The Word of God pierces our hearts with truth, and it is with that truth, specifically from Proverbs 11:5, that I must appeal to you: "The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness."
Suan Yew, this verse lays bare the stark contrast between two paths: the path of righteousness that leads to straightness, integrity, and life, and the path of wickedness that inevitably leads to stumbling and downfall. I urge you, with deep pastoral concern, to examine which path your actions have aligned with.
Your fervent promotion of KJV-Onlyism, the doctrine of a "Perfect Greek Bible," and Verbal Plenary Preservation, while perhaps stemming from a desire for certainty, has tragically borne the bitter fruit of division. The body of Christ has been split. Worse still, the grievous act of chasing out a faithful Mandarin-speaking pastor – a fellow laborer in the vineyard – simply because he held a different understanding on textual matters, stands in stark contradiction to the gentleness, humility, and love demanded of shepherds (1 Peter 5:2-3, Ephesians 4:1-3). This, Suan Yew, is not the "righteousness of the blameless" that makes paths straight; it is the "wickedness" that brings down – bringing down a church, wounding believers, and tarnishing the name of Christ.
Consider the fruit, Suan Yew. Has this rigid insistence on one translation above all others fostered unity? Has it built up the Mandarin-speaking brethren entrusted to your care? Or has it sown discord, driven away a godly pastor, and caused the sheep to scatter? The "straight path" of true biblical righteousness is marked by love, patience, and the pursuit of unity in the essentials of the faith. The path you've walked has been crooked with contention and harshness. The expulsion of a pastor over this secondary issue is an act of spiritual violence unbecoming of a servant of the Prince of Peace.
Furthermore, your posture towards countless faithful pastors and believers who find nourishment and guidance in translations like the NIV or the beloved Chinese Union Version (CUV) has been one of condemnation, not gentleness. Remember the Apostle Paul's charge: "And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth..." (2 Timothy 2:24-25, NIV). Does your treatment of those who use the NIV or CUV reflect this "kindness" and "gentle instruction"? Or does it reflect a quarrelsome spirit that alienates and divides? To imply that these brothers and sisters, many deeply devoted to Christ and His Word, are using deficient or unholy Scriptures is a grave error and fosters unnecessary suspicion and schism within the Body.
Therefore, Suan Yew, I plead with you in the name of Jesus:
Repent of the Wickedness: Acknowledge before God the sinfulness of causing division, of acting harshly and unjustly towards a fellow pastor, and of the pride and unloving spirit that fueled it. The "wickedness" of Proverbs 11:5 is not merely grand evil; it includes unrighteous anger, divisiveness, and the abuse of spiritual authority (Galatians 5:19-21). Seek God's forgiveness and the forgiveness of those you have wronged, especially the Mandarin-speaking pastor and congregation.
Repent of the Error: Re-examine the doctrines you champion with true humility and scholarly integrity. Recognize that godly, orthodox believers throughout history and across the globe have used various faithful translations, trusting the Holy Spirit to speak through His Word. The pursuit of textual purity must never eclipse the command for love and unity. Insisting on one translation as the only valid Word of God for all languages and contexts is an untenable position that goes beyond what the Scripture claims for itself.
Embrace the Gentleness of True Righteousness: Pursue the "righteousness of the blameless" that makes paths straight. This means showing gentleness and respect to pastors and believers who use the NIV, CUV, or other reliable translations. Engage in gracious dialogue, not condemnation. Recognize their sincere love for the same Lord and the same essential truths of the Gospel revealed in Scripture. Build bridges, not walls.
The path of righteousness leads to life, peace, and unity. The path you've been on leads to downfall. Choose the straight path, Suan Yew. Choose repentance. Choose gentleness. Choose the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The mercy of Christ is abundant, and His restoring grace is sufficient for you and for the church wounded by this conflict. May you humble yourself before the Lord, seek reconciliation, and once again walk in the blameless righteousness that honors Him and shepherds His flock with love.
Praying for your restoration and the healing of the Body,
A Fellow Pastor in Christ
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