Soiled Saints – Gay Marriage and the Truth behind the Ted Haggard Scandal
The latest scandal in Christendom relates to the (ex) pastor Ted Haggard, and the issue of same-sex marriage. Without rehashing the scandal, I would like to discuss the misunderstanding that many have of the Christian message and some very strong reasons for the opposition to gay marriage by Evangelicals.
The Bible teaches that there has only ever been one sinless person Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. The rest of us are very imperfect creatures who struggle against a darker side – our sin nature. The reason for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was to pay the penalty for our sins and provide the only way of reconciliation with God. To accept this free gift, we must turn from our sins, and submit all (if imperfectly) to His Lordship. Then we are redeemed and given new life!
Although every Christian receives a helper (the Holy Spirit) in the battle against our sin nature; it remains a lifelong struggle. When we make mistakes (and we will), we are to confess our sins and freely receive God’s forgiveness. One should always remember that the Church is not a country club for perfect people; it is a hospital for sinners (to paraphrase a well-known evangelist).
more »»
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath?”
“We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion…”
“My views… are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from the anti-Christian system imputed to me by those who know nothing of my opinions. To the corruptions of Christianity I am, indeed, opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian in the only sense in which he wished any one to be; sincerely attached to his doctrines in preference to all others…” April 21, 1803
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”