Leaders in Christ,
I write to you with deep respect for your devotion to God’s Word and your love for the Lord Jesus Christ. The care you show in guarding the Scriptures and your commitment to the truth is evident, and for that I give thanks. At the same time, I come with a heartfelt plea for grace, rooted in the gospel we all cherish.
Our Lord Jesus prayed that His people would be one, even as He and the Father are one (John 17:21). The apostle Paul reminds us that in Christ there is “one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Eph. 4:4–6). While differences in translation preference are real and sometimes deeply felt, I urge you in the Spirit of Christ to extend forgiveness, acceptance, and love toward brothers and sisters who read from the NIV or other faithful translations of God’s Word.
The gospel itself teaches us: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col. 3:13). We know that none of us comes to God by the purity of our works or the perfection of our knowledge, but only through the mercy of Christ. In the same way, may we not withhold fellowship or acceptance from those whom Christ has already welcomed. If God has poured His Spirit upon men and women reading the NIV, drawing them to repentance, faith, and holiness, can we not also embrace them as fellow heirs of grace?
Leaders, I am not asking you to abandon your convictions, but to adorn them with charity. Hold fast to your love for the King James Bible, but let that love be accompanied by patience and gentleness toward others who also seek to know God through His Word. In doing so, your testimony will shine even brighter—not only for your faithfulness to Scripture but also for your reflection of the love of Christ.
May the Lord strengthen you, fill you with His peace, and grant you joy as you shepherd His people in the spirit of unity.
With respect and love in Christ,
Lawrence Wong
No comments:
Post a Comment