Few topics are hotter or more controversial right now than that of same sex marriage. From constitutional amendments to city ordinances to presidential declarations, this is a hot button issue almost everywhere in the United States. The irony of it all is that we are debating something that does not even exist.
Rights, Freedom, and the Good ol’ USA
The current line of argument being espoused in favor of same sex marriage is usually based on the proposition of “equal rights under the law”. After all, we are Americans and this is a land of liberty. Each individual is to have the same rights and the same opportunities without prejudice. So is same sex marriage really another civil right like emancipation of the slaves or racial integration? How do we justify defending freedom of religion and equality under the law, but disallow these couples the same rights afforded to those of opposite sexes?
The Dog that Goes “Meow”
The very simple Scriptural answer to this conundrum is that same sex marriage isn’t. Isn’t what, you ask? Same sex marriage isn’t marriage! The term itself is a misnomer. It is literally impossible to have a same sex marriage. Why? Because God created marriage and defined marriage in Genesis 2:21-25, and man does not get to recreate or redefine things for God! Therefore, when we are debating over the issue of same sex marriage, we must realize that we have already conceded an enormous amount of ground to the opposition by allowing them to use the term “marriage” to describe a homosexual union. Semantic debates are often petty and arise out of contentious spirits, but in this case, we must correct the egregious mislabeling which the GLBT proponents are using to advance their cause.
Understanding the Significance of the Marriage Union
In order to do this, we need to understand not only that God defines marriage as being between one man and one woman, but why He does so. This cuts to the very core of our faith. God’s ultimate purpose (although there are many other benefits) in creating marriage the way He did was to symbolize for us the love and care that Christ has for His redeemed. In marriage, the husband models the role of Christ as a benevolent leader who protects and provides for the weaker vessel while lovingly guiding her in paths of righteousness. The wife models the role of the Church as the reverential, submissive helper who whole-heartedly seeks the glory and success of her husband by faithfully obeying his instruction. The sexual union symbolizes the fullness of joy that awaits our glorification and eternal fellowship with Him. The institution of marriage gives us a point of reference around which we can more fully comprehend the work of Christ’s redemption, and our duties to Him in light of His unfailing love. This is the great mystery which Paul expounds upon in Ephesians 5:22-33 and the consummation of which we see in Revelation 19:6-9.
Therefore, when marriage is perverted and defined as something it is not and can not be, it is truly the symbol of the Gospel of Christ which is being perverted! The twisted fabrication of “same-sex marriage” becomes a symbol of a false gospel to replace that one which is true and perfect. In fact, you could call such an approach the spirit of antichrist (II Cor 11:2-4, 13-14; Gal. 1:6-9).
Rights Granted by God or State?
So then, if same-sex marriage does not and can not truly exist, then what exactly is everyone debating about? Essentially, the issue at hand is whether or not the state should recognize same sex “couples” the same way it recognizes opposite sex couples who are truly married. Should the state see the two relationships the same way and grant them the same benefits of inheritance, taxation, etc?
This is an interesting question considering the fact that persons debating for these rights often cite the Declaration of Independence and its assertion that “all men are created equal” and are deserving of “equal rights”. Let’s remind ourselves of what the Declaration actually asserts:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. (emphasis mine)
The rights for which the founders sought and fought are clearly stated in the Declaration as those rights which are “endowed by their Creator”. In other words, they were never claiming rights that were not given by God. As we have clearly established, our Creator has laid out the rights and boundaries for marriage. The Declaration also asserts that it is to “secure these rights, that governments are instituted among men”. The purpose of our government, then, is to ensure that the rights given to us by our Creator are secured – not rights imagined by the heart of man! Furthermore, the founders assert that if the government becomes corrupt and is not fulfilling this purpose, then the people have the right to “alter or to abolish it”. It would follow logically then, that if laws are passed which give rights that were not granted by God, that these laws could and should be done away with. God does not give the right to do harm to one’s neighbor, or to take that which belongs to another. God would certainly never grant rights which would freely encourage persons to engage in and benefit from living in a lifestyle which He condemns!
Powerful and sound arguments can then be made both Biblically and legally against any law which would grant the rights of marriage to a homosexual union. Certainly we should be opposed to such concessions and be saddened that our society would consider condoning perverse relationships that fly in the face of Biblical truth and morality. The legal “seal of approval” would only further cement these debased ideologies in the minds of future generations, and make very needful reform in the hearts of men even more difficult. All of this without considering the profound effect on the basic institution by which a country is established and strengthened – the family. Whatever the state may condone, we should remember that man’s laws can never supercede God’s, but they can incite His judgement!
But What About – ?
Finally, a brief response to a few common arguments raised against opponents of same sex marriage. Many have compared the opposition of this issue to the opposition of slavery and integration, equating this issue with the civil rights issues of the 1950s and 60s. The straightforward Biblical response to this objection is that homosexuality is a behavior while the color of your skin is a state of being. Therefore, you are comparing two very unequal things. Even if you viewed homosexuality as something with which you were born, God’s Word would still be very clear. Homosexuality is sin, and unless one repents of sin, it will certainly result in Spiritual death. Would one be opposed to removing a malignant tumor from the body of a baby, even if the baby was born that way?
Another common argument is that it is fundamentally unfair to promote religious freedom and equality while denying same-sex couples the rights and benefits under the law of traditionally married couples. This point was answered in large above with the understanding that there is no such thing as same-sex marriage. At best, any rights granted under the umbrella of marriage would be a type of “pseudo rights” – giving something an impossible designation and then treating it the same as the real type it tries to emulate. Therefore, as Christians we are not seeking to restrict any true rights of persons which happen to engage in homosexual behavior. We are merely pointing out that the rights being claimed are not valid because the heading under which they are being claimed is impossible. That is not to say that the state can not make laws which look identical, it is merely to say that to do so would be practically ridiculous and spiritually reprehensible to God.
As this issue and those growing up around it continue to be hotly contested in our society, may we as faithful Christians do our duty to respond lovingly but strongly, basing our positions squarely upon God’s Word alone. If we do so, we can be assured that God will not forsake His people, and despite any and all perversion and wickedness of the world around us, save Himself a remnant for His glory (Isa. 1:9, 37:31-32)!