For those of us who hold a Biblical worldview, the mix of sadness, grief and anger over the redefining of marriage by the Supreme Court has been profound and is certainly appropriate. These emotions are much different than the trivial feelings caused by the sting of “losing.” They are more akin to the deep grief associated with death. We mourn because we know what has actually happened—and what is coming. Through this ruling, America took one step closer toward the death of our God-given destiny and greatness. As respected Pastor and Revivalist John Kilpatrick points out in a recent video, we are now an apostate nation. [1]
Although Dutch Sheets Ministries has never endorsed a candidate or political party, I did issue a warning regarding the Supreme Court during the election of 2008. While I had concerns about both major party candidates, now-President Obama’s stand on abortion and other moral and legal issues led me to believe his Supreme Court appointments could cause great damage. I warned, in fact, that the true spoils of the election, regardless of who won, would be the shaping of the Supreme Court for many years to come. Sadly, this has proven to be true. Though President Obama has done much personally to take the nation in directions I disagree with and mourn over, I believe what has just happened through the Court will prove to be the most destructive part of his legacy. We have just experienced this generation’s “Roe vs. Wade.”
In an article published by The Daily Signal, Canadian Dawn Stefanowicz gives us a shocking but eye-opening report of the true fallout, based on what occurred when Canada went down this path. Lance Wallnau of The Lance Learning Experience also points out clearly what is coming. I have placed a link to their statements at the end of this response. Both clearly explain the dire and terrifying consequences of this ruling—truly, America has entered a new era.[2, 3]
But as disheartening as this ruling was, and as appropriate as it is to grieve, it does us no good at this point to vent and rage. The real questions are: “What happens now?” and “Where do we go from here?” As we ponder this, here are five thoughts to consider.
1) The Bible is still God’s standard
A watered-down gospel and a largely Bible-less church have given way to a generation of Americans who believe there is no true standard for life and morality. Relativism (no absolutes) and humanism (self-rule, as opposed to God’s) have taken over our nation, including much of the church. When our nation embraced this philosophy, the Bible became merely a historical book of “suggestions,” and the Constitution became nothing more than a historical document of old “ideas.” Both became “outdated” sets of values, appropriate for generations past, but not relevant for today. Therefore, we needed to create our own guidelines, beliefs and boundaries, which, of course, would always need to be evolving.
The problem with all of this is that in reality, a changing standard is no standard. This has led to mooring-less chaos, unbridled sin, lawlessness, and rebellion. As occurred in Israel’s early history, most Americans are now doing what is right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). America is adrift in the devastating sea of self-desire, self-adulation and self-rule.
But the beauty and strength of absolute truth is that it will always be true—and relevant. One always knows what to expect when dealing with absolutes; boundaries never change, solutions always work. Like a strong foundation, truth can be trusted. Relativism, on the other hand, makes life one long experiment. True Christianity believes the truth and absolutes we need are found in God’s word, the Bible. And the Bible still teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-5). It also states that any form of sex outside of that relationship—adultery, heterosexual sex, homosexual sex, incest, bestiality, etc.—is sin. This is how the scriptures have always read, how they will read 10,000 years from now, and for those of us with a biblical worldview, this is what we will always believe. (For a great summary of biblical passages related to the many facets of this decision, you may want to read the statement from Dallas Theological Seminary.)[4]
2) There is an all-out attempt by politicians, educators and others to change America from a biblically based, Christian nation to a secular nation
The justices that voted to redefine marriage know the Constitution doesn’t give them that right. Liberal government leaders know what the Constitution does and doesn’t say, as do liberal educators. They also know what our nation’s Founders actually believed about America’s need for God and the Bible. The attempt to revise our history and distort the Constitution occurs simply because they don’t agree with what the Founders believed and what the Bible teaches—their standards and ideals are different. Therefore, in order to create the America they want, the standards and guiding principles of the past must be revised and/or eradicated.
The Supreme Court justices who voted for same-sex marriage know this was not truly a constitutional ruling and that they are legislating from the bench. Indeed, Justice Roberts stated, “The majority’s position [was] indefensible as a matter of constitutional law.” And one need not be a legal scholar to see the logic of Justice Scalia’s dissent: “When the 14th amendment was ratified in 1868, every state limited marriage to one man and one woman, and no one doubted the constitutionality of doing so.” He continued, “They [the majority] have discovered in the 14th amendment a ‘fundamental right’ overlooked by every person alive at the time of ratification, and almost everyone else in the time since.”
The five justices who redefined marriage are not stupid. They are unwise, but not stupid. They know what the framers of the Constitution meant and what the 14th Amendment really means. They simply do not care. And they are bent on using their power to change America.
3) God will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7)
Psalm 2 speaks of rulings such as this one—natural rulers and unbelievers who rebel against God’s governmental yoke, and against his Son. The warning is strong, even terrifying, describing His anger and the destruction He will bring to them. Verse number 10 is especially appropriate at this time: “Take warning, you judges of the earth.” Indeed, there is a Highest Court presided over by “the Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:9-11, 22). Whether they know it or not, every judge on the Supreme Court of America will one day bow before God (Philippians 2:10-11) and give an account for every ruling they make. And included in that accounting will be the fruit of those rulings, such as: aborted babies; His influence being removed from schools and public places, resulting in millions of young people not knowing Him and His ways; and the redefining of His marriage covenant, resulting in the breakdown of families, along with the devastating effect this will have on children.
