God does discriminate according to morals.  Now don’t get me wrong.  Christians are justified by faith, but justification produces sanctification.  Sanctification is all about morals.  This is the reason that in the gospel all people are called to repentance. Christians pursue “sanctification without which no one shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14).  This is why the Bible speaks of being judged by works, because works are the evidence of faith (2 Cor. 5:10).

The reaction to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) is not primarily about religious freedom.  It is not really about pluralism.  It is not even about freedom of speech in a democratic society.  The first amendment no longer protects a Christian’s freedom of speech or the conscience to live according to the principles of your own faith.  Under RFRA a decision by a civil judge can nullify any freedom you think you have.

The real issue behind the controversial RFRA is the character of God.  The opposition does not like him and therefore they don’t like Christians. Their animosity is directed toward Christians, but actually it is against God himself.  It’s the God of the Bible they don’t like. They don’t like the fact that God discriminates.

But wait!  God does not discriminate according to race.  The good news of the gospel is that all nations and races are welcome in his presence.  Neither color of skin nor national origin is a hindrance to God’s love for mankind.

God does not discriminate according to societal position.  The poor are as welcome as the rich.  Kings and paupers worship together. Neither does God discriminate according to gender.  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

However, God does discriminate according to morals.  Now don’t get me wrong.  Christians are justified by faith, but justification produces sanctification.  Sanctification is all about morals.  This is the reason that in the gospel all people are called to repentance. Christians pursue “sanctification without which no one shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14).  This is why the Bible speaks of being judged by works, because works are the evidence of faith (2 Cor. 5:10).

We are also being told that the vehement reaction to the RFRA is only the response of a small minority.  The mainline news covers it like it is a major crisis.  We are told that the issue is blown all out of proportion.  However, the wise man knows that majorities don’t control the powers that be.  Minorities and extreme fringe movements committed to their cause have a disproportionate impact on the future.  This is why the 20^th century moral majority failed.

To deny the sinful character of homosexuality is to deny the need of the gospel.  Jesus’ death becomes meaningless. Where there no sin, there is is no need for a sacrifice for sin.

Christians, think twice before saying anything in the public square or supporting laws about the freedom of religion.  We have been assigned to our own fortress within the walls of the church building.  Speak out publicly and you may forfeit a good employment opportunity, or you may never be able to run your own business.

Indeed, the real issue is discrimination.  God discriminates and that is what they despise.

Larry E. Ball is a Honorably Retired Minister in the Presbyterian Church in America and is now a CPA. He lives in Kingsport, Tennessee.