Gain of function.
The concept originated in the beginning of the 21st century and is defined as research that seeks to alter an organism to enhance the function of its gene products. For microorganisms, the objective is to enhance the organism’s infectivity, allowing other animals to be infected with the altered microbe with the hope that more effective vaccines may be created.
The COVID pandemic has thrust this concept to the forefront of headlines. Some politicians and medical experts have leveled charges that researchers may have genetically altered the Coronavirus and accidentally released it, resulting in the pandemic that still affects us today. A raging debate and investigation into this possibility is ongoing.
All research pushes the boundaries of human achievement by attempting to manipulate God’s creation, including man himself. Since the beginning, mankind has always wanted to be better than how God created us. In truth, we want to be like God.
God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.
Genesis 3:5 (NLT)
In this fateful encounter in the Garden of Eden, Satan tempted Eve with this offer of being like God. Adam and Eve were living in paradise. Everything they ever needed was provided for them by God, except for one thing. They were not God. Satan tried to be like God and he was expelled from Heaven. Now, he wanted the same fate to happen to Adam and Eve who both succumbed to Satan’s temptation. Sin entered their lives, rupturing the relationship between God and man.
Gain of function research has led to important medical advances. Satan has tempted man since the very beginning with the promise of a spiritual gain of function. We can be like God. No, we cannot. Only by confessing and repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior will we gain salvation and eternal life. This is the gain of function that we all need, to become the adopted sons and daughters of God, restoring the relationship that sin has broken.
Amen.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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