God's Point of View

One of the biggest problems mankind seems to have when trying to make sense of the world is that they attempt to do so apart from reliance on the Bible. In most cases, people will rely on feelings and experience as the measure in which to make judgements about the events and circumstances in their lives. It is this type of decision making that is behind such things as relativism. Everybody has an opinion or an experience in which to refer to, that is true to them, but it doesn't mean it is truth. However, as Christians we need to learn to view the world from God's point of view. This has been called the "third lens" of scripture or as putting on your "biblical glasses." Basically, when presented with a subject we should first ask, 'What does the Bible say about that?" If we look at a few major topics, we can get an idea of what this looks like:

Homosexuality

What the world says about homosexuality is that it is a natural act resulting from people being born homosexual. Therefore, we should accept the behavior by changing the standards and traditions that have served mankind well. In order to accomodate homosexuality, the world's point of view tries to play on emotions by comparing the struggles of members of this community to those faced by African-Americans and women in their fight for equality. Furthermore, as a gesture of how accepting we are to be of this lifestyle, traditional marriage is expected to be redefined to include same sex marriage. From this perspective, all that matters is that two people love each other. The end result is that the standards of decency, marriage and morality are turned upside down. And this doesn't even begin to address the physical and emotional damage sustained by continuing in this sin.

The Bible's perspective is quite different. Far from from being natural, scripture has quite a bit to say about homosexuality:

It is an unnatural act (Romans 1:26-27) Homosexuals have no share in the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9) We are warned not to practice it (Genesis 19: 5-7) God sees it as detestable (Leviticus 20:13)This is just a few of the passages that talk about homosexuality. None of them paint it in the same light as the world. And this doesn't even address issues like marriage, which the Bible describes as a man and woman becoming one (Genesis 2:24-25) and that woman was created because it wasn't good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). As the saying goes, God didn't create Adam and Steve. God created Adam and Eve! By engaging in homosexual activity you are basically telling God that He was wrong when He created man and woman.

Abortion

Who doesn't get emotional, for example, when you look into the sunken face of a teenager, who, in a moment of misguided lust, has become pregnant? Or how about the lady who has endured the indescribeable terror of a rape only to find out she is carrying her attackers baby? There are many examples of "unwanted" or "unplanned" pregnancies, resulting from criminal activity or, in the majority of cases, sexual promiscuity, that lead to the decision to terminate that pregnancy. In an effort to further justify abortion, its advocates will question whether or not an actual human being is killed in the process. The world uses phrases like "reproductive choice" and that a woman has a "right to make decisions about her body," to mask the sadistic act of abortion. All of these keep the focus on the women and off of what is developing in their wombs. Unfortunately, while the world is more concerned about the woman who is pregnant, little concern is given to the 46 million unborn babies that have died since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

As with homosexuality, the Bible is clear about abortion and, more importantly, the lives of those little ones lost because of its cruelty. We know from scripture that...

God has a purpose for those in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5) The unborn have rights (Exodus 21: 22-23) Unborn children are people (Psalm 51:5) Unborn children have consciousness (Luke 1: 41, 44) God knows a child in the womb (Psalm 139:13)It may sound flippant, but every person who is alive today avoided abortion! Because of the emotions that can stir in the discussion over abortion, we must have a clear and dependable standard of truth in which to rely on. That is why we have to turn to the Word of God. The world is full of opinions and beliefs about this subject. And when everybody has an opinion, nobody can stake claim to the truth. For the unborn child, once they are destroyed in the womb, the discussion ends for them. We can't penalize an unborn child because of the way in which it was conceived. If God cares for the unborn, it is the least we can do for them to do the same.

God

Probably nothing generates more debate between people than whether or not God exists. Most of the world believes there is a God, but the opinions about who He is, or "what" He is, vary. Even the atheists, in my opinion, believe in a god. Only their god is man. Regardless, it seems to be okay to believe in God, so long as you don't claim your God to be the God, or your way to be the way. This is why moral relativism has thrown truth out the door an in effort for everybody to get along. What is missed in the discussion is that, eventually, a standard of truth needs to be agreed upon. Because there will come a time when everybody's individual beliefs about right and wrong, good and evil and how we conduct ourselves will collide. It is then that a standard of truth in which to determine who or what is correct will need to arise. But, when you don't have one, how do you decide what to do? In a world were anything goes, anything will go. Usually, the deciding factor in these times is strength or popularity. Neither of which are good factors in determing the truth about God existence and who He is.

The Bible states that man is without excuse when it comes to belief in whether God exists or not. It tells us we don't have to look far to find Him and understand who He is.

The fact that the world exists proves His existence (Romans 1: 18-20) Only a fool says in his heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1) The law of God written on the human heart prove His existence (Romans 2: 14, 15) God's provisions testify to His existence (Acts14:17) The Heavens above prove the existence of God (Psalm 19:1) God is not far from any of us (Acts 17:27)Ultimately, the proof of God's existence is in His Son, Jesus Christ. The virgin conception of Jesus, His sinless life and His death, burial and resurrection are irrefutable proof of, not only God's existence, but of His love for the world and His way of salvation for mankind. The world offers many religions that boast of having the path to God, if you only adhere to them through self-effort. However, Jesus Christ is God's only provision to reach down to mankind, in love, to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Whether you believe in God or not, you are still dead in your sins and in need of the life of God through faith in Jesus Christ. The way of the world leads to destruction and separation from God. But, God's way of salvation in Jesus Christ is the only way to rescue you from the worthless ways of the world.

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe." 1 Thessalonians 2:13

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Therefore, we must realize that the Bible, the Word of God, is our standard of truth. We must remember to turn to the scriptures to help us determine how to view the world. For a believer, the Holy Spirit of God is indwelling us and is there to lead us into all truth. It is by abiding in Him that we are able to cut through the emotion and confusion that arises when deciphering events from the world's point of view. It is by constant use that we are able to rightly discern truth from error. And, in turn, we become salt and light to the lost world. By standing firm on the truths of God, we may not be popular and may even face persecution, but we can be confident that we are trusting in God, the Creator of all things, to strengthen and direct us in our lives. As it has been said, "God does have an opinion on just about everything." And we can find that opinion within the pages of His Word.