“…Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
(Genesis 18:25)
Part One
Do we understand the reality that mankind’s sovereign Creator has the only authority to determine what is holy, just, and moral? Asked another way, how could any human tribunal of highly imperfect people ever be trusted to determine or alter anything that our all-knowing God has already declared to be – moral or immoral?
God has provided His unchanging Word to proclaim His moral standards – Jesus is our perfect example! Sadly, we have all fallen short of His righteous standard (see Romans 3:23). As history’s worst example, God, “…condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives in the future.” (2 Peter 2:6) Making them an unforgettable example, God intentionally judged the lustful sins of both cities! Their annihilated citizens were described as having committed “…gross immorality with unnatural desires, sexual perversion, and shameless acts…” (see Jude 1:7; Romans 1:27)
Part Two
Every culture that has ignored Sodom and Gomorrah’s tragic history and disregarded God’s timeless warning has also suffered decline. Additionally, in the coming judgement, all unrepentant individuals will be held accountable for their own sinful decisions.
The Greek and Roman civilizations are both vivid illustrations of sin’s self-generating consequences. Their serious moral decline came about largely as the result of their growing tolerance toward sin. In both empires, their decadence was evidenced by their pervasive heterosexual immorality and their homosexual perversion. The Bible authoritatively states, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” On this same related subject, Paul therefore asks, “Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?” (Romans 3:10; 3:5b-6)
Part Three
Having known about God’s righteousness, there is no acceptable reason for a once enlightened nation to return to its pre-Christian spiritual darkness! In the light of God’s self-revelation, the Bible says,
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:20-21) Dissatisfaction with one’s appointed gender is a symptom of unhappiness with something that is much deeper.
Part Four
Any society that attempts to equate sexual perversion with the sanctity of heterosexual marriage has lost its understanding of moral decency! Beware of tolerance toward – sin. That human reasoning is the essence of – sin itself! Any culture that accepts acts of lust, so repulsive to God that He destroyed two entire cities to make them His example – will also be judged!
The only way for us to escape sin’s earned consequence is to honestly repent and accept God’s forgiveness found in Christ! The Bible says, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
Part Five
It is naïve human thinking mixed with Biblical ignorance and heartache or misplaced desires that allows anyone to mistakenly participate in deviant sexual behavior. This tragic form of sin is normally accompanied by an attitude of spiritual denial or outright defiance! In contrast, personal purity calls for chosen self-discipline combined with humility, prayer, and a deep desire to love and please God. To describe a true believer’s lifestyle, the Bible warmly states, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) Scripture also says, “…discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness…” (1 Timothy 4:7)
Part Six
Jesus said, “…I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) This means that He truly cares about our happiness and well-being. In that spirit, the Bible explains –“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1Corinthians 10:13) This verse assures us that because of God’s promised “way of escape” our temptations can thankfully be – overcome!
Part Seven
Our loving Creator specifically designed us for heterosexual marriage. This is why He could say, “…Be fruitful and multiply…” (Genesis 9:1) We are therefore to enjoy our sexual union in marriage within the bounds of natural affection, shared respect, and lifelong commitment!
No society’s decision to accept a deviant form of sexual behavior can ever make that sin acceptable in God’s sight (see Hebrews 4:13)! Tragically, all those who insist on living immorally will experience God’s promised consequences. The Scripture warns, “Do not be deceived…whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
Part Eight
The Bible declares, “…God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because He set a day when He is going to judge the world in righteousness…” (Acts 17:30-31) During this judgement, He will reward all human behavior which He deems – to be righteous. At the same time, He will condemn thoughts and deeds which He has declared – to be impure and sinful. This is why we all need a Savior!
God’s day of judgement will eternally separate history’s vast host of humanity (see Matthew 13:24-30)! In summation, “…the Judge of all the earth will do right.” There is definitely no same sex marriage that is either taught or personally condoned by the Lord Jesus – nor is it permitted anywhere, for any reason, in God’s inspired Word!
By Billie Hanks Jr.