MARRIAGE is between one man and one woman.

That truth will stand forever, whether we change our state’s constitution to ban same-sex marriage or not. Genesis 2:24 says: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” God has spoken. That settles it.

I’ll vote in favor of the amendment Tuesday, but not because it will give us any more protection against future rulings that favor same-sex unions. State law already bans same-sex marriage; this redundant amendment will only add clutter to an important document.

This debate is similar to the one over whether the Ten Commandments should be posted in schools or courthouses. The commandments are no common set of rules to be debated by man or approved by governments or courts. That’s true for all of God’s word, including the ordination of holy matrimony. Its purpose and power aren’t diminished if our constitution isn’t amended.

We don’t have bans in our constitution against adultery and other sins that lead to divorce that harm marriage and the family. There’s no constitutional ban on domestic violence and child abuse. There’s a list of “if it feels good do it” sins that hurt marriage, from pornography to cohabitation, or “shacking up,” whether between heterosexuals or homosexuals, that aren’t banned via our constitution.

But at the heart of this debate is the homosexual lifestyle, which is a sin. Gay and lesbian couples’ continual push to have their lifestyle recognized by society not only threatens marriage, but threatens society. We don’t have to — and must not — allow the fundamental definition of marriage to be redefined. (While I disagree with the lifestyle, a belief I held even before becoming a license minister, I oppose discrimination against or mistreatment of gays. We can love others while not condoning their actions.)

In the ’90s, states that felt threatened by developments that might advance same-sex marriage passed laws banning it. Now, they’re amending their constitutions because of new threats.

But people change, laws change, judges change, governments change. Even constitutions change. The change this state’s voters will approve on Tuesday could be altered one day. That’s why it’s important to cling to God’s word. It doesn’t change, no matter the political, legal and ideological debates we get into.

I’m compelled to support the amendment, not because of the legal arguments people make in favor of it, but because of the collective message we can send in defense of marriage. For eons, the definition of marriage has stood on Scripture as well as tradition, legal precedent and overwhelming societal support. Society is so dependent on healthy marriages and families that it supports them through laws, from issuing licenses to extending tax breaks.

Note that Genesis 2:24 refers to the man’s parents as a man and a woman. That’s God’s way, although we at times fall short: A man and a woman marry, reproduce and raise girls and boys to be healthy — mentally, physically, socially, spiritually — and suitable for marriage and the continuance of strong, balanced families.

Lawmakers have asked voters to make their position known on the definition of marriage.

This feels like an “as for me and my house” moment.

I’m on the Lord’s side.

Reach Mr. Bolton at (803) 771-8631 or wbolton@thestate.com.