The Assurance of Salvation: Secured in Heaven by God’s Power

The Assurance of Salvation: Secured in Heaven by God’s Power

For Christians, the assurance of salvation is a cornerstone of faith, offering peace and confidence in their relationship with God. Unlike a hope rooted in human effort or merit, this assurance rests on the unshakable foundation of God’s power and promises. The Bible teaches that salvation is not something believers maintain through their own strength but is kept secure in heaven by the power of God. This truth provides profound comfort, freeing Christians from fear and uncertainty about their eternal destiny.

Salvation: A Gift from God, Not a Work of Man

The Christian understanding of salvation begins with the recognition that it is entirely a work of God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Salvation is not earned through human effort, good deeds, or moral perfection. Instead, it is a gift bestowed by God through faith in Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection paid the penalty for sin.

Because salvation originates with God, its security also depends on Him. If human effort cannot earn salvation, neither can human failure undo it. This is a critical point for understanding the assurance of salvation. The Christian’s confidence does not rest in their ability to “hold on” to God but in God’s ability to hold on to them.

Kept by the Power of God

One of the most comforting passages for believers is found in 1 Peter 1:3-5, which speaks directly to the security of salvation: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

This passage highlights several key truths:

1. An Imperishable Inheritance: The salvation promised to believers is described as “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.” Unlike earthly treasures that decay or lose value, the inheritance of eternal life is eternally secure in heaven, beyond the reach of corruption or loss.

2. Kept in Heaven: The phrase “kept in heaven for you” emphasizes that salvation is not stored in the frail hands of human beings but in the unassailable realm of God’s presence. It is not subject to human weakness, sin, or failure.

3. Guarded by God’s Power: Believers are “guarded through faith” by the power of God. This guarding is not passive but active, a divine protection that ensures the believer’s salvation is preserved until the day of Christ’s return.

This assurance is further reinforced in John 10:27-29, where Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” The security of the believer is grounded in the unbreakable grip of both Jesus and the Father, whose power surpasses any force that could threaten salvation.

The Role of Faith

While salvation is secured by God’s power, faith is the means by which believers receive and rest in this assurance. Faith is not a work that earns salvation but a trust in God’s promise and Christ’s finished work on the cross. Romans 5:1 states, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace flows from the certainty that justification—being declared righteous before God—is a completed act, not a process dependent on ongoing human performance.

Faith, however, is not a one-time event but a living trust that perseveres. The same God who grants salvation also sustains the believer’s faith. Philippians 1:6 assures, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” The Christian’s faith is upheld by God’s power, ensuring that those who are truly His will endure to the end.

Freedom from Fear

The assurance of salvation liberates Christians from the fear of losing their standing with God. If salvation depended on human effort, doubt and anxiety would be inevitable, as no one can live perfectly. But because salvation is kept in heaven by God’s power, believers can rest in His faithfulness. Romans 8:38-39 proclaims, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Nothing—not even the believer’s own struggles—can sever the bond of God’s love and the security of salvation.

Living in Light of Assurance

This assurance does not lead to complacency but to a life of gratitude and obedience. Knowing that salvation is secure inspires Christians to live for God’s glory, not out of fear of losing salvation but out of love for the One who has saved them. As 1 John 4:19 reminds us, “We love because he first loved us.” The assurance of salvation fuels a desire to walk in holiness, share the gospel, and trust God through life’s trials, knowing that their eternal destiny is secure.

Conclusion

The Christian’s assurance of salvation is not rooted in their own strength, goodness, or ability to persevere. Instead, it is anchored in the power of God, who keeps their inheritance secure in heaven. This truth brings profound peace, freeing believers from the fear of failure and enabling them to live with confidence in God’s promises. As they rest in the reality that their salvation is guarded by the Almighty, Christians can face each day with hope, knowing that their eternal future is safe in His hands.

A biblical perspective on the mental health crisis

The Mental Health Crisis: A Biblical Perspective

In our modern world, we live in the most therapeutic culture in history. One in five people is diagnosed with a “mental illness,” fueling a $40 billion psychotropic drug industry. As the number of mental health practitioners grows, so do reported problems—a red flag that demands scrutiny. Many, including students, are born into a therapeutic self-conception, identifying with diagnoses like ADHD, anxiety, or depression from childhood. As Christians, we must approach this crisis with discernment, grounding our understanding in biblical truth and asking hard questions about the mental health industry’s assumptions and methods.

