The dispute over the acceptability of the covenant offering of heterosexual marriage as distinguished from a committed partnership is similar to the dispute between Cain and Abel. One offering was acceptable to God, the other was not. Even though Cain was undoubtedly sincere and his offering carefully prepared, his offering was rejected. This aroused resentment in Cain. When he learned that his contribution was not suitable to his Creator, “Cain was very angry, and his face fell” (Genesis 4:5-8).
You Make Me Mad
The same dynamic appears to be playing out today. When we declare that a same-sex partnership cannot be a marriage, an offering pleasing to God, there is a Cain-like reaction. Knowing the final outcome of Cain’s response does little to reassure me as we reject same-sex marriage. Nevertheless, we have to continue to regard marriage as an offering clearly planned by God Himself. Anything else, no matter how sincerely and lovingly presented, simply will not do.
So, does that make us hateful? Of course not. To differ with somebody does not mean we hate them. To say it does is semantic manipulation. You can read my thoughts about that here.
TEOTWAWKI
The Cain principle is going to have far-reaching effects on the church.We should be ready. We are may be nearing TEOTWAWKI (the end of the world as we know it. At least the church world). If you want to see what may lie ahead, click here.