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The United Church of God: Stance on the Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

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Stance on the Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

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The United Church of God: Stance on the Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

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On Friday, June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its long-anticipated decision about what the status of same-sex marriage is to be in the United States. Based upon Holy Scripture the United Church of God believes and teaches that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, exclusive of all others.

Transcript

[Victor Kubik] Hello everyone. By now, most of you have heard that on Friday, June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its long-anticipated decision about what the status of same-sex marriage is to be in the United States.

In a close 5-4 decision that court found that same sex marriage is a “Fundamental Right,” which that court has now imposed as a 50-state same-sex marriage mandate.

While there is still some uncertainty regarding the full ramifications of that decision and its future legal impact on the Church and people of faith who believe in the Biblical definition of marriage, the ruling of the Supreme Court will never change the truth about marriage.

Based upon Holy Scriptures the United Church of God believes and teaches that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, exclusive of all others. After creating humans male and female in his image God ordained and established the institution of marriage. He commanded the man to leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife and the two shall be one. (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24). Marriage is thus a divine institution and a natural union. What God has joined together let no man put asunder. (Matthew 19:6). Any other teaching, and/or practice, is in direct conflict with Holy Scripture.

We further believe and affirm the New Testament statements that the God ordained institution of marriage reflects the spiritual relationship between Jesus Christ and His bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:22-32; Revelation 19:7). We teach these imperative biblical instructions to all people in a manner consistent with God's love and desire for all humanity to acknowledge Him as the guiding presence in their lives.
Any attempt to redefine marriage other than between a man and a woman by law, and/or judicial decree, of any nation cannot be recognized as incumbent upon human beings. The apostle Peter's words give God’s inspired instruction in such matters: "We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29) Christians are explicitly instructed by Scripture to fully honor governmental persons, laws and authority other than when man's law conflicts with the laws of the Supreme Court of Heaven (Romans 13:1). Therefore we honor and abide within the design and intent of the God-given marital relationship between a man and a woman, while seeking to live at peace with all people.

That understanding represents the unique opportunity before us. Jesus Christ, the Savior for all of humanity, declared that we are to be an example to the world. Marriage between man and woman represents part of that example. A marriage based on biblical principles naturally produces offspring (Genesis 1:27). Biblical marriage offers an opportunity for flawed human beings to learn more about God and His relationship with us. As illustrated in Ephesians 5, marriage was designed by God to have a profound purpose.  It illustrates the mystery of the relationship between Jesus and the Church (biblically referred to as His bride).

Therefore, in the days to come we embrace the instruction of the apostle Peter, who tells us to “be prepared to give an answer to everyone . . . but do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, New International Version). The Bible also tells us to “Cry aloud, spare not . . . tell My people their transgression” (Isaiah 58:1). The United Church of God continues to proclaim God’s truth through our many media efforts, through our ministers and, yes, through the example of our members and those who fellowship with us.

As Christians, let us seize this opportunity before us to demonstrate the love of God in our lives. Let us yield to God and humbly follow the biblical example of marriage between man and woman alone.

Comments

  • billiejean1935
    As A member of The United Church of God I stand with you Mr. Victor Kubik as we pray Thy Kingdom come thy will be done.
  • Carolyn Prater
    Thank you. I keep thinking about Acts 5:27--29. The Supreme Court's ruling on Friday has opened the door to persecution such as not has been seen ever in the U.S.A. Those who study know the ramifications. It is up to every one of us to pray, study the Bible, and cling to The Eternal One fervently.
  • cranchie
    Well said Victor Kubic!
  • mekelley40
    Very well stated. God's Word makes it clear where we should come down on this issue, the courts of human governments notwithstanding. We can call these other arrangements types of civil union, but nothing more than that.
  • jmparkhill
    Yes indeed Johnny, This world is on a collision course with the Almighty. We as members of God's Church know that times are going to get worse. We don't know what will happen, but we need to keep our Eyes on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Remember in (Acts 17:6 KJV) "And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;" The world thinks we are turning the world upside down, when the world has been upside down since 4000 BC or whatever time that man has been allotted on the earth. Now we need more ever to be not hearers of the Word only, but doers of the Word. We have to honor God in all things, to live Holy Lives as He wants us to live. The Disciples thought that in their life time was the time for Christ to come to overthrow the Romans. Our thoughts are no different than the disciples back then. We know the world can't keep going on, like this and the only answer that God Gives, is to endure until that time. Even though we are not of this world, we do live in the world and we need to Honor God more than ever. God speed the Kingdom.
  • johnhutto2011
    I appreciate your thoughts on this latest issue. I do believe that as Christians we must make a clear distinction between what is right and wrong accord to the Scriptures. I also believe that it should be noted that in dealing with others that may not understand that distinction, that we need to set the example as Jesus did. Love the person and not the sin. There is too much division in the world and in the church today. While I do not agree with the lifestyles that promote this type of living, I do believe that I have an obligation to respect their views and love them as Christ loves us.
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