Mind vs. Brain: The Key Distinction

To navigate the mental health crisis, we must first distinguish between the brain and the mind. The brain is a material organ—tangible, visible, and subject to medical examination. The mind, however, is the immaterial seat of thoughts, reasoning, and the inner person. As Scripture affirms, humanity is both body and soul (Genesis 2:7; Matthew 10:28). The brain resides in the cranium and can be surgically treated; the mind, as the inner person, cannot. The mental health industry often conflates these two, diagnosing “mental illnesses” as if they were verifiable brain conditions. This confusion creates significant problems, leading to treatments that may not address the root issues.

How “Mental Illness” Is Diagnosed

Unlike physical illnesses, which are diagnosed through measurable evidence like blood tests or scans, mental health diagnoses rely solely on subjective questionnaires. Patients report, “I feel this way,” and based on these self-reported symptoms, diagnoses are assigned using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). No brain scans, blood tests, or medical evidence are required. Compare this to a physical illness like diabetes, where blood sugar levels provide clear, objective data. The DSM’s symptom-based approach raises questions about whether these conditions are truly medical or if they reflect struggles of the mind—thought patterns, habits, or spiritual battles.

The Real Problem

The mental health industry often prescribes psychotropic medications to manage symptoms without addressing underlying causes. For example, panic attacks often begin with thought patterns that spiral into physical symptoms, affecting blood flow and brain function. Yet, without verifiable medical evidence of a brain-based illness, these struggles are likely rooted in the mind. Christians must ask: If there’s no medical cause, why treat it as a medical issue? As Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Our thoughts shape our experiences, and addressing thought patterns biblically may offer more lasting solutions than symptom-masking medications.

Questions Christians Should Ask

As believers, we are called to be discerning (1 Thessalonians 5:21). When approaching mental health, we should ask critical questions:

• Does the mental health industry know what it’s treating?

• Are these diagnoses truly medical issues, or are they struggles of the mind and soul?

• Does Scripture offer superior answers for issues like depression, anxiety, or ADHD?

• How are conditions like ADHD tested—through brain scans or subjective questionnaires?

• Why take medications without clear medical evidence?

These questions guard against accepting cultural assumptions uncritically and encourage reliance on God’s Word.

Biblical Sufficiency

Scripture declares that God has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” through the knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3-4). The Bible addresses struggles like fear (Isaiah 41:10), worry (Philippians 4:6-7), depression (Psalm 42), and sleeplessness (Psalm 127:2). While we may not yet fully understand how to apply Scripture to every struggle, this does not mean the Bible is insufficient. Instead, it challenges us to study God’s Word diligently, seeking His wisdom for the complexities of life. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches, Scripture is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” equipping us for every good work—including addressing mental and emotional struggles.

Medical vs. Non-Medical Approaches

Christians should not reject medical intervention outright. If a verifiable medical condition exists—such as a thyroid imbalance or neurological disorder—seek treatment from qualified doctors. Scripture supports using medicine for physical ailments, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:23, where Paul advises Timothy to use wine for his stomach issues. Psychotropic medications may be used in God-honoring ways, but we must recognize their limitations. Like Tylenol, which relieves pain without curing the underlying cause, psychotropics often mask symptoms rather than address root issues. Honesty about their role is essential.

Action Steps for Christians

To navigate the mental health crisis biblically, consider these steps:

1. Seek Thorough Medical Testing First: Rule out physical causes with objective tests like blood work or scans. If no medical cause is found, treat the issue as one of the mind or soul.

2. Study Scripture for Specific Struggles: Search God’s Word for guidance on fear, worry, or other challenges (e.g., Psalm 34:4 for fear; Matthew 6:25-34 for anxiety).

3. Reject Labels as Identity: You are not your diagnosis but a child of God, redeemed and defined by Christ (Galatians 2:20).

4. Question School-Based Testing: Demand medical evidence for diagnoses like ADHD rather than accepting questionnaire-based labels.

5. Ask Hard Questions About Treatments: Scrutinize medications and therapies, ensuring they align with biblical truth and address causes, not just symptoms.

6. Trust God’s Sufficiency: Lean on Scripture and the Holy Spirit for wisdom, knowing that God equips us to face every struggle (Philippians 4:13).

Conclusion

The mental health crisis requires Christians to exercise discernment, distinguishing between brain and mind, medical and non-medical issues. While the world offers symptom-based diagnoses and medications, Scripture provides answers for the heart, mind, and soul. By grounding ourselves in God’s Word, seeking medical clarity, and rejecting labels that define us apart from Christ, we can navigate this crisis with hope and wisdom. Let us trust that God’s truth is sufficient, as He promises to guide us through every trial (Psalm 32:8).

