I hear politicians frequently declaring the moral status of other politicians, legal judgments, and just about any issue that they disagree with.  I recognize their strategies in doing this as a subtle declaration of their authority in identifying what is moral and what is not.  It sends out a message of intimidation to anyone who disagrees with their judgments, effectively silencing those who hold differing views.  Yet anywhere a moral opinion is stated that is not supported by God’s Word, the Bible, whoever is making such a statement is exalting themselves and their opinions above God, the immortal, invincible, omni-present, and all-knowing Creator of the universe.

The Bible being attacked as contradictory, outdated and irrelevant, or the work of multiple human authors instead of Holy Spirit dictated to the many scribes (40+), is nothing new, though I think the attacks against its authority and inerrancy are intensifying—which increases the responsibility of Christians to be well acquainted the truth that sets one free. 

“…If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31, 32)

Freedom and morality can never be realized apart from knowing God and His Word and living in the power of the Holy Spirit—making choices or living a lifestyle that the Bible condemns is not freedom!

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.  He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-14)

Many seek to manipulate scripture passages to support their belief or value systems, or to justify lifestyles that, in truth, are contrary to God’s intention for mankind’s redemption—endeavoring to change God’s perfect plan for sanctifying our lives unto Him and attempting to conform God to man’s broken, fallen, sinful nature.

Sounds horrible. Sounds blasphemous. Which it is!

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” (Romans 8:5-7)

The amazing thing about salvation is that it is a gift, we cannot earn it: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)

Yet we also have a responsibility to grow up in Christ…

“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood [adulthood], to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ….” (Ephesians 4:11-15)

It is only by knowing God intimately, treasuring His Word in our hearts, and being filled with the Holy Spirit and discernment that we will be able to differentiate between true shepherds and teachers, and those who put forth lies.  We also need to remember that political “representatives” represent people and their own opinions, but rarely God.  As believers in Jesus Christ, we need to be the kind of people that represent God’s kingdom and not our own opinions or the philosophies and opinions of the culture.

I’m a gramma; I grew up in the 1950s and 60s.  I saw the protests and the cultural revolutions of that era.  I did not foresee the coming antagonism and violent hatred for Christians, Jews, and for Judeo-Christian morality!  I’m not surprised, though, because the Bible has given us plenty of warning.  The Bible also counsels us to pray: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Yet, the apostle Paul cautioned Timothy – and us – “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:12-17)

My conclusion echoes the words of a song running through my heart…

The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes.

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name.

 – Matt Redman