Posted on 05/26/2015 7:06:25 PM PDT by ReformationFan
Some of our deepest challenges as believers involve dealing with the sins of others, particularly those whom we love. Whether it is a relative struggling with addiction, a best friend unfaithful to his spouse, or a loved one embracing sexual perversion we often feel caught between our genuine love for the sinner and our genuine revulsion at the sin. The bromide “Hate the sin, love the sinner,” while at least infused with a touch of wisdom, doesn’t typically answer all the hard questions.
When confronted with tough moral calls it’s often wise to slow down and define our terms. First, let’s consider what it means to attend a wedding. Attending a wedding is not at all like attending a concert, or going to a movie. First, when we attend a wedding we are endorsing it. There is a reason for the “publishing of the bans”- that part of marriage ceremony wherein the officiant asks for reasons the two should not be married. If we “hold our peace” we are in fact affirming the legitimacy of the wedding. Secondly, when we attend a wedding we are there to serve as witnesses of the vows. We are a legal party to the proceedings, with a call to see that the vows are kept. Is that something Christians should be doing?
It is true enough that there are plenty of reasons why Christians are called to object to some heterosexual marriages. Those unbiblically divorced are not in fact free to marry, and Christians should not attend such weddings either, for the same reasons. The argument isn’t that both parties are sinners, and therefore we shouldn’t go. All those who marry are sinners. The question is, is the wedding itself biblical?
Which brings us to our second term, “wedding.” One could argue that my original question is moot for the simple reason that there is no such thing as homosexual weddings. You can no more witness a homosexual wedding than you could draw a square circle. Weddings are between men and women. That said, those participating in these events believe they are participating in a wedding. Our attendance, no matter how well intentioned, encourages them in their delusion. Which is one key reason why they so object to our not attending their weddings, or our not beautifying them with cakes and flowers. If we won’t admit that the naked emperor is dressed to the nines, the state will be called and we will be ruined.
Homosexuality is at one and the same time like other sins and unlike other sins. It is like other sins in that it is forgivable, and a sin for which Jesus died. After all, such once were we (I Corinthians 6:9-11). While the behavior is rightly revolting, those caught up in it bear God’s image and are not beyond the reach of grace. It is unlike some sins, however, for two reasons. First, it is gross and heinous sin. The folly that all sins are equal has done great damage in the church and in the world. All sins are cosmic rebellion and are due the eternal wrath of God. But that doesn’t mean they are equal. Second, unlike most other sins, this is a sin that its practitioners insist is no sin at all. Greed is wicked, but we don’t have parades celebrating it. This is a sin that in our day glories in its shame. Do we really want to join in that glory by attending their “weddings?”
I know it is difficult. I know it is painful and can divide families. I know it makes us look to the world like bigots and haters. But that, friends, is a shame we truly can glory in, for He promises us blessing (Matthew 5:10-12). This doesn’t, of course, mean we abandon homosexuals, or have nothing to do with them. Jesus often met sinners where they were. But He always called them to come to Him. He calls us to do the same.
Thanks for posting this. I think I agree with all he says. We are called to be wise and serpents and harmless as doves. It is terrible that half or even more of the country thinks homosexual behavior is decent and fine. it’s not that way you would choose the world to be, but it is the world we live in. Make the most of it, for the Glory of God.
I agree with Sproul
I live in the Northeast and I think the whole thing is insanity. Even at the times in my life when I wasn’t very religious I would have thought this was absurd. It’s just against nature. What the heck are you celebrating? A genetic defect? Being raped as a child and the resulting homosexuality?
nope!
If you attend a homosexual wedding, I believe it would be LESS offensive to God if you were to just flip Him a double bird and spit on the cross.
Homosexual marriages are not possible. Only men and women can marry.
"NO!!!!!" would suffice.
No, even if the food at the reception is “FABULOUS”!
NO. Even if they handed out barf bags on the way in, I couldn’t bring myself to attend. God will not be mocked.
No.
Romans says that approving of sexually immoral behavior is as bad as engaging in it yourself. Besides, homosexual “marriage” is mocking God and His institution of marriage.
“In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.”
(New Testament, Epistle of Jude, Chapter 1, verse 7)
I wouldn’t, ESPECIALLY if it was my child in the same sex marriage.
No way.
I’d consider it a similar equivalent to attending something like a Satanic mass.
If I decide to inaugurate my next door neighbor as president of the United States, would you attend the ceremony?.....same difference.
How about the wedding of a divorced person to another, while his first spouse is still alive???....neither is a valid marriage.
There’s no such thing as homosexual weddings.
It’s just a lot of groping about.
No.
You’re not a bigot for refusing to attend. They’re bigots for inviting you. Flip it around on them.
“First, let’s consider what it means to attend a wedding.”
No. Do not attend and support a heretical wedding.
Never.
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