Christian Post on Friday, May 18, 2012

In an article published in the May issue of Decision Magazine, evangelist Franklin Graham says there is no room for compromise in the upcoming presidential election, especially on the topics of abortion and same-sex marriage.” I realize our nation needs constructive, wise policies for the economy, national defense, energy and a number of other key concerns. My lifetime spans 12 presidents, some liberal and some conservative. They have approached these topics with different policies. At least there is some room for sincere debate on these issues,” Graham writes in the article dated May 1.

“However, there is no place for compromise on straightforward moral issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. God has given us clear, biblical direction that we must follow and obey.”

Graham argues that to have a relationship with Jesus is to both trust him and obey him, and therefore what is stated explicitly in the Bible should be taken as the Lord’s law.

Graham begins his argument by discussing the issue of abortion, saying, “As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I believe this is a non-negotiable issue.”

“Abortion is wrong. It is the murder of unborn children, and no law of the land and no party platform can ever legitimize it,” the minister states. The second “moral flashpoint” Graham speaks on is same-sex marriage, writing, “the Bible clearly defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. There is absolutely no gray area.”The Bible indicates that Satan will offer temptations to believers, thus offering sin, according to Graham. “Indeed, the Scriptures reveal that when people forgo God’s truth for Satan’s lies, they become increasingly immoral,” he writes.

“The consequences are frightening,” he adds, citing Romans as it reads: “‘God gave them over to degrading passions’ including homosexuality, and ‘gave them over to a depraved mind’ (Romans 1:26, 28, NASB).”

Graham concludes his article by saying the only way to obey God is to follow his word: “That starts with acknowledging His authority in every realm, including His clearly revealed moral will.”

Although written before President Barack Obama affirmed on May 9 same-sex marriage, Graham’s argument on the issue has been echoed repeatedly by Christian leaders concerned with continued attacks on traditional marriage.

Gay marriage and abortion are sure to be at the forefront of the upcoming presidential election, where Obama is expected to face GOP candidate Mitt Romney. Romney has been a staunch pro-life advocate and has said marriage is to be reserved for one a man and one woman.

Graham, son of famed televangelist Billy Graham, is President and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse.