The consequences of sexual immorality
Much has been said about the ‘falling away’ of Western Societies from the Word of God and the moral and ethical decline that this has brought in the acceptance of sexual behaviours that are forbidden by the Bible. The Word of God states, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7). Sadly, we have seen and are seeing the harmful impact that these behaviours are having on the mental well-being of individuals, together with the social and economic consequences for countries that have turned their back on God.
It is no understatement to say that the God-given foundation ordinances of marriage and the family are under attack and this has had a serious impact on wider society. Allied to this is the importance of the God-given roles (and responsibilities) of parents (husband-and-wife in the marriage bond) and children within families.
In January and February 2020, a two-part article “Sexual Revolution” written by G. R. van Leeuwen was published in Mount Zion (a monthly publication of the Reformed Congregations in North America).
The author opens the first article with the words:
“Likely the title of this article already fills you with revulsion and you decide not to read it. We are nevertheless writing about this, because the consequences of this revolution are not bypassing our denomination. The sexual revolution which broke out a half a century ago, undermines the core values of marriage, family and society and touches everyone personally. All of us, and certainly our children, are part of a secularised world. We too, not only inhale that spirit of the time, but also exhale it.”
The author then goes on to examine in a forthright yet sensitive way a range of issues including the impact of divorce, pornography and the identity crisis resulting from rebelling against God’s Word concerning the creation of man and woman.
In the second article, the author courageously deals with one devastating outcome of the sexual revolution and that is sexual violation/abuse which came to the fore in the ‘Me too!’ movement. The author identifies that “It’s likely that there are readers who shook their heads when they heard about the entire #MeToo-movement”. Referring to things that have taken place in the Roman Catholic Church, the author goes on to state “However, that abuse also takes place in other churches. Teachers and church workers associate with children and young people. Then there is always an inequality of positions. This can lead to manipulation and sexual inappropriate behaviour. Numerous examples could be given….. It is absolutely appalling! How many children…. could cry out: ‘Me too, I also know what it is to be abused!’
The author concludes with the faithful statement “But God’s Word does teach us that sexual activity ought to only take place within marriage, for then a promise of faithfulness and love has been made. Sexual activity should not be available outside of marriage!”
What a mercy if our eyes have been open to see the wisdom of God in His right order for (sexual) relationships between men and women. Yet sadly, we also see the damaging consequences of disorder when men, women and children follow the sinful lusts of their eyes and flesh.
A transcript of the two articles can be found by clicking here.
Part 2 to follow
