In a recent vote the Church of England has decided to include formal blessings for same-sex couples.
As The Christian Post reported, the vote on this decision was 24 to 11. Bishops will now be able to formally use the “Prayers of Love and Faith” document.
In this document from the Church of England’s The Archbishop’s Council, the introduction states, “The Prayers of Love and Faith are offered as resources in praying with and for a same-sex couple who love one another and who wish to give thanks for and mark that love in faith before God.”
The document further goes on to say, “Recognizing and celebrating the goods in faithful, committed same-sex relationships and seeking God’s help and blessing in growing in faith, love and holiness, these prayers seek to help couples grow in holiness.”
This decision comes from the Church of England as here in America we see an increase in LGBTQ ideology being taught in schools, spread online by influencers, those in political power and even in our churches. Yet, just because a document or because a majority says something that tickles the ear does not mean that these types of unions are godly.
First Corinthians 6:9-10 gives a list of the types of people who will not inherit the kingdom of God.
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This laundry list of people includes much more than just those who are in same-sex relationships, but they are part of the list. However, there is good news, which comes later in verse 11.
“Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified and you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus by the Spirit of our God.”
The blood of Jesus is powerful enough to wash away all sin when we come to Him. This doesn’t mean sitting in the old, but accepting the new life that can only ever be found through Him. For a church, and even more, for an entire denomination to accept a sin that clearly says you cannot enter the kingdom of God under is blatantly wrong. How can we except God to bless and call something holy that He has already said is not holy?
One of the prayers in the ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ is a prayer for God’s blessing, which says, “By your blessing, and with you as their companion and guide, may they rejoice in hope and be sustained in love all the days of their life and in the age to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
For Jesus to bless a union as Lord, it has to be under His Lordship. At the end of the day only what the Lord has commanded of us to do and how to live will be blessed; all attempts by our own human efforts without Him cannot and will not experience His blessing.
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Abby Trivett is a marketing copywriter and coordinator for Charisma Media.
