In math, we learned that 2+2=4. We never had to learn that 2+2=5 is wrong. Once we knew the correct answer, we could therefore assume that any answer other than 4 was incorrect. Just because we weren't taught explicitly that 2+2=5 is wrong didn't mean it was acceptable. We would have certainly had it marked wrong on a test, and no amount of arguing would have changed the teacher's mind.
When approached regarding the issue of marriage, Jesus simply recalled the words of Moses in Genesis 2:24: "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matthew 19:4-6).
Jesus taught us what marriage is, so there really wasn't any need to teach us what marriage is not. If that's the case, then we can safely assume that whatever doesn't match up with his description of marriage is wrong.
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3 comments:
Lee, I read everything you write on this blog and enjoy it. I recently wrote my own entry on the very same topic, "Jesus never said ..."
While I agree with all you said, I need to point out that the argument you gave is not quite complete. True, Jesus explained what marriage was (a man and a woman becoming one flesh.) True, that indicates His definition of marriage and excludes so-called "gay marriage" (by definition). However, that doesn't exclude homosexual behavior.
In order to finish the argument, you have to include the rest of Jesus's statements in Matt. 19. Sex outside of marriage is sin. You can either marry (and He defined marriage) or you can be "a eunuch". Those are the only two options. That provides a more comprehensive expression from Christ. No "same-sex marriage" and no sex outside marriage. That would exclude homosexual behavior ... from the words of Christ.
You are correct, Stan. Christ's definition of marriage does indeed make it clear that all sex outside of marriage is wrong, and I probably should have specified "gay marriage." I was merely addressing that particular argument as it is used in support of homosexuality.
You guys beat me to the punch!
Scripture is clear on the subject.
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