In regard to this, and this, and this, etc., etc., etc., we are in a very serious situation in America, but Christians have had to deal with this before. Take note here not only of those who have been handed over to “degrading passions” but also that it speaks of those who approve of them. Today’s “gay rights” movement not only wants us to judge their hearts, but they demand that we judge their hearts to be pure. We can’t judge hearts. We do, however, see the bad fruit that is born from corruption and must warn people away from it for the sake of their souls.
From the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans.
* The wrath* of God* is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. While claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes.
Therefore, God handed them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts* for the mutual degradation of their bodies. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Therefore, God handed them over to degrading passions. Their females exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the males likewise gave up natural relations with females and burned with lust for one another. Males did shameful things with males and thus received in their own persons the due penalty for their perversity. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God handed them over to their undiscerning mind to do what is improper. They are filled with every form of wickedness, evil, greed, and malice; full of envy, murder, rivalry, treachery, and spite. They are gossips and scandalmongers and they hate God. They are insolent, haughty, boastful, ingenious in their wickedness, and rebellious toward their parents. They are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know the just decree of God that all who practice such things deserve death, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
Note in this next part, below, that St. Paul is still talking to the depraved people he mentions above. St. Paul himself was a Jew and his remark about Jews should be read in that context. He is speaking of one’s personal responsibility here, that those particular Jews who had converted to Christianity would be required first by God to uphold what is right, because they, at the time that these Scriptures were written, generally knew more about God than the average Christian did. To those who know more, more will be required, and of them, those who do God’s will are going to be considered first in receiving heavenly reward.
Again, he is talking to those mainly who have become the depraved people he mentions above. They are the ones whose basis for judging others is completely void, because they have rejected the standard by which God judges. This is what I am referring to when I say that those who say children do well in homes with “two moms” or “two dads” are not fit to judge what is good for children.
Therefore, you are without excuse,a every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true. Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, He who will repay everyone according to his works: eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. Yes, affliction and distress will come upon every human being who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. There is no partiality with God.
God is King. No one else. And He is our Shepherd. Trust in Him.
