Focal Passage: Genesis 2:18-25
In 2004, Daniel R. Heimbach, ethics professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote a book titled True Sexual Morality: Recovering Biblical Standards for a Culture in Crisis. His book is considered to be the standard for helping believers understand the importance of the Christian sexual ethic.
In the first part of his book, he describes the potential danger of moving away from what God intends regarding marriage and sexuality. Interestingly, his book was written over a decade ago, but much of what he describes is already occurring today.
Since the topic for our lesson this week is about marriage, Heimbach’s thoughts are important for us to consider. I have modified his information, but the thrust of the argument belongs to him. I highly recommend his book.
What could happen if Christians do not stand strong on the biblical position of marriage? First, if the sanctity of marriage is compromised, promoting sex without boundaries occurs. When sex occurs without boundaries, the importance of procreation is threatened. Sex becomes about self-gratification only and not about creating a family.
When the importance of the family is weakened, respect for authority is not taught.
When there is no respect for authority, the laws of government are not followed, which leads to further breakdown of the society. When the society begins to breakdown, crime, murder, riots, poverty and violence begin to occur. As these things occur, the social structure will eventually collapse.
When you think about these negative consequences, it is important for us to resist the temptation to conform to the world’s vision for male and female relationships. God’s plan is always best. The Bible teaches us that God created marriage to be between one man and one woman for a lifetime.
If we want a strong, healthy society, it begins with strong, healthy marriages that produce strong, healthy families.
If we abandon God’s intention for marriage, then we can expect long-term moral failure and the corrosion of a great nation. Instead, let us turn back to God’s plan for marriage and experience His blessing.