Comparing Christ with the Catholic Mary

A Theological Critique: The Idolatrous Exaltation of the Catholic Mary Compared to Jesus Christ

In Catholic theology, the Blessed Virgin Mary is assigned titles and roles that strikingly parallel those of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Despite the Catholic Church’s nuanced distinctions between latria (worship due to God) and hyperdulia (veneration of Mary), these attributions unequivocally constitute idolatry, creating a fictionalized, quasi-divine Mary that lacks biblical grounding. This article argues that the Catholic Church’s unbalanced view of Mary, by ascribing to her offices and designations unique to Christ, is idolatrous from top to bottom, front to back, and would grieve Mary herself, who humbly directed all glory to her Son. The following comparisons highlight how these parallels elevate Mary to an unbiblical, divine-like status, constituting blatant idolatry.

1. Divine Conception and Virgin Birth

Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in a virgin birth (Luke 1:35), affirming his divine nature as the Son of God, fully human and fully divine. The Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception claims Mary was conceived without original sin, a unique grace. Though not a virgin birth, this doctrine parallels Christ’s miraculous origin, falsely suggesting Mary shares a divine-like beginning. By placing her conception on a plane akin to Christ’s, the Catholic Church exalts a human to a status reserved for God, committing idolatry by attributing divine qualities to Mary.

2. Titles: Son of God vs. Mother of God

Jesus is the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, eternally divine (John 1:1, 14). The Catholic title Theotokos (“Mother of God”) for Mary, while rooted in her role as Jesus’ mother, is misused when paired with other Christ-like titles, implying a divine status. Mary, a humble servant (Luke 1:38), never claimed such exaltation. Elevating her to “Mother of God” in a way that suggests parity with Christ’s divinity is idolatrous, ascribing to a creature what belongs to the Creator alone.

3. Sinlessness

Jesus, as God incarnate, is inherently sinless (Hebrews 4:15), a divine attribute. The Catholic Church claims Mary was preserved from original sin (Immaculate Conception) and remained sinless through grace (Catechism, 493). This parallel falsely equates Mary’s human, graced state with Christ’s divine perfection. By attributing sinlessness to Mary in a manner that mirrors Christ, the Church exalts her to a divine-like status, an idolatrous act that diminishes Christ’s unique holiness.

4. Suffering: On the Cross vs. By the Cross

Jesus’ suffering on the cross is the sole redemptive act atoning for humanity’s sins (1 Peter 2:24). Catholic tradition portrays Mary’s suffering at the cross (John 19:25–27) as a spiritual martyrdom, implying a participatory role in redemption. This elevation of Mary’s suffering to a near-redemptive level is idolatrous, as it ascribes to a human a role reserved for Christ, the only Savior, undermining the sufficiency of his sacrifice.

5. Ascension vs. Assumption

Jesus ascended into heaven by his own divine power (Acts 1:9), a testament to his deity. The Catholic doctrine of the Assumption (defined 1950) claims Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven by God’s grace. This parallel falsely suggests Mary’s glorification rivals Christ’s, elevating a human to a divine-like status. Such an attribution is idolatrous, as it mimics Christ’s unique divine act with a human’s passive reception of grace.

6. Heavenly Roles: King vs. Queen

Jesus is the King of Heaven, reigning as God (Revelation 19:16). The Catholic title of Mary as Queen of Heaven, drawn from the Davidic queen mother tradition (1 Kings 2:19), is idolatrous when presented as a parallel to Christ’s kingship. The biblical “queen of heaven” (Jeremiah 7:18, 44:17) refers to a pagan idol, and applying this title to Mary evokes divine co-rulership, a blasphemous elevation of a human to God’s throne.

7. Titles of Peace: Prince of Peace vs. Queen of Peace

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), the divine source of reconciliation. The Catholic title Queen of Peace for Mary, used in devotions like the Litany of Loreto, falsely implies she shares Christ’s divine role in bestowing peace. This parallel is idolatrous, as it attributes to Mary a function reserved for the Savior, diverting devotion from Christ to a human figure.

8. Grace: Source vs. Channel

Jesus is the sole source of grace (John 1:16–17), mediating salvation through his redemptive work. The Catholic view of Mary as a channel of grace, or Mediatrix of all graces, ascribes to her a role that mimics Christ’s divine mediation. This is idolatrous, as it suggests a human shares in distributing divine grace, undermining Christ’s unique role as the source of salvation.

9. Redeemer vs. Co-Redeemer

Jesus is the sole Redeemer (Colossians 1:13–14), whose sacrifice alone saves humanity. The Catholic concept of Mary as Co-Redemptrix, though not dogma, claims she participates in redemption through her cooperation. This is unequivocally idolatrous, as it ascribes to a human a role in salvation that belongs exclusively to Christ, violating the biblical truth of his singular redemptive work.

10. Mediator vs. Mediatrix

Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). The Catholic title of Mary as Mediatrix, suggesting she intercedes in a way that parallels Christ, is idolatrous. By presenting her as a co-mediator, the Church elevates a human to a divine function, diverting trust from Christ to Mary in a manner that constitutes worship of a creature.

11. Advocate vs. Advocate

Jesus is our advocate before the Father (1 John 2:1), interceding as the divine Savior. The Catholic portrayal of Mary as an advocate, paralleling Christ’s role, is idolatrous. It falsely implies that a human shares Christ’s unique intercessory function, encouraging devotees to seek her advocacy over or alongside Christ’s, a clear act of idolatry.

12. Second Adam vs. Second Eve

Jesus is the Second Adam, whose obedience reverses Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12–19). The Catholic depiction of Mary as the Second Eve, whose fiat contrasts with Eve’s disobedience, idolatrously elevates her to a salvific role akin to Christ’s. This parallel suggests Mary shares in undoing humanity’s fall, a function reserved for Christ alone, constituting idolatry by ascribing divine work to a human.

The Idolatry of the Catholic Mary

The Catholic Church’s assignment of Christ-like titles and roles to Mary—Mother of God, Co-Redemptrix, Mediatrix, Queen of Heaven, and more—creates a fictionalized, quasi-divine figure that is unmistakably idolatrous. Despite Catholic claims that hyperdulia differs from latria, these distinctions fail to mitigate the idolatry inherent in elevating a human to parallel Christ’s divine offices. Scripture portrays Mary as a humble servant who magnifies the Lord (Luke 1:38, 46–48), not herself. This unbalanced exaltation, from top to bottom, front to back, transforms Mary into an idol, diverting worship from God to a creature, in violation of the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3–5).

Mary, who directed all attention to her Son (John 2:5: “Do whatever he tells you”), would be grieved by this idolatrous portrayal. The Catholic Church’s insistence on nuanced theological distinctions does not change the reality: ascribing to Mary roles and titles that belong solely to Christ is idolatry, plain and simple. This blasphemous elevation undermines Christ’s unique divinity and redemptive work, encouraging devotion to a human figure in a manner that rivals worship due to God alone.

Conclusion

The Catholic Church’s portrayal of Mary, by paralleling her with Christ in conception, sinlessness, suffering, heavenly roles, and salvific functions, creates a fictionalized Mary that is idolatrous from every angle. Jesus alone is the Son of God, Redeemer, Mediator, Advocate, and source of grace. Mary, a blessed human disciple, cannot share these divine prerogatives without crossing into idolatry. This unbiblical exaltation, contrary to Mary’s humble biblical role, would grieve her, as it shifts focus from her Son, the sole Savior. Christians must worship God alone, honoring Mary as blessed but rejecting any attribution that places her alongside Christ in a manner that constitutes blatant idolatry.

“The holier a man is, the more he laments over the unholiness that remains in him.” ~ C. H. Spurgeon

The full context of this quote is from C.H. Spurgeon's sermon “A Lament for the Unevangelized,” delivered on March 31, 1878, where he said:

“The holier a man is, the more he laments over the unholiness that remains in him.”

This statement encapsulates Spurgeon’s deep understanding of Christian sanctification and human nature. Let’s break it down and expound on its meaning:

1. The Pursuit of Holiness

Spurgeon’s quote hinges on the Christian doctrine of sanctification—the process by which a believer grows in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ. As a person matures spiritually, they become increasingly aware of God’s perfect standard of righteousness. This heightened awareness of God’s holiness illuminates the contrast between divine perfection and their own remaining sinfulness. The “holier” a person becomes, the more sensitive they are to their shortcomings, as they measure themselves against God’s unblemished character rather than human standards.

