BIBLE CLEAR IN ITS MARRIAGE DEFINITION

IT must be understood a vote in favour of redefining marriage will have far-reaching repercussions, challenging a number of cherished Christian teachings. I highlight but one. In a number of ways the Christian scriptures set forth the vital union that exists between Christ and his church. The most homely, meaningful and descriptive of these is that of the relationship established in marriage between a man and a woman.

In the New Testament (Ephesians chapter 5 verse 25), we are counselled in these terms, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”.

In verses 31 and 32 the Apostle Paul confirms marriage is between a man and a woman. He goes on to say that the “one flesh” relationship of husband and wife in marriage is a reflection of the marriage union between Christ and the church.

In chapters 19 and 21 of Revelation we find references by the Apostle John to the marriage of Christ the bridegroom and his bride, the church.

Therefore, to redefine marriage to include the union of same sex couples is a direct challenge, not only upon the biblical institution of the marriage of a man and a woman, but is also in conflict with the reality of the church’s marriage union with Jesus Christ, depicted in the Bible in such exclusive terms as that of the marriage of a man and a woman.

I call on legislators to acknowledge a “Yes” vote is not simply saying Yes to the “marriage” of two people who love one another, but it is also saying the Bible is misleading us concerning its definition of marriage.

In future, will I as a Christian be forbidden to declare publicly my relationship with my Saviour in such exclusive terms as that of a bride to a bridegroom or wife to her husband?

Is the significance of Biblical terminology that the Christian church has used for centuries up for grabs?