us same-sex “marriage” will also justify polygamy/polyandry (multiple wives/multiple husbands) and, eventually, group marriages. No doubt some will say, “You’re just being an alarmist! Those things will never happen!” Likewise, when the SCOTUS legalized abortion-on-demand, opponents warned that abortion would be used as a method of birth control, and that babies would be aborted because they were the “wrong” sex. The pro-abortionists assured us that such atrocious things would never occur and that the pro-lifers were merely alarmists. The sad fact today is that sex-selection abortions are routine, and abortion is commonly used as a method of birth control. Alarmists? Hardly! It is only a matter of time.

Fourth, be certain that you do not treat the Bible in the same perverse manner that the majority of the SCOTUS treated the Constitution. While the Bible and the Constitution are not perfectly parallel, the fact remains that the same “living document” philosophy that has given us abortion on demand and homosexual “marriage” is also disastrous when applied to the word of God. The Court majority claimed that the Constitution’s “due process” clause prohibits states from denying same-sex couples the “right” to marry. We would observe that the writers of that document obviously were unaware of this, since all homosexual behavior (not just marriage) was illegal at that time and, in many cases, was a capital crime. How amazing, that the very people who wrote the Constitution didn’t understand what it says! But times have changed, say the “living document” advocates, so the meaning of the Constitution must change with the times. In short, the Constitution now means whatever five justices think it ought to mean!

Tragically, the Bible has fallen victim to the same abuse. Whether it is worship, gender roles, marriage/divorce/remarriage, homosexuality, or some other subject, we can know what the word of God teaches. But, we are told, that was then! This is now! The church must change with the times! The “original intent” of the authors is irrelevant. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, Paul, James, and Jude wrote all those things, but we’re so much more enlightened now, nearly 2000 years later! We must re-interpret Scripture in light of modern society. Thus the Bible “means” whatever any given group of people thinks it ought to mean.

Fifth, follow the old adage, “hate the sin, love the sinner.” That’s what God does, and that’s what we must do. Our opposition to all sin must follow this course (not just sexual immorality in general, not just homosexual behavior, and not just same-sex “marriage” in particular). The world routinely (and falsely) accuses Christians of being haters; by our Christ-like love for all sinners, let us demonstrate that this accusation is bogus. That doesn’t mean we remain silent about sin. But it does mean that everything we say or do is with a view toward redemption.

Finally, be prepared to suffer. Already businesses are being persecuted if they do not agree to participate in same-sex “weddings.” Though we have assurances that religious groups and ministers will not be forced to officiate at such events, these promises are dubious at best. Church-related institutions (e.g. Christian Universities, etc.) may well be the first to be forced to hire and extend benefits to same-sex couples. Refusal to do so could result in severe economic repercussions, or even arrest. Are we prepared to suffer the consequences of obeying God rather than men? (Acts 5:29)

Joe works with the Justin TX congregation, from whose website this article was reproduced, with permission.

Follow BNC stories