What follows below is one of the most articulate and powerful speeches you are likely to view this year. It is by Rev. Calvin Robinson, who recently argued at the Oxford Union as to why Christianity should not allow gay marriage, or even the blessing of same-sex unions.

Robinson’s twelve-minute talk is a model of graciousness, fidelity to Scripture and courage. As such, it is rightly going viral on social media, amassing over forty-six thousand views in under a week. Robinson begins by stating:

We are up against the authorities.

Three bishops from the established church. That means that I am either wrong, and Christians have been teaching incorrectly for the last two-thousand years — or Jews and Christians for the last four to six thousand years — or we have church leaders attempting to drag the church into apostasy.

Neither way is good.

Divine Design

Robinson then goes on to succinctly outline the classic case for Biblical sexuality. That God’s design for those made in His image is for the life-long covenantal union between one man and one woman. As Robinson rightly states:

Sex outside of marriage is a sin and that is the same of heterosexuals as it is for homosexuals. Although, the Bible is quite clear that same-sex relations are abhorrent.

And before same smart Alec starts asking me the question of whether I am wearing mixed fabrics, there is a difference between the moral laws and ceremonial laws. And Christ did come to fulfil the old laws.

Both the issues of marriage and homosexuality, however, are still addressed in the New Testament. In Paul’s epistles, but also in the Gospels. Jesus does talk of marriage in both Mark and Matthew within the context of heterosexual union.

So, my question to the bishops would be, “Do we not believe in the authority of Scriptures anymore? Can we pick and choose which parts of the Gospel we adhere too?

The church after all is Christ’s bride — as we heard earlier — Jesus is described as the bridegroom, so we may know how He relates to us. Two grooms would be pointless. Christ is already in union with the Father and the Holy Spirit. It’s us He is inviting in.

Two brides is what we are looking at here. The church is attempting to marry itself. To leave Christ out of the picture.

Passionate Plea

The whole speech by Robinson is worth listening to and absorbing, for it is as compelling as it is concise. It is in his conclusion though, that Robinson really lands his knockout blow. Robinson declares:

So, as I wrap up, my message to the opposing side is, “Do not lead us astray. Do not lead people astray. Do not be the wolves in sheep’s clothing. Do not be the false teachers the Bible warns us about.

Remember your obligation to defend the faith. Stop teaching about diversity, inclusion and equality and get back to teaching about redemption and salvation. This is spiritual neglect. Help people by telling them the truth.

Be kind to people by supporting them through their struggles and reminding them that Christ suffers with them. But be compassionate by leading them to Christ when the world tries to lead them away from Him.

The church is imploding. And the faithful masses have stopped turning up on Sundays. And we are seeing the most rapid decline in Christianity in this country which we have perhaps ever seen.

Do not accelerate it with heresy. You do not have the authority to bless sin.

When I hear the bishop of London saying — on record — these new prayers will mean priests can bless same-sex relationships (some of which may be sexual in nature) I hear the devil at work.

Bishops are promoting the idea of sacramental sodomy. Let them be anathema. Repent!

It is both refreshing and rare to see an Anglican clergyman today so bold and unequivocal in his proclamation of God’s Word. It is a sign that all is not lost. That there is yet a small but faithful remnant which has not bowed the knee to Baal.

May the LORD bless him. And may He raise up many more who will follow in his footsteps. O that the spiritual awakening currently occurring in places such as Asbury will spread throughout the world. In the words of the great Anglican theologian J.I. Packer:

Revival is the visitation of God which brings to life Christians who have been sleeping and restores a deep sense of God’s near presence and holiness. Thence springs a vivid sense of sin and profound exercise of heart in repentance, praise, and love, with an evangelistic outflow.

May God do this once again for His church which is in England.

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Photo by Goran Vrakela.