Saw this quote I would like to share:
"Even when we believe the scripture is 'without error,' it's a risk to think our understanding is without error."
This bit of wisdom is from a gay Christian who disclosed the persecution -- often bloody and tragic -- of homosexuals by supposedly loving and God-fearing Christians citing the "law of God" as high authority and justification of violent actions to cleanse the world of such vile sin.
Any believer -- I especially should heed -- can insist on his/her understanding of scripture in fervent sincerity; but that understanding must be consistent not to the letter (literal interpretation) of the word, but the loving spirit of Christ. Many tout the need for "Biblical World View" as the essential foundation of correct Christian living. I say that is not enough, for a direct quote from the Bible without the proper consideration of context and filtering of grace revelation through the living word of the gospel of Jesus Christ, leads often to gross misinterpretation of the intent of God in the grand scheme of salvation for man. What ends up becoming are fragmented and peripheral arguments in the absence of grace, love and forgiveness, which drives to fever pitch abhorrence of certain sin to a point such hatred also consumes the sinner.
God hates sin, but loves so much the sinner. His intention is never the destruction of His children but the cleansing of sin's destruction from him. We man have sense enough to favor rehabilitation over imprisonment and punishment, how not God's loving purpose also to turn us from darkness to light with understanding and patience?
Never one word of condemnation for homosexuality came out of the mouth Jesus Christ. Who are we to presume authority on its severity hindering man's walk in holiness? The righteous anger of Jesus aims directly and squarely at the Pharisees who outwardly does no wrong and all right things, but inwardly are puffed up with pride and contempt for the "sinners" in their eyes. It is not the sins of sexuality or other offenses that keeps the love of God away but the self-righteousness and unforgiveness in man's heart -- especially a believer who keeps the veil over his eyes and conscience in the defense of God's holiness that grieves the forgiving heart of our Savior.
Where in the Bible does it say a sin of sexual immorality is a greater offense than others? In God's justice isn't sin just that, sin, for all fall short of the glory of God? And in terms of importance by the number of mention, much more of other sins Christians ignore/tolerate on a regular basis then sexual sin are in the Bible. What makes us the authority on gradation of sin, and why is it so many are obsessed with sex (worthy of psychology analysis as to why that is!) ? In the Book of James it says "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."
Is homosexuality a sin? Certainly! But is it not a sin when we judge, when we horde, when we take pride, and when we forgive not? Is anyone better than a sinner when he offers not love but levels condemnation on another who Christ loves dearly and equally? When we see someone going astray, is it our privilege to accuse and exclude? Or is it our sacred promise to the One who had already forgiven us to forgive and accept in grace, and lead them back to the light by the washing of living water available to all alike the gospel of our wonderful counselor Jesus Christ?
Are we perfect with the label of "Christian believer?" If not, then be patient with a brother or sister who turns to Christ in heart though not yet in full understanding and deed. For the one who lives inside us by the invitation of faith will work out His salvation in His own way, His own time. And ours is only to encourage and love with a love that moves mountains and sweeps the seas. Amen
James
"Even when we believe the scripture is 'without error,' it's a risk to think our understanding is without error."
This bit of wisdom is from a gay Christian who disclosed the persecution -- often bloody and tragic -- of homosexuals by supposedly loving and God-fearing Christians citing the "law of God" as high authority and justification of violent actions to cleanse the world of such vile sin.
Any believer -- I especially should heed -- can insist on his/her understanding of scripture in fervent sincerity; but that understanding must be consistent not to the letter (literal interpretation) of the word, but the loving spirit of Christ. Many tout the need for "Biblical World View" as the essential foundation of correct Christian living. I say that is not enough, for a direct quote from the Bible without the proper consideration of context and filtering of grace revelation through the living word of the gospel of Jesus Christ, leads often to gross misinterpretation of the intent of God in the grand scheme of salvation for man. What ends up becoming are fragmented and peripheral arguments in the absence of grace, love and forgiveness, which drives to fever pitch abhorrence of certain sin to a point such hatred also consumes the sinner.
God hates sin, but loves so much the sinner. His intention is never the destruction of His children but the cleansing of sin's destruction from him. We man have sense enough to favor rehabilitation over imprisonment and punishment, how not God's loving purpose also to turn us from darkness to light with understanding and patience?
Never one word of condemnation for homosexuality came out of the mouth Jesus Christ. Who are we to presume authority on its severity hindering man's walk in holiness? The righteous anger of Jesus aims directly and squarely at the Pharisees who outwardly does no wrong and all right things, but inwardly are puffed up with pride and contempt for the "sinners" in their eyes. It is not the sins of sexuality or other offenses that keeps the love of God away but the self-righteousness and unforgiveness in man's heart -- especially a believer who keeps the veil over his eyes and conscience in the defense of God's holiness that grieves the forgiving heart of our Savior.
Where in the Bible does it say a sin of sexual immorality is a greater offense than others? In God's justice isn't sin just that, sin, for all fall short of the glory of God? And in terms of importance by the number of mention, much more of other sins Christians ignore/tolerate on a regular basis then sexual sin are in the Bible. What makes us the authority on gradation of sin, and why is it so many are obsessed with sex (worthy of psychology analysis as to why that is!) ? In the Book of James it says "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."
Is homosexuality a sin? Certainly! But is it not a sin when we judge, when we horde, when we take pride, and when we forgive not? Is anyone better than a sinner when he offers not love but levels condemnation on another who Christ loves dearly and equally? When we see someone going astray, is it our privilege to accuse and exclude? Or is it our sacred promise to the One who had already forgiven us to forgive and accept in grace, and lead them back to the light by the washing of living water available to all alike the gospel of our wonderful counselor Jesus Christ?
Are we perfect with the label of "Christian believer?" If not, then be patient with a brother or sister who turns to Christ in heart though not yet in full understanding and deed. For the one who lives inside us by the invitation of faith will work out His salvation in His own way, His own time. And ours is only to encourage and love with a love that moves mountains and sweeps the seas. Amen
James
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