The Supreme Court ruling today means that no state can legally define marriage as only between one man and one woman. States must now officially declare that the union of two homosexuals is just as proper and natural as the union between heterosexuals. Even if the Bible did not define which unions are proper and improper (Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:2-12, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Timothy 1:8-11), the natural functions of our bodies obviously show that man was meant for woman and woman for man.
This is not a time for rejoicing, but a time for repentance. Nothing that God calls sin should be declared right and good. And this is no moment for believers in Christ to look down their noses at others. All people are guilty before God of sins which cannot be counted. These sins cannot be done away with by any court or power. Sin is atoned for only by Jesus who perfectly kept God’s law in every part, and who shed His blood for every sinner. Apart from Him, there is no righteousness and there is no salvation.
The Supreme Court ruling attempts to relieve consciences of the guilt of sin. Only God can do that. And He accomplished it not by changing His mind or explaining sin away, but by dealing with sin through the work of His Son. We pray for the repentance of the whole nation, and that starts with us.
Almighty and most merciful God, our heavenly Father, Your compassion has no end; You are long-suffering, gracious, and full of goodness and truth; forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin: We have sinned and done perversely; we have forsaken You and offended You; against You, You only, have we sinned and done this evil in Your sight. But we beseech You, O Lord, do not remember against us our previous sins; let Your tender mercies speedily forgive us, for we have been brought very low; help us, O God of our salvation, and purge away our sins, for the glory of Your holy name, and for the sake of Your dear Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one true God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Day of Humiliation and Prayer, Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary p. 166)
For more about what the Supreme Court ruling could mean for Christians, click here.