The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age.
Titus 2:11.12
God’s moral standards have always remained unaltered, because God Himself does not change. “You shall have no other gods before me … You shall not murder. … You shall not commit adultery. … You shall not steal. … You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife” (cf. Exodus 20:1-17). Our Creator can rightly expect people to respect these commandments.
For an extremely lengthy period these moral standards of God’s were the basis of legislation in Europe. Today, however, people disregard God in many ways, or they want to decide for themselves what is good or evil, independently of God. Consequently laws have been passed that tolerate or even expressly promote much that God has pronounced evil in the Bible.
Christians who seek to be guided by the Bible will naturally not compel others to live according to their Christian standards. On the other hand, the fact that pressure is put on Christian families to recognize such laws, against their conscience, causes considerable worry.
How are we to lead our life in such a situation? First by accepting the grace of God that brings salvation. In this way we obtain the forgiveness of our sins and new life through Jesus Christ. Then this grace instructs us, so that we live soberly in our personal sphere, righteously in our contacts with others and in godly fear with regard to God Himself.