“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done . . . Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” (Romans 1:28- 32, ESV)
Yesterday, I wrote on the War Over sexuality that is going on in our country. One of the things that just astounds me is that young people are so open in participating in sexual activity outside of marriage. I know that these things have always gone on, but they were kept secret, at least by those who were in high-school. I guess I am dating myself, for now, even in high-school things seem wide open. Moreover, if someone wants to maintain their virginity and follow God’s plan for sexuality, they are labeled as weird or as defective. Our younger culture now seems to see the word virgin as derogatory.
Paul concluding this section regarding the deprivation of man speaks of this very issue. Paul continues listing the actions that come forth from the debased mind, that people do what ought not be done. I will not list them, as you can read them for yourself.
The thing that struck me was found in verse 32. Paul wrote that they know what is right. They also know that those who practice evil deserve death and yet, they give approval to the transgressors. They would encourage young people to engage in sexuality outside of marriage. They would encourage a married person to have an affair. They would approve of malicious gossipers and those who cause strife, and etcetera.
This is our society today and seems to be getting worse. Not only our society, but churches, once solid churches, are now embracing things that the Word of God declares as an abomination. Oh, there is a day of judgment coming. A day when there will be a weeping and gnashing of teeth. They will cry for mercy in that day, but it will be too late. It is a time for the true and faithful church to declare the harsh message. It is time to stop sugar-coating. Judgment is coming. It is time for people to repent and seek the Lord.
Renewing the Heart 