Jesus, Final Authority on Marriage

Chapter 1 - Jesus and the crisis of Christology
Chapter 2 - Jesus is the final authority
Chapter 3 - Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce
Chapter 4 - Jesus is the one who blesses
Chapter 5 - Jesus' teaching on sins of the flesh and of the spirit
Chapter 6 - Jesus and His Calvary love
Chapter 7 - Jesus and our highest identity
Chapter 8 - Jesus - Lord of the church

Despite its title, this book is not, first and foremost, about marriage and same-sex unions. It is about Jesus and His Divine Design. The first three words of this book are “Jesus–Final Authority”. This is an affirmation of faith. The last three words of this book are “in Christ Jesus”. This is an expression of trust. This book begins with a crisis–the crisis of Christology. It seeks to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” The last chapter of the book highlights a theology of hope, centered in Jesus who is Lord of the Church.

This is a “reflection book”. It seeks to reflect the teachings of Jesus on a controversial issue facing the Church today.

For some in the Church, the issue of same-sex unions is a “justice issue”. Are not all persons, whether of homosexual or heterosexual orientation, to be treated equally? But it is more than a human justice issue. It is a Divine Justice issue. We listen to the Divine Judge:

“I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” John 5:30

Divine Justice always comes with Divine Mercy. God’s love for all of us sinners is a central theme:

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

There are many controversial issues on human sexuality. Can we hope for unity in the midst of diversity? Indeed, we can if we find our unity in Jesus. St. Paul admonishes us in Ephesians 4:1-3:

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

The need for compassion is one of the concerns of the Church today. Compassion means to “suffer with” which means that suffering persons are involved. But to understand the meaning of compassion, we need to think of the passion of Jesus:

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” I Peter 2:21

All of the highest values that we cherish in the Church are centered in a Person. Freedom is to be found in the great Liberator who sets us free from bondage to sin and self. Peace is to be found in the Prince of Peace. We find justice in the Righteous Judge. We cannot live on principles, however high they might be.

I am reminded of the story of a little girl who was crying for her mother. A friend said to her, “I cannot find your mother, but I will give you the principles of motherhood.” Would a principle dry the little girl’s tears? No. For all of us, each lost and hurting in our own way, a Person has come in Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that this book will encourage us to practice the Presence of Christ in the midst of our questions.

In Chapter 8 of this book, I reveal myself to be an incurable optimist. Yes, optimistic about the Church and praising God for all the mighty works of our Lord in His Church. However, I sense a troubling tendency in the Church today. It is not to reject the gospel of Jesus Christ outright, but to reduce His message so that it will fit into our human image and likeness. Someone has said, “It is easier to change scripture than to change behavior.”

My first book entitled, Show Me the Way to Go Home, Journey to the Promised Land, proclaims Jesus, according to His own words, as “the Way, the Truth and the Life.” In this book also, Jesus is the Center of the message. We must be careful to lift up Jesus. He said in His word:

“and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” John 12:32

At my age of 94, priorities become a major concern. Inevitably, there is not too much time for ministry in this world. Each day I am involved in visitation and friendship evangelism in an apartment and care center. I am still serving on the international and national boards of the Christian Ashram founded by my spiritual mentor, E. Stanley Jones. I am involved in several Bible studies each week and also in mission and evangelism committees. Ministry with my family is a major priority. Thus the question comes, “Why spend two years on this difficult and demanding assignment?” And “Why enter into a very controversial issue, especially when I have good friends whom I respect who take an opposite view from mine regarding the blessing of same-sex unions?” Reassuring words from the Bible have kept me going:

“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6 (NKJV

“‘For I know the plans I have for you’, says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (TLB)

In this book, as in my other books, I include quotes by such writers as E. Stanley Jones, Oswald Chambers, Rick Warren, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and others. Also included are several poems written by my beautiful life partner, Marta. She is now in heaven but very much with me in spirit in this ministry. Inevitably, this book will reveal me to be a “storyteller” with its many illustrations. Above all, this book is permeated from beginning to end with the Word of our Lord. I believe this gives it spiritual power and relevance. Because Jesus is the Final Authority, I quote His Word on the male-female union many times in this book.

Great spiritual revivals are happening in many parts of the Church in the world. Indeed, we need a heaven-sent revival in the Church in our land. We join with Habakkuk in his prayer in Habakkuk 3:2:

“O Lord, I have heard the report of thee, and thy work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years renew it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.”

In the midst of our diversity and in the midst of a fallen and sinful world, it seems inevitable that a “caring clash” would occur.

Some believe that caring for persons of homosexual orientation means affirming them, not least, as they express their human sexuality in same-sex, committed unions.

Others believe that there is another way of caring. It is to affirm them as God’s creation, for whom He has a fulfilling plan without expressing their sexuality in same-sex unions.

Hopefully, we will avoid “uncaring judgementalism” and together seek for and recognize Jesus’ Divine Design for the fulfillment of our sexuality.

Readers will note that this book is primarily about Jesus, His authority and teaching. It tells of His love for all of us sinners, heterosexual and homosexual. His caring is expressed in His reassuring words:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18,19

As we care about persons in different ways, may we agree that we shall not adopt the political agenda or cave in to the pressures of secular and humanistic power groups in the Church or outside? Jesus’ Word and His Divine Design should be our agenda.

