The
Presbyterian Standard
The Magazine of the James Begg Society
More Viewpoint articles from past issues of the Presbyterian Standard are available online here.
A
T Westminster recently one Member of Parliament, Mr. Desmond Swayne,
voiced his concern at the direction being pursued by the Scottish
Executive in aiming at the repeal of Section 28.
Section 28 is that part of the Local Government Act 1988 which
prohibits local authorities from intentionally promoting homosexuality;
it prevents the support of sodomy in state schools.
Mr. Swayne asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, Dr. John Reid:
"Is he aware of the fate of the cities of the plain?" From his response
it would seem that the Scottish Secretary is not. From the jeers
following the question it would seem that most of our MPs are not - or
would prefer not to be reminded. Sadly the same applies to most people
today.
We are unaware whether Mr. Swayne makes any Christian profession but we
are sure that his few short words are of far greater value than most of
what has poured forth from politicians, press, people and even
preachers during the recent debate. His words point us to the inspired,
infallible and inerrant Word of God. We would do well to take heed to
its sobering account of Sodom.
Far from being a "valid lifestyle" Scripture describes the culture of
Sodom as sin. It is "ungodly", "filthy", "wicked", "unlawful" (2 Pet.
2:6-8). No sane or civilised society should be doing even the least
thing to encourage it.
The same applies to all forms of disobedience but the Bible does
highlight this sin as especially perverse. It is "very grievous" (Gen.
18:20); "abomination" (Lev. 18:22); "against nature" (Rom. 1:26,27).
The men of Sodom were "wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly"
(Gen. 13:13).
The Lord's judgment which visited the cities of the plain was fearful.
Fire and brimstone (which once gave their names to faithful preachers
who told sinners to flee from the wrath of God) reduced Sodom and its
satellites to ashes. Their inhabitants are "set forth for an example,
suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 7). Suffering now.
A homosexual lifestyle is wholly incompatible with the Christian one.
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed..." (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
There is grace and mercy even for the sodomite but he must turn from
his sin to Christ.
The spread of sodomy is itself a judgment on a nation which has rejected the true God (Rom. 1:24-28). It is a powerful reminder that repentance toward God is the great need of the hour.