BiblicalInsights.net

President Obama says his position on same-sex marriage has evolved.  He now believes that same-sex couples should be able to get married.  He is the first sitting president of the United States to back same-sex marriage.  Among other things, he states, “And that is that, in the end the values that I care most deeply about and she cares most deeply about is how we treat other people and, you know, I, you know, we are both practicing Christians and obviously this position may be considered to put us at odds with the views of others, but, you know, when we think about our faith, the thing at root that we think about is, not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but it’s also the Golden Rule, you know, treat others the way you would want to be treated” (Corbett Daly–CBS News blog, May 9, 2012 quoting Obama who referenced his wife’s influence on his thinking about this issue).  I would like to make the following observations concerning this historical position by the president.
First,  his position redefines marriage.  The biblical view of marriage involves one man and one woman entering a covenant relationship that is intended to be for life (Matt. 19:1-9 and Rom. 7:1-3).  The marriage relationship is ordained by God and governed by God.  Homosexual marriage violates God’s design for marriage (Gen. 2:18-25).
Second, his view distorts scripture.  The Golden Rule is stated by Jesus in Matt. 7:12.  The Lord says, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”  Jesus positively affirms the law of love as the basis of responsible treatment of human beings.  Love rejoices not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth (I Cor. 13:6).  Love takes no delight in the sin of homosexuality. Love rebukes sin and seeks to turn men away from it to God. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).
Third, his view reveals he does not believe homosexuality is a sin against God.  The apostle Paul wrote, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (I Cor. 6:9-10).  The phrase, “abusers of themselves with mankind” is a reference to sodomy or homosexuality.  Paul lists ten classes of individuals who are characterized as unrighteous and homosexuals are among them.  He goes on to say, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (I Cor. 6:11).  All sinners can be saved from their sin through the power of the love of God and the cross of Jesus Christ!  This is good news.  Sinners must repent and turn to the Lord in order to be saved (Acts 2:37-39; 3:19).  Love seeks the highest good of others.  The salvation of their souls is the most important thing.
Fourth, his view on a moral issue has evolved.  The president has changed his view on homosexual marriage.  Why the change?  Why now?  Truth does not change!  Whenever a person is guided by the truth, he/she stands on principled conviction.  The president’s faith is changing to conform to cultural and political pressures rather than spiritual conformity to God’s Word.  Change away from God is never good.  Should we seek to please men or God? (Gal. 1:10; John 12:43).
Fifth, his views will influence many people to be accepting of a moral evil.  Whenever evil is normalized by government, it is always destructive not productive.  “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20).  A woe is a warning of judgment by God.  “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34).