<p>Growing up, the Bible was presented to me as God’s Word—perfect, inerrant, and unchanging. But the way it was taught often led me to see it as a rule book, a list of dos and don’ts dictating my every step. It wasn’t until years later that my understanding began to shift.</p><p>The Bible is not a rule book. Instead, it is the unfolding story of God’s mission and His salvation plan for the nations. It is an invitation into a covenant relationship with Him, calling us to participate in His mission wherever we find ourselves. This understanding opened my eyes to the richness and depth of Scripture—a narrative of love, mercy, and grace rather than a checklist of laws.</p><p><b>Seeing the Bible as a Whole</b></p><p>When we view the Bible as fragmented pieces or cherry-pick verses out of context, we risk distorting its true message. I’ve come to appreciate the importance of seeing Scripture as a unified story. This perspective deepens my gratitude for God’s love and grace, which have deepened my relationship with Him and allowed me to realize that I have a part to play in His greater plan. Despite my imperfections, He invites me to join His mission.</p><p>I believe in the authority and inspiration of Scripture, but I also recognize that it was written to different audiences in different cultural contexts. Understanding what God is saying to us today requires careful interpretation and meditation. This doesn’t diminish the Bible’s authority in my life; instead, it enriches my engagement with its truths. For those who assume that affirming Christians discard large portions of the Bible, I want to clarify: affirming theology does not equate to rejecting Scripture. Rather, it invites us to wrestle with its teachings in light of God’s overarching mission of love and redemption.</p><p><b>From Rules to Relationship</b></p><p>For many LGBTQ believers, the church has been a source of hurt, imposing unrealistic rules and expectations. When I see my gay and lesbian friends, I don’t think of rules to impose on them; I think of leading them into a deeper, loving relationship with Jesus. It’s heartbreaking to consider that for many, the very institution meant to embody Christ’s love has driven them away.</p><p>In the New Testament, Jesus shifted the focus from the law to the Spirit, from rules to relationships. He didn’t disregard the law but fulfilled it, freeing us to live by the Spirit. His ministry exemplified love, compassion, and reaching out to society’s outcasts. Following Him means embodying these values—loving people, helping those in need, and standing with the marginalized. When we prioritize rules over people, we miss the heart of God.</p><p>This doesn’t mean living without principles. The Bible provides guidelines that lead to a life glorifying God, but these principles are grounded in love and grace, not legalism. Affirming Christians are often misunderstood as abandoning biblical ethics. On the contrary, we strive to live holy lives guided by Scripture and the Spirit. Rules should serve society’s well-being, not perpetuate harm or exclusion.</p><p><b>Interpreting Scripture</b></p><p>One of the challenges in engaging with Scripture is the diversity of interpretations. Even among scholars and denominations, the same passage can yield opposing conclusions. This is particularly evident in discussions about LGBTQ issues, where affirming and non-affirming theologies both claim biblical grounding. Navigating these debates has been a journey of internal conflict for me, especially when facing opposition from loved ones.</p><p>Proper interpretation is essential—understanding Scripture in its historical and cultural context while seeking the Spirit’s guidance. For example, ancient Israel’s laws were shaped by their societal needs, such as procreation and survival in harsh conditions. Today, our context is vastly different, and discerning which biblical commands are culturally specific requires prayerful consideration.</p><p>Some principles can help guide this discernment:<br><i><span style="font-size: var(--bs-body-font-size); font-weight: var(--bs-body-font-weight); text-align: var(--bs-body-text-align);">1. Does it honor the Lord?<br></span><span style="font-size: var(--bs-body-font-size); font-weight: var(--bs-body-font-weight); text-align: var(--bs-body-text-align);">2. Does it love or harm my neighbor?<br></span><span style="font-size: var(--bs-body-font-size); font-weight: var(--bs-body-font-weight); text-align: var(--bs-body-text-align);">3. How does the Spirit lead me?</span></i></p><p>While we may never have absolute certainty about some cultural aspects of Scripture, these questions help us align with God’s heart and mission.</p><p><b>Foundational Truths</b></p><p>In a world where “live your truth” has become a mantra, it’s crucial to anchor ourselves in the ultimate Truth—Jesus Christ. He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). Our identity is found in Him, not in subjective interpretations of reality. The Bible, the cross, and the Gospel remain the bedrock of our faith. Salvation through Christ alone is non-negotiable, and the message of grace and redemption is central to our lives.</p><p>Affirming theology doesn’t compromise these foundational truths. It calls us to live out the Gospel’s radical inclusivity—to embrace those who have been marginalized and invite them into a transformative relationship with Jesus. This is the heart of the Bible’s message: not rules, but relationship; not exclusion, but love; not condemnation, but grace.</p><p><b>Moving Forward</b></p><p>The journey to understanding the Bible is deeply personal and ongoing. It requires humility, openness, and a willingness to wrestle with difficult questions. My hope is that as we engage with Scripture, we do so with the heart of Christ—seeking to love God and our neighbors more fully. Let us move beyond a rules-based ethic to a Spirit-led life that reflects the beauty of the Gospel. Together, we can embody the hands and feet of Jesus, carrying forth His Kingdom in love and truth.</p><div><br></div>
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