I hope that all readers will be clear on the meaning of the word, “homosexual”. Some who are careless about connotations believe that a homosexual orientation is sinful. In this book, I try to make it abundantly clear that it is not the orientation that is the problem, but the sinful behavior and practice, whether homosexual or heterosexual. But to strengthen my consistent statements on this point, I quote from a sermon by Dr. Coleman Tyler, an Episcopal priest in Galilee Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, whom I also quote at the end of Chapter 2.

“There is a world of difference between homosexual practice–and homosexual inclination or orientation. We all deal with inner inclinations or longings that take many different forms. And the truth is that some people have deep-rooted homosexual longings, and don’t know what else to do with them, but to yield to those feelings, and live out what they feel within. And this is where we–the church–have failed miserably, to come alongside our brothers and sisters wrestling with these powerful feelings–and offer a safe place of love and acceptance–and the hope of restoration and transformation that Jesus Christ extends to all of us–homosexual or heterosexual. This Church–the Church around the world–needs to live our vision and build better, stronger bridges of faith, hope, and love to all in need–spiritually, emotionally, and sexually.”

For those struggling with same-sex attraction, this distinction can be a tremendous gateway to freedom. It will lead to the realization that people are not created to be condemned because of their specific struggle. All people struggle in different areas of life, each with its own set of conflicts and consequences. Separating desire or temptation from action has been found to be a valuable first step in moving away from any addictive or compulsive behavior.

Inevitably, in any controversial issue, strong voices are heard, sometimes loud and negative, sometimes calm and thoughtful. Hopefully, there will be balance in our expressions of concern.

Each morning I sing the song, “This is the Day the Lord has Made”. Indeed, I have something, not only to sing about, but to shout about. This reminds me of a statement made by the late E. Stanley Jones. He was speaking at a Christian Ashram (a Christian Retreat featuring reflection, repentance, resolution and silence for meditation). Dr. Jones was a flaming evangelist with a magnificent obsession for Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. At one point in his sermon I was so moved that I forgot who I was. I said “Amen!” loud and clear. Dr. Jones stopped in his message and said, “All my life I’ve been looking for a shouting Lutheran and at last I’ve found one!”

Because of the person of Jesus, all believers have something to shout about. With our voices we have the ability to speak words of freedom or bondage, hope or despair, danger or blessing. But it is important to maintain “balance” in our shouting. Here are some examples:

“I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

“In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

In the midst of present-day crises, we turn to Divine revelation as revealed in Jesus. Preachers, theologians, philosophers and psychologists are fallible. We do not depend upon them for ultimate truth. Jesus came, not only to reveal the truth that guards and guides us in the midst of a confused church and world, but also to be the Answer Himself. He is Incarnate Truth.

“And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.” John 1:14

In my reading of books and articles on the oft-quoted Biblical basis for same-sex unions, I have never found quoted the words of Jesus regarding His Divine Design for marriage. It is true that Jesus said nothing about homosexuality or same-sex unions. But in very clear words He gave us His Divine plan and pattern for marriage.

“Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined 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 put asunder.” Matthew 19:4-6

What is Marriage? A better question would be, “What is marriage according to the Divine Plan of the Creator? If we want clear understanding of marriage, we should turn to the marriage service as outlined in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Book of Worship:

“The Lord God in His goodness created us male and female, and by the gift of marriage founded human community in a joy that begins now and is brought to perfection in the life to come.”

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25

In addition to “What’s a blessing?” let us ask, “Who does the blessing?” Do humans have the final word? Are we qualified to bless others? Shall we bless them? Or shall we accept the Divine Design and ask for grace to be worthy in Christ to receive the blessings He offers to us. For insight, let us look at some blessings given to us in Scripture.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

What are we doing to get rid of sins of the spirit such as hypocrisy, injustice, conflicts, yes, and the trappings of religion? Will we surrender our pride and pretense for our Lord to destroy?

If we come to Him just as we are, with our sins of the spirit and flesh, then indeed, a miracle will happen to us.

“For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us!” II Corinthians 5:21(TLB)

It was the worst of all times on a hill outside the Holy City. There the very people Jesus loved and came to rescue and save, spit in his face, held him in derision and nailed him to a cross of agony and torment. It was earth’s darkest hour.

It was the worst of times for the disciples and followers of Jesus when their Lord was killed. Their hopes died with Him. But it was the best of times on that first Easter morning when the tomb was empty and Jesus came out alive to be with them forever.

“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’” Matthew 28:5,6

Because of who He is and who we are in Him, the crisis of identity becomes for us a call to service.

In one of my favorite Bible passages in the Old Testament are the words of King David to his son, Solomon, who was chosen by the God of Israel to build the temple.

“Be strong and of good courage, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed; for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.” I Chronicles 28:20

I am an incurable optimist about the Church. Yes, the Church, with its apostasy, betrayals, confusion, compromises and sins, a Church filled with sinners like me in it! How can I help but be optimistic about the Church when I remember that I belong to an Unshakable Kingdom and to Jesus, Lord of the Church.

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29

01/12/07