The only salvation is through Jesus

To the editor:
Concerning Kathryne Rubright’s column on LGBT rights (Feb. 6), maybe we should look at both sides.
Let’s start with definitions:
1. LGBT means lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
2. Gay or homeosexual is a general term used for persons sexually attracted toward a person of the same sex.
3. A lesbian is a female homosexual.
5. A transgender, denoting or relating to a person whose self-identity may somewhat differ physiologically with their birth or a person who has undergone a sex change.
6. Homophobia is a fear and/or hatred of homosexuals.
7. Christian means one who believes in the teachings of Jesus and endeavors to follow him and be more like him in everyday life.
8. Holy Bible is a compilation of 66 books believed to be inspired by God and written by men and women. Inspired means to be God-breathed (II Timothy 3:16).
Rubright’s column centered upon the LGBT rights and the failure of the Indiana General Assembly to “press ahead with a bill” concerning further protections.
Ever since the American Psychiatric Association’s declaration in 1973 that homosexuality “is not a disease,” the table, so to speak, has turned toward “homophobia.” No Christian should be guilty of this sin.
So what are we supposed to do? No Christian will prove their point by screaming obscenities at gays. Hatred is sin. Fear comes not from the Lord. So, what’s the answer? It’s not “what,” but “who?” As conservative Christians, we must contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints. We are not mad at gays or alcoholics or drug addicts or witches. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Jesus, the Son of the Living God, died for all as a sacrifice, in our place, even while we were sinners. This is the ultimate love of God that came down from heaven to die on the old, rugged cross. But when Jesus shed His blood, He did not only forgives us but also gives us the power to live a victorious life over temptation and evil.
This is where most churches do not tread. We believe in deliverance from sin.
Romans, chapter one clearly reveals sins without fear or favor. Conservative Christians believe that God as a “created order” (natural) and what isn’t (Read Genesis 2:24; I Corinthians 6:9-11; I Timothy 1:8-11.)
The Supreme Court nor the President have any rights to change what the Word of God declares.
At one time, “sodomy” was a crime and in many countries today is a call for the death penalty. In Genesis 19, Sodom and Gomorroah were guilty of this sin along with several others. Leviticus 18:22; 20:13 and Deuteronomy 22:5 clearly describe these as “wicked sins.” Wicked in Genesis 6:1-5, in the Hebrews language meant to “break in pieces; to destroy; persons who broke the established order of things and confounded the distinctions between right and wrong.” Jude verse seven proves Genesis 19 was definitely a gross sin.
You may not hear the truths coming from the liberal pulpits that find it more important to be “politically correct” than to speak “thus sayeth the Lord.” When sinners are comfortable in our pews and join the church without getting saved from sin, then our “church” has just a “form of godliness, but deny the power” of the cleansing Blood.
Real conservative Christians do not fear or hate gays. We do, however, stake our belief on the Word of God. We know judgment awaits those who no longer respect what God has to say about our lifestyle.
That order is found in the powerful scene where Jesus slows down the sheriffs of the Temple as they prepare to stone the adulterous woman. While Jesus told her He didn’t condemn her, He did not give approval of her sinful acts. Because Jesus didn’t come here to the earth to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be save. Then the powerful punch that set her free — “Go, and sin no more.” That’s getting saved.
Though we may not agree, thank God there’s room at the cross for all of us.
Sincerely,
Phill Jellison
Portland