Mankind has long opined certain matters as being justified due to the fact that they were deemed legal by civil law. However, the fact remains that something deemed legal by civil law does not necessarily make that action moral or justified in the sight of Almighty God. Civil law is not the “end all” for the child of God. We are accountable to a higher standard of authority (Acts 5:29). Certain things may seem justified because civil law considers them legal, but in the sight of God, they may still be lethal! Consider:
Murder is legal but lethal! Mankind has boisterously proclaimed the murder of unborn babies as legal, but in God’s eyes abortion is and will always be lethal! Under the Mosaic regime God was clear on the issue of murder, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13; cf. Deuteronomy 5:17). God’s commands regarding the sin of murder under the Christian regime are crystal clear as well (Matthew 5:22; James 2:11; 1 John 3:15). According to Almighty God, who created mankind, life begins in the womb of the mother (Isaiah 49:1, 5; Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-14; Job 3:13-16; 39:13-16; Luke 1:41-44; James 2:26). Thus, if one takes the life of an unborn baby, he or she is a murderer! Although civil law deems such murders legal, truly these merciless slaughters are lethal!
Mind-altering drugs are legal but lethal! Many are now “legalizing” drugs like marijuana in the U.S. Recently, Colorado legalized “pot” for those over the age of 21. The consumption of alcohol has long been legal for those over the age of 21 as well. However, what does God say on this subject? Anything that damages self-control and sobriety is “off limits” to the one who desires to please God (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-30; Ephesians 2:2; Galatians 5:19-23; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Often what the legislature declares legal, the Lord declares lethal!
“Marriage” is legal but may be lethal! Numerous states are now boasting the legality of “same sex” unions and calling it marriage. However, no matter what a governing body deems as marriage, God’s marriage law is eternal—one man and one woman for life (Genesis 2:21-24)! God abhors the presumptuous sin of homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10). Calling poison, punch, will never change its deadly effects; and calling “same sex” unions, marriage, will never lessen the lethal effects either. Homosexuality may be legal in man’s eyes, but it is lethal in God’s!
Sadly, when mankind attempts to justify sin, he will change laws to make himself feel better and ease his conscience. Before you engage or support an activity (or a political candidate that endorses such), make certain you consult the One and only true Lawgiver (James 4:12). Truly Jeremiah’s words are needed, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). Be sober and be vigilant; what civil law deems legal, God may deem lethal!
