One of the most prominent discussions in government, social media and private circles has been the matter of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression or SOGIE bill. To say that this is a sensitive and complex issue is definitely an understatement. The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches or PCEC – an organization of which CCF is a member – has issued its position and it is available for anyone’s review online.
However, the leadership of CCF believes it is necessary to issue a statement which we believe expresses our view on this delicate matter. And we make this statement in all humility and unconditional love towards all who will hear this.
Before anything else, we believe and stand by the fundamental truths divinely expressed by God in His timeless word, the Bible. Generally speaking, we cannot be in support of any bill or law that opposes the principles of God’s word. When it comes to the SOGIE bill in particular, and the LGBTQ issue in general, the following is what we believe:
1. God created man and woman. There are only two biological sexes created by the Author of life (Genesis 1:27). A person’s sex is therefore determined biologically, and not by one’s sexual preferences or how he or she views himself or herself.
2. Marriage is a sacrament instituted by God Himself, and it is to be enjoyed exclusively by and between a biological man and woman (Genesis 2:22-24).
3. God loves all people, and so we who are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, love all people in the same manner that He does (Romans 5:8).
4. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 2:3-4 that “God our Savior…wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” This is likewise our hearts’ desire – that all people regardless of background – including sexual orientation – enter into a saving and transforming personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
5. God is a holy God, and He does not discriminate between one sin and another. They are all offensive to His pure and holy character.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, we read: 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
This passage tells us that all sin will exclude us from entering the kingdom of God.
6. We believe that homosexuality is not a destiny. It has never been proven that a person is born with a so-called “gay gene.” A homosexual lifestyle is therefore still a choice. And herein lies the message of great hope.
7. Let us look at 1 Corinthians 6:11 – 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
In CCF, we have seen many individuals who used to adhere to a homosexual lifestyle, but who were “washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Today, they experience the peace and joy of living in relationship with the Lord Jesus. We, as followers of Jesus, are very much sympathetic that many of those caught in a homosexual lifestyle are products of deep family dysfunctions and abuse. Our hearts go out to them. They need the healing love of Jesus in their lives, and this is why our priority as Christians is to show God’s love to all people without exception or discrimination.