The Misuse of Jesus’ Name in the Push for Gay Marriage

Today the Supreme Court begins hearing arguments as to whether or not states have the right to ban gay marriage.

One of the arguments repeatedly brought forth by some of those who support gay marriage—presumably by those who profess to be Christian, or at least want to use Christianity to support their position—is this: “Jesus never spoke out against homosexuality.”

If they are referring to an explicit statement condemning homosexuality by name, it is true. But that argument is neither logical nor legitimate. Jesus also never explicitly—by name!—spoke out against bestiality, rape, child abuse, kidnapping, torture, terrorism, and a whole host of other evils. However, that does not mean He had nothing to say on these sinful activities as well.

Here is the truth: Jesus explicitly reaffirms and reinforces the God-given definition of marriage—husband (male) and wife (female)—established in the Garden of Eden at the beginning of time:

“From the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” [Mark 10:6-9]

Male and female. A man and his wife. The two becoming one flesh. What God has joined together. Jesus doesn’t mince words. He explicitly reaffirms and reinforces the God-given definition of marriage, which, by the way, has been the norm ever since.

What’s more, the remainder of Holy Scripture completely agrees both with the institution of marriage in Genesis and with Jesus. In his letter to the saints in Rome, the Apostle Paul describes homosexual activity as being “dishonorable” and “contrary to nature” and “shameful”:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. … For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. [Romans 1:18-21, 26-27]

Paul then goes on to equate “men who practice homosexuality” with “the unrighteous” (1 Corinthians 6:9) and labels this practice “contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:10).

So don’t drag Christ’s holy name into your push for gay marriage. It is not only illogical and illegitimate, it is downright sinful, blasphemous, idolatrous. Marriage—in God’s eyes—was, is, and always will be the union of man and woman, male and female, husband and wife.

In fact, marriage is a picture, a reflection, an icon of the most perfect union of all—that of Jesus Christ and His Church. He is the Groom; she is the bride. Though we are sinful and unclean, He has cleansed us through the washing of water with the Word, clothed us with His perfect righteousness, and is preparing us for the wedding feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. This is the reality upon which every marriage is built:

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. … “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. [Ephesians 5:25-32]

It is my prayer that the culture around us will continue to abide within this God-given blessing the way He established it. Anything short of this is sinful!