2. Lamenting Unholiness

The act of lamenting in this context is not despair or hopelessness but a godly sorrow—a recognition of the sin that lingers in even the most devout believer. This is not about wallowing in guilt but about a deep yearning to be fully aligned with God’s will. As one grows closer to God, the remnants of pride, selfishness, or other sins become more glaring, prompting a heartfelt desire for greater purity. This lament is evidence of spiritual vitality, as it shows the believer is not complacent but actively seeking to be transformed.

3. The Paradox of Spiritual Growth

Spurgeon’s statement reflects a paradox in the Christian life: the closer one draws to God, the more one feels the weight of their imperfections. A spiritually immature person might be less aware of their sin, either due to ignorance or self-justification. However, as God’s grace refines a believer, they become more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s conviction, making even small deviations from righteousness feel significant. This is not a sign of failure but of progress, as it indicates a heart sensitive to God’s standards.

4. Theological Context

Spurgeon, a Calvinist, believed in the doctrine of total depravity—that all humans are inherently sinful and incapable of achieving righteousness apart from God’s grace. Even after conversion, believers carry the “old nature” that battles against their new, redeemed nature (Romans 7:15-25). The lament over unholiness reflects this ongoing struggle, as well as the believer’s dependence on Christ’s atonement and the Holy Spirit’s work to continue the process of sanctification.

5. Practical Implications

This quote has several implications for the Christian life:

• Humility: Recognizing one’s unholiness fosters humility, preventing spiritual pride. The holier a person becomes, the less they trust in their own righteousness and the more they rely on Christ.

• Perseverance: Lamenting sin is not a call to give up but to press forward in faith, trusting God to complete the work He began (Philippians 1:6).

• Compassion: Understanding one’s own sinfulness cultivates empathy for others’ struggles, encouraging believers to extend grace rather than judgment.

6. Spurgeon’s Broader Perspective

Spurgeon often emphasized the tension between the believer’s standing in Christ (justified and declared righteous) and their ongoing experience of sin. In his sermons, he frequently encouraged Christians to strive for holiness while resting in the assurance of God’s forgiveness. This quote reflects his pastoral heart, urging believers to neither despair over their sin nor grow complacent but to pursue holiness with zeal and dependence on God’s grace.

7. Application Today

In a modern context, this quote challenges believers to avoid superficial spirituality. In an age where self-esteem and positive affirmation are emphasized, Spurgeon’s words remind us that true spiritual growth involves confronting our sinfulness honestly. It also encourages believers to view their struggles with sin as part of the journey toward holiness, trusting that God is at work even in their lament.

Conclusion

Spurgeon’s quote beautifully captures the dynamic of Christian growth: as one becomes holier, their sensitivity to sin increases, leading to a deeper lament over unholiness. This is not a mark of spiritual failure but of a heart alive to God’s transformative grace. It calls believers to humility, perseverance, and reliance on Christ, who alone can complete the work of sanctification.

Your sexual proclivities are not your identity

Your sexual proclivities are not your identity

The Trend of Identifying by Sexuality: A Rebellion Against God’s Creative Order

In recent decades, a cultural phenomenon has emerged where individuals increasingly define themselves by their sexual orientation, proudly embracing labels such as gay, bisexual, or other identities as central to their personhood. This trend, often celebrated as an expression of authenticity, is rooted in the broader sexual revolution that began in the mid-20th century. However, from a biblical perspective, this practice reflects a rebellion against God’s created order, as it elevates personal desires above divine commands and misrepresents the nature of human identity. I would like for us to explore the theological implications of identifying with one’s sexuality, the fallacy of taking pride in an unchosen trait, and the distinction between intrinsic identity and chosen behaviors.

The Biblical Framework: God’s Created Order

Scripture presents a clear vision of human identity and sexuality, rooted in God’s intentional design. In Genesis 1:27, we read, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This foundational verse establishes that humanity’s identity is anchored in being image-bearers of God, created as male and female for complementary roles within God’s order. Sexuality, in this context, is not a defining characteristic of a person’s essence but a gift to be expressed within the boundaries God has set—namely, within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6).

God’s Word also explicitly addresses sexual practices that deviate from this design. For example, Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27 condemn same-sex sexual behavior as contrary to God’s will, describing such acts as “detestable” and “unnatural.” These passages, among others, frame sexual sin as a violation of God’s created order, driven by “dishonorable passions” (Romans 1:26). The Bible does not describe individuals as intrinsically defined by their sexual desires but rather as people who choose to act on those desires, often in defiance of God’s commands.

