Wow. So I just finished reading Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, with editors John Piper and Justin Taylor. I actually started reading it yesterday, and finished reading it today. I will say again, "wow."
Preparing to be married within a relatively short amount of time from now, I would be lying if I didn't say this isn't a topic that's been on my mind. There are so many connotations associated with the word or the idea of sex. Most of them are nowhere near what God intended sex to be. This book thoroughly examines all facets of sex in both the positive and negative lights. That is to say, how sex should and should not be viewed and received, on the basis of Gods word - Biblical standards - in Christianity.
It focused, firstly, on how sex is a reflection of God's glory and perfect design. John Piper introduces to the reader that sex is designed by God as a way to know God more fully. That is a pretty shocking statement to most people, and it certainly gave my brain a jolt to try to gather comprehension about it. One example of this is that the marriage relationship, and sex within that relationship, is a covenant so intimate, that the same language is used to describe the "knowing" of our spouse, as is used to describe the "knowing" of God to His children.
Then, other contributers write about everything from sexual sin, to sex and the single or married men and women, to history of marriage and sex from Martin Luther's day and the Puritans views.
This is the most clear cut, piece by piece showing of the exact root and pathway of why homosexuality is such an abomination to God. It is very logical and examines the way God created man and woman, marriage and sex to be. And how a homosexual lifestyle is contrary to the very covenant of marriage and His design from creation.
Take heart. Do not think that when this book speaks of sin, that it is done in a way that shows no redeeming light of God's grace at the end of the tunnel. And when it speaks of sin, it doesn't condemn and then end the subject. The authors remind us of God's power to cleanse us from all types of sin. There are great truths that show the wonders of God's mercy upon us, even in our deepest sin.
It was amazing for me to read the candid discussions the married authors give within their accounts and their thoughts on their spouses. It was nothing short of delightful, not to mention encouraging, for me to read of such passion and love and commitment and joy these people are experiening with the mate that God has given to them. It is powerful to hear of the deep, godly love and the way in which they cherish their spouse. Love isn't a feeling or an emotion. It is lived out. We are given the perfect and ultimate example when we see God's love to His chosen ones. If we follow that example, the love and romance and yes, even sex, within marriage can reach incomprehensible depths.
From start to finish this book is loaded and backed and shown of its foundation in Scripture. These aren't new and off the wall ideas some theologians have come up with. They are age-old "ideas" as old as time, itself, if you will; the creation of mankind. That comforts me and brings me peace and joy to think and know that something as wonderful as sex is ordained and CREATED by God. And that it is perfect and good, in the right parameters.
I might type more about it later, but for now, I think I will end my little "review". I would definately encourage anyone to read this book. Anyone from any walk of life could gain insight into who God really is, what sex is really about, and how we are to respond to both.