And who could ever forget the mocking spirit demonstrated by our president when he decorated the White House with rainbow colors. Using one of God’s covenantal symbols, a symbol now used by the LGBT movement, President Obama delivered one of the most arrogant, in-your-face gestures ever performed by an American president. Knowing fully the anguish millions of Christians were experiencing over this ruling, and knowing the insult this act would be to those millions of Americans, he chose to decorate the White House in this gay and lesbian symbolism. When asked during a press conference to comment on the ruling (and other “victories” he experienced last week), he reinforced his arrogance and insensitivity. Refusing to back down, He lauded this inexcusable act, speaking of it as “a moment worth savoring.” I can assure our president there will come a time when he will not savor that moment. The rainbow does not belong to any earthly movement but is a sacred symbol of one of God’s covenants. And the definition he just helped redefine was written by God, not a person. It was not only the Church and millions of Americans that were mocked; it was also Almighty God. And I can assure you; He will have the final say.
4) Sadly, America will experience further judgment
There are two types of judgment in Scripture. There are direct actions by God, such as the plagues visited on Egypt because of their slavery and mistreatment of Israel. And there are also the built-in results of sin. Most “judgments” are simply the inevitable and automatic results of disobeying God’s word and principles, not God’s direct action. Sin has inherent wages (Romans 6:23). To believe we can escape those ramifications is as foolish as believing we can defy natural laws. Without oxygen, we will die; wishing otherwise will not change this. Likewise, breaking God’s laws will bring painful consequences to us.
Disobedience to God also moves us out from under His protection, which is another form of judgment. Jonah 2:8 says those who worship idols, forfeit the grace or mercy that could be theirs. In most cases, judgment is simply losing the blessing, favor, and protection of God. America has repeatedly rejected God—His authority, presence and ways—for a generation now, thereby forfeiting the grace and mercy that could be ours. We wonder why our economy fails, crime increases, and horrific and violent acts have occurred. The answer is not that a vindictive God is throwing a temper tantrum, but that we have removed ourselves from His protection and blessing.
With this arrogant and rebellious ruling, America has challenged God’s authority and justice once again. We have defiled the first covenant He established on earth, second in importance only to the covenant He gave us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Indeed, this is the covenant relationship He uses to picture our union with Christ! The pride and rebellion demonstrated by trampling under foot this millennia-old, God-established covenant will cause us immeasurable harm. Though of a slightly different nature, this sin ranks up with abortion and slavery. I tremble at the cost of this. I do not know in what form the reaping will come—terrorism, disease, natural disasters, poverty, loss of destiny—but I am very confident the price will be greater than any we as a nation have paid in decades.
One form of reaping will certainly be persecution against Christians. You do not have to take my word for this, just read the Dissents of the other four Justices. Not only are they scathing in their exposing of the ruling’s unconstitutionality, they clearly warn of the persecution and loss of religious liberty the ruling will generate. Justice Thomas said, “It appears all but inevitable that the two [this ruling and religious liberty] will come into conflict, particularly as individuals and churches are confronted with demands to participate in and endorse civil marriages between same-sex couples. The majority appears unmoved by that inevitability.”
The floodgates are open. And yet…
5) God is not finished with America
I believe America will survive the judgment. I still believe we will experience a great revival—a Third Great Awakening—followed by a great reformation. If this occurs, it will turn America back to God and save us from total apostasy and destruction. A REVIVAL OF THIS MAGNITUDE IS OUR ONLY HOPE! This revival will not stop the judgment, but will occur in spite of the judgment. Indeed, it may happen in part because of the judgment. But I, and other trusted leaders I know, have very strong promises from God regarding the coming of this revival. God will turn us back to Himself. While commenting on this decision, Jennifer LeClaire, senior editor of Charisma, shares a strong word of hope she received from the Lord a few years back.[5] It is well worth reading.
God loves this generation, and he loves the millions of unsaved people in America and throughout the earth. He needs an America in right relationship with Him in order to reap this potential harvest. A great revival will restore to us this amazing destiny. Do not be deceived; the war for the soul of America is linked to this greatest harvest of souls in all of history.
I have written a small book outlining why I believe this revival is coming.[6] Perhaps more importantly, it describes how the awakening will be generated. The book is an easy read and is filled with great hope for America. It explains how our nation was actually born through a movement of prayer, under the banner of a flag flown during the American war for independence. This flag, commissioned by George Washington and flown over our naval ships and battlefields, had emblazoned across the top: An Appeal To Heaven.
If America ever needed another Appeal To Heaven movement, it is now! Let’s create one! There is still a window of time, but it is closing fast. Let’s cry out for mercy and grace, appealing to heaven for a third great awakening.
Sincerely…and with hope,
Dutch Sheets
Dutch Sheets
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