Continuing down the path of apostasy, the Methodist Church in the United Kingdom has made a drastic shift away from the traditional biblical definition of marriage. The denomination has released an “Inclusive Language Guide” that encourages ministers to avoid using terms like “husband” and “wife” and instead opt for gender-neutral terms such as “partner” and “parent.” This move is a clear departure from the biblical definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
The guide, which is updated every six months, suggests that relationships come in many different forms and that using “parent,” “partner” and “child” are good ways to start a conversation. This recommendation is in stark contrast to the biblical teaching of marriage as a lifelong, monogamous relationship between a man and a woman, as laid out in Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
The Methodist Church’s new stance also promotes the use of chosen pronouns to honor a person’s identity, as well as encouraging the use of gender-neutral titles such as “Mx.” These changes are being made in the name of inclusivity and to avoid “demonizing” or “marginalizing” certain groups in society.
However, these changes simply further the deceptive teaching that gender is fluid instead of binary. The Methodist Church’s new stance on marriage and sexuality is causing concern among many Christians who see it as an outright abandonment of Scripture and being taken up with the values of the world.
In 2021, the church’s governing body in Great Britain voted to redefine marriage, to conduct same-sex weddings and to affirm cohabitation. This moves further demonstrate the church’s departure from biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality.
Despite these changes, Sam McBratney, the Chairman of the pro-LGBTQ lobby group Dignity and Worth, has claimed that ministers in the denomination will still be able to preach faithfully on biblical sexual ethics. This is quite unlikely as the very idea of marriage as anything outside of being between one man and one woman is against Scripture. These deceptive statements and practices have found root in the hearts of many churches across the world who have now replaced the cross in their buildings with that of the pride flag.
The Methodist Church’s decision to abandon the biblical definition of marriage and embrace worldly views on marriage and sexuality is a reminder that the church must remain faithful to the teachings of the Bible, even in the face of pressure from the world.
The Bible warns of an increase in deception and apostasy in the end times. In Matthew 24:10-12, Jesus says, “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” This passage highlights the prevalence of false teachings and the falling away from the faith during the final days.
Additionally, 2 Thessalonians 2:3 warns of a great rebellion against God before the second coming of Christ: “Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not arrive until the rebellion comes and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.”
These biblical passages underscore the need for believers to be vigilant and discerning in the face of deception and apostasy in the end times. Having a deep biblical understanding, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit will empower believers to see the times that we live in for what they are.
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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