Open Letter
AN OPEN LETTER TO CHRISTIANS THAT CARE
Dearly Beloved:
The 21st Century has been characterized
by surprise attacks, catastrophic tragedies, wars and indiscriminate killing.
In some so-called "civilized countries" the rule of law has been usurped
by the concept of pre-emptive strike, summarily ordered targeted assassinations,
and "collateral" killings. Violence has broken out and we seem unable
to contain it. We find ourselves on "uneasy" footing. We have
become both offensive and defensive. Our guard is up and we are continually
looking over our shoulders. This is not a peaceful picture.
Yet, one would think that such calamity would draw
us nearer to God. However, I'm inclined to believe that we have reached
a point where the "gap" has widened (or, rather, I should say, "been widened").
For those of us who would live Holy in Christ Jesus, it does not appear
that our society is drawing any nearer to Him. To the contrary, we
seem to be moving farther away. If that is the case, not only are we
Spiritually demented, we are irrational as well.
Many of you are well aware of the Biblical assurance
that, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
(Proverbs 14:34). So, then, we are presented the choice of the
ages; righteousness vs sin. We choose one and reject other.
Righteousness is our choice when we obey the Word of God. When
we do otherwise, sin is our choice. It is impossible to disobey the
word of God and have such action accepted by God as being righteous. Though
we sometimes seek to replace God's word with our own, God is neither
fooled nor amused. So, then, we remain the losers still.
Today, Christians must quickly decide between the
commands of man and the commands of God. In the United States of America,
a number of sinful acts are being "legalized". Christians should quickly
understand that many of these "legalized" sins require us to take actions
that are contrary to the Will of God. We need to decide who we are,
whose we are, and to whom our allegiance will be given. We will not
be able to halt between two opinions. The lines are being clearly drawn
and we have no choice but to choose one side or the other.
I think Christians should be careful to stay abreast
of the many actions that impact our options. For example, Christians,
being citizens, have the Right (and obligation) to provide input concerning
proposed rules, regulations and laws. Such input could help keep those
legislative acts within the purview of God's Will. Otherwise, we have
to choose to obey man or God.
God established marriage and set the rules therefor.
Many people in our society do not believe God. They have no regard
whatsoever for Him. Many others have been misled by impostors and/or
carnal Christians. They, too, see no problem in acting in contravention
of the law of God. So, the stage is set: What will the Christian
do?
Recently in America, the issue of same sex "marriage"
has forged its way to the forefront of discussion. Most Christians
I know believe that God teaches that such same sex activity is extremely
sinful. Yet, the debate goes on and in at least one State (Vermont
[USA]) a type of same sex "union" has been "legalized". The impact
on Christians will probably be more grievious than imagined. Thus our
nation is headed in a direction that will make it a less accommodating place
for Christians.
New Jersey seems poised as the second US State to
push beyond the laws of God and "legalize" same sex "unions". Under
a Bill called the "Domestic Partnership Act ( already passed by the Assembly
[A3743 { and under consideration by the Senate, with passage sought before
the January 13, 2004 Session ending]}) people could form a "domestic partnership
and cohabitate, engage in sexual activity, and enjoy many (if not most) of
the privileges of being married. The new proposed Bill is so sweeping
and far-reaching that it seeks to change the policy of the State of New Jersey
(regarding marriage) and at the same time, establish another type of "union"
that I believe is totally against the Word of God. It would certainly
promote fornication (as we define it in Christianity) as well as fully abuse
the standards of decency God has set for families, communities and nations.
The mere number of other state laws it seeks to change is staggering
(P.L. 1944, P. L. 1945, P.L. 1954, P.L. 1961, P. L. 1965, P.L. 1969,
P. L. 1973, P. L. 1977, P. L. 1989, P. L. 1991, N.J.S. 18A, N.J.S.
54A, R. S. 26, R. S. 54, and others). More specifically, it seeks to
institute same sex "unions" under the "partnership" guise. While a
cursory reading of the proposed Bill (A3743) would seem to grant many expanded
Rights to all people, the net result is to make it possible for same sex
lovers to enter into a "marriage". The cohabitation sought to be made
legal by the bill is sinful regardless of the sexual orientation of the proposed
participants. However, in seeking to create a "marriage" (not the bill's
terminology) class for same sex participants, the bill flies in the face
of Holy Scripture. With this, Christians would have to deal (they would
have to decide to obey or disobey [or rather, they would have to decide
to obey God or man]).
The proposed New Jersey Bill (A3743) is even more
egregious than the above. It seeks, in addition, to make the partner
equal (or almost equal) to the Spouse in a regular marriage. Indeed,
at some points in its proposals, it proposes having a surviving partner of
a "domestic partnership" be referred to under the designation, "Surviving
Spouse". In other sections it seeks to afford the Widower or Widow
designations to "surviving partners". In decisions concerning donating
the organs of a dying or expired "partner" , the Bill proposes to afford
more authority to the "partner" than to the adult child, parent, or sibling
of the expiring or expired individual. In other words, it is very clear
(in my view) that the intent of the bill is to create a class of "marriage"
for same sex lovers. That said, in my view, traditional marriage is
also attacked by such provisions as are included in New Jersey's A3743. The
ease of contractual cohabitation is offensive to Biblical teachings. God
established marriage, not contractual cohabitation. He specifically
prohibits and pronounces His judgment against fornication. By creating
an inferior class of "marriage" New Jersey (and any State) would (in my view)
be mounting an attack against Godly marriage. God also specifically
prohibits same sex intercourse. So, God makes no provisions for the
marriage of people of the same sex. Yet, man, in his "wisdom" seeks
to supercede God and move "beyond" Him. The New Jersey Assembly Bill
(A3743) may be view at the following URL:
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2002/Bills/A3500/3743_R2.HTM
As can be seen from the above, the Christian of today
is indeed faced with challenges. We should not take these issues lightly.
If we want the favor of God, we need to obey God. If we choose
the favor of man over that of God, let us be fully aware of what we are doing
(rebelling against God). It is before God that we must all appear and
He is no respecter of persons. As for me, I care. I choose to obey
God.
Pastor Clarence William Page
Greensboro, North Carolina
December 29, 2003
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