Editorial: The Bible and LGBT

Last June 26, 2015, the US Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. It has become a controversial topic since then. Many believed that the Bible is not really against homosexuality. In fact, some even used Bible verses to support their claims.

There are so many versions of the Bible, ranging from KJV, NIV, ESV, NAS and so on that existed. Some versions refer to Eve not as a sexual partner but a "suitable helper and companion", thus fueled their belief that a "suitable helper and companion" doesn't really mean opposite sexes living harmoniously together. Of course, no one can really tell the correct term that God used during the Creation or provide an accurate translation of the original texts. One simple glitch in the translation of texts are now used to twist God's standards  when it comes to morality and sexuality. Many were actually waylaid with this twisted way of thinking, especially when they claim that God's love is for all. More like focusing on Grace Evangelism, where the core of belief is by grace alone and all other things are permissible because God is supposed to be loving and forgiving.

Some examples of LGBT relationships mentioned in the Bible, according to their claim, is the relationship between Naomi and Ruth, the friendship of David to Jonathan and so on. LGBT advocates put a different color to platonic relationships cited in the Bible. For example, just because David and Jonathan promised to be friends forever and stay together until the end doesn't mean they are gay. Moreover, the fact that David raised Jonathan's son as his own doesn't mean he was trying to protect their relationship as a gay couple. Friendship is friendship and as mentioned in Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." It sounds ridiculous that people actually twist the truth just to serve their own purpose. 

I am not against gay or lesbians or any gender groups because God sent his son for all sinners. You, me, LGBT, prisoners -- we are all sinners. But I condemn sexual practices that are not in accordance with God's laws. I condemn homosexual behavior and the practice of Sodomy. I condemn their attempts to twist the Bible to justify their behavior. Now this is an interesting ordeal because rumors are circulating that the NIV has changed texts from the Bible in favor of the LBGT movement. If this is true, then it only proves that the end is indeed coming near, of the time when the Bible we know today will no longer be accepted as the basis for Christian teaching. A time when the Bible will be burned.

People start to wonder if the Bible is indeed reliable or in worst case scenario, they may even doubt the existence of God. I fear of a time when people no longer believe in the Scriptures because of humans that alter it in favor of the State. I fear for the future of my son. What kind of world will he grow up into? Will he still hear Bible stories preached to children or would they be replaced with different stories of human perversion? Will he still believe the gospel if he learns that it can be altered?

If humans can alter the words in the Bible, then what would be the basis for our faith? Is relationship with Jesus enough to guide us in our religious journey? Where would we base this relationship from if the words in the Bible can be twisted in favor of human laws?

A few years ago, NIV rolled out a new version that is meant for the LGBT community, called gNIV, where "g" stands for gay. Also, another book was added on the King James Version back in 2011, the 67th book written by someone named Flemming who claimed to be a prophet. That goes without saying that translations of the Bible is not fool-proof. Unless we all have the ability to read ancient original bible scripts, then we have no way of knowing which version is accurate. 

Moreover, the publisher of the NIV Bible is also the same publisher of the Satanic Bible and the Joy of Gay Sex. The man appointed to be the Chairman of the Old Testament Committee of the NIV Committee on Bible Translation, Dr. Marten Woudstra, was a homosexual. Also, Virginia Mollenkott, who worked as the stylistic editor for the translation, is a lesbian but she kept the information private while doing work for the NIV.

But should we really be surprised? Didn't Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians regarding our struggles against the dark forces? Until now, this remained true.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12 KJV)

It has been prophesied long before our time that we, as Christians will encounter trials of all kinds from different forces in this world. The physical warfare is just superficial. The devil is cunning and wicked and is targeting to destroy Christian churches all over the world in subtle ways and unless we are careful, we may fall prey to his schemes. 

It is surprising to note that with the legalization of same sex marriage, endless repercussions follow. But this is expected as the end of times is drawing near. The best thing we Christians should do is to hold steadfastly to our faith in Christ Jesus. No matter how many Bible translations may come forth, no matter how many times the evil forces change the words in the Bible or eliminate it completely, the world cannot change the power of Christ within us. No one can snatch us out of His loving hands. The real author of the Bible is alive and is with us even to the ends of the age.

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:4-5; 11; 23-27)

Our faith should not be based on the Bible alone but on the Man who died on the cross for our sins - Jesus Christ. Knowing him and his teaching will lead us to the truth. His Holy Spirit will guide us and open our minds to the true meaning of God's words in the Bible. Without the Holy Spirit, the Bible will only be just another book in the library. But because we have the Holy Spirit living in us, we are comforted in our trials, we are guided to the path leading to the Light and we rest in the knowledge that God's love for us transcends beyond time and space to everlasting life.

"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:1-2)

As for our brothers and sisters in the LGBT group, let us continue to pray that they may know the true Christ in their search for the real meaning of their existence. We condemn the behavior but not the person, because every person is special in Christ. Let us not lose hope that one day, they will turn from their wicked ways when they finally meet the Savior. Let us not give up and continue to look at them with love and compassion because they are going through a crisis not only in their identity in this world but their identity in Christ as well.

"Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." (Jude 1:21)