Submitted by Kip McClary (not verified) on Thu, 04/26/2012 - 7:32pm.
On what do you base your definition for marriage?
While this amendment may seem to be about the right of two men or two women to legally marry it is really about defining what you actually call marriage. I see many comments tying this back to a Biblical base and rightly so.
The institution of marriage as a union of a one man and one woman was clearly defined by God in the Bible in the book of Genesis.
Throughout the Bible there are many references to the union of a man and woman. Levitical law which was the basis for morality defined in the Old Testament prohibited same sex relations and even ordered the death of those who participated in such.
Many in our culture today like to point out that the New Testament introduces a freedom from the Old Testament laws and that we are now under the dispensation of grace. This is true however, because God chose to provide the mediator for our faith through Jesus Christ he also holds us responsible for what we do with that faith and freedom. He even cautions us that if we take for granted the grace given to mankind by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, then there will be no hope for those who abuse the privilege of freedom provided by the grace.
While I am burdened for the souls of those who participate in same sex relations I see it as pointless to attempt to argue that their behavior is wrong. Again I take my viewpoint from the Bible. In the New Testament which is accepted by all who believe in the dispensation of grace, the Apostle Paul addressed this in Romans Chapter 1 verses 18-32. It says in verse 24 that God has given them over to the lusts of their hearts. In verses 26 and 27 it says God gave them up to dishonorable passion. In verse 28 it says he gave them up to a debased mind. Essentially it is saying that because those who choose to practice this behavior refuse to follow God's natural plan for mankind that he has given them over to a way of thinking that cannot be reasoned with.
I am sorry if it makes some feel uncomfortable to point out that God is displeased with their lustful unnatural behavior, but this issue is not about whether they should have the right to proclaim themselves as legally married. This issue is about whether they accept the Bible as the Word of God and as the basis in their life for establishing their morals and beliefs. If one does not have a basis for establishing their behavior then anything is acceptable to them.
I would like to also point out that Romans 6:23 and Romans 10:9&10 is very clear that God will not turn away the person who has a truly repentant heart. It says he will forgive them of their sins. It also says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that if they will repent and accept the work of Christ as the basis for their life that will be a new person.
Marriage Amendment
On what do you base your definition for marriage?
While this amendment may seem to be about the right of two men or two women to legally marry it is really about defining what you actually call marriage. I see many comments tying this back to a Biblical base and rightly so.
The institution of marriage as a union of a one man and one woman was clearly defined by God in the Bible in the book of Genesis.
Throughout the Bible there are many references to the union of a man and woman. Levitical law which was the basis for morality defined in the Old Testament prohibited same sex relations and even ordered the death of those who participated in such.
Many in our culture today like to point out that the New Testament introduces a freedom from the Old Testament laws and that we are now under the dispensation of grace. This is true however, because God chose to provide the mediator for our faith through Jesus Christ he also holds us responsible for what we do with that faith and freedom. He even cautions us that if we take for granted the grace given to mankind by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, then there will be no hope for those who abuse the privilege of freedom provided by the grace.
While I am burdened for the souls of those who participate in same sex relations I see it as pointless to attempt to argue that their behavior is wrong. Again I take my viewpoint from the Bible. In the New Testament which is accepted by all who believe in the dispensation of grace, the Apostle Paul addressed this in Romans Chapter 1 verses 18-32. It says in verse 24 that God has given them over to the lusts of their hearts. In verses 26 and 27 it says God gave them up to dishonorable passion. In verse 28 it says he gave them up to a debased mind. Essentially it is saying that because those who choose to practice this behavior refuse to follow God's natural plan for mankind that he has given them over to a way of thinking that cannot be reasoned with.
I am sorry if it makes some feel uncomfortable to point out that God is displeased with their lustful unnatural behavior, but this issue is not about whether they should have the right to proclaim themselves as legally married. This issue is about whether they accept the Bible as the Word of God and as the basis in their life for establishing their morals and beliefs. If one does not have a basis for establishing their behavior then anything is acceptable to them.
I would like to also point out that Romans 6:23 and Romans 10:9&10 is very clear that God will not turn away the person who has a truly repentant heart. It says he will forgive them of their sins. It also says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that if they will repent and accept the work of Christ as the basis for their life that will be a new person.