The Sexual Revolution and Identity as Rebellion

The sexual revolution of the 1960s and beyond sought to dismantle traditional moral frameworks, promoting sexual liberation as a form of self-expression. This movement encouraged individuals to embrace their desires without restraint, rejecting the notion that sexuality should be governed by divine or societal standards. As a result, modern culture has increasingly framed sexual orientation as an intrinsic, unchangeable aspect of identity, akin to race or eye color. People are encouraged to “come out” and take pride in their sexual orientation, as if it were a core component of who they are.

From a biblical perspective, this shift represents a rebellion against God’s creative order. By defining themselves according to their sexual desires, individuals elevate those desires above their God-given identity as image-bearers. The Bible teaches that all humans are born with a sinful nature (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23), which manifests in various temptations, including sexual ones. However, scripture does not affirm that people are their temptations. A person who experiences same-sex attraction, for instance, is not intrinsically “gay” any more than a person tempted by greed is intrinsically a “thief.” Rather, the Bible frames such desires as part of the fallen human condition, calling individuals to resist sinful impulses and pursue holiness through the transformative power of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

The act of identifying with a sexual orientation, particularly one that involves practices forbidden by scripture, is thus a choice to prioritize personal desires over God’s design. It is an act of rebellion, not because the individual experiences certain temptations, but because they embrace and celebrate those temptations as central to their identity, rejecting the call to repentance and submission to God’s will.

The Fallacy of Pride in an Unchosen Trait

One of the most striking aspects of the modern trend is the emphasis on “pride” in one’s sexual orientation. Events like Pride Month and parades celebrate sexual identities as if they were accomplishments or virtues. Yet, this raises a logical and theological inconsistency: if sexual orientation is an intrinsic, unchangeable trait—as many proponents claim—then taking pride in it makes no more sense than taking pride in being six feet tall, having brown eyes, or being left-handed. These are not achievements or choices; they are simply characteristics. Pride, in its truest sense, is reserved for accomplishments, virtues, or choices that reflect effort or moral character.

The insistence on pride in sexual orientation reveals a deeper truth: the celebration of these identities is not about embracing an unchangeable trait but about affirming a chosen lifestyle. Unlike eye color or height, sexual behavior involves volition. A person may not choose their temptations, but they choose whether to act on them or identify with them. By framing their sexual choices as a source of pride, individuals implicitly acknowledge that their identity is not merely intrinsic but a deliberate stance—one that often stands in opposition to biblical teaching.

This fallacy is further exposed when we consider the biblical view of pride itself. Scripture consistently warns against pride, describing it as a sin that elevates the self above God (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6). To take pride in a sexual identity that defies God’s commands is not only illogical but spiritually dangerous, as it places human desires at the center of one’s identity rather than God’s truth.

Indulging Desires vs. Intrinsic Identity

The Bible makes a clear distinction between experiencing temptation and indulging in sin. Jesus himself was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Similarly, individuals may experience a range of desires, including those that are contrary to God’s will, but they are not defined by those desires. The modern trend of identifying with one’s sexuality conflates temptation with identity, suggesting that to feel a certain way is to be that way. This is a departure from the biblical view, which calls believers to deny sinful desires and pursue righteousness (Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5).

For example, someone who engages in same-sex relationships is not intrinsically “gay” but is choosing to act on desires that scripture identifies as sinful. Likewise, a person who struggles with heterosexual lust outside of marriage is not intrinsically an “adulterer” but is wrestling with temptations that must be brought under submission to Christ. The sexual revolution’s insistence on labeling people according to their desires ignores the transformative power of the gospel, which offers freedom from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:6-7). As 1 Corinthians 6:11 declares, those who once lived in various sins—including sexual immorality—were “washed,” “sanctified,” and “justified” through Christ.

Redeeming Identity in Christ

The trend of identifying with one’s sexuality reflects a broader cultural rebellion against God’s created order, rooted in the sexual revolution’s rejection of biblical morality. By elevating sexual desires to the level of identity, individuals embrace a false narrative that contradicts their God-given purpose as image-bearers. The notion of taking pride in an unchosen trait exposes the inconsistency of this worldview, revealing that such identities are not intrinsic but chosen—a deliberate alignment with desires over divine truth.

For Christians, the response to this trend is not judgment but compassion, coupled with a call to repentance. All people are sinners in need of grace, and the gospel offers hope for transformation. Rather than identifying with our temptations, we are called to find our identity in Christ, who redeems us from sin and restores us to God’s design. As believers, we must lovingly proclaim this truth, pointing others to the freedom and purpose found in submitting to God’s creative order rather than indulging in fleeting desires.