Scientists create genetically modified humanPrint
World
Written by Chris Perver  
Monday, 12 May 2008 09:33

It has been revealed that a team of scientists from Cornell University in New York have created a genetically modified human for the first time in history. The controversial experiment was carried out last year, but details have only emerged after the Human Fertilization and Embryo Authority in the United Kingdom published its findings in an ethical review of the technology. Scientists want to experiment on human embryos to discover how diseases develop, and to grow 'spare parts' for those who are stricken with various incurable illnesses. In their experiment, the scientists added a green fluorescent protein to the human embryo, but the human was later destroyed as the scientists do not have permission to allow it to grow. Similar experiments have already been carried out on other creatures, combining the DNA of jellyfish with that of pigs, cats, rats and rabbits, to create freakish glow-in-the-dark animals. Politicians in the United Kingdom are presently debating a bill which would allow scientists to combine human and animal DNA for scientific research purposes, provided they apply for a licence from the government to do so.

Quote: "However, Dr David King, director of Human Genetics Alert, warned: "This is the first step on the road that will lead to the nightmare of designer babies and a new eugenics. The HFEA is right to say that the creation and legalisation of GM embryos raises 'large ethical and public interest issues' but neglects to mention that these have not been debated at all." He added: "I have been speaking to MPs all week and no one knows that the government is legalising GM embryos. The public has had enough of scientists sneaking these things through and then presenting us with a fait accompli."

It seems that the scientists are continually trying to push back the boundaries of what is deemed morally acceptable in this country. First we had the genetically modified crops. We were told by the government that GM crops would be good for the environment, because they could resist certain pesticides and farmers would be able to spray their fields less frequently. While the GM crops themselves didn't harm local wildlife, the weed-killer sprayed on the crops was so effective that it reduced the number of weeds by up to a third, leaving birds, bees and butterflies with up to one third less food to eat. GM crops turned out to be an ecological disaster, and many consumers will only buy products they know to be GM free. And now the British government is planning to allow scientists to genetically modify people, and they are in favour of it if the research can be shown to be beneficial. But this technology is not beneficial, for it destroys the sanctity of human life. Human embryos are being grown in the laboratory only to be destroyed when science can find no further use for them. The Bible teaches that life begins at conception, and that it is sacred.

Psalm 139:13-16
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them.

When a man takes somebody else's life, God will require it again at his hand (Genesis 9:3). We condemn the Nazis for their experiments in euthanasia and eugenics, and yet we are prepared to go one step further. It is said that ignorance of the law is no excuse. If that is said for the laws of men, which change with the changing times, how will men plead ignorance to God's law which never changes? Just because men don't believe that a five day old embryo is a human being, that doesn't mean that God will not hold them to account for destroying it. Even if they do not believe it to be a human life, it at least has the potential to be a human being in their eyes, and that ought to be reason enough not to carry out these experiments. But "Thou shalt not kill" is just one of the commandments. There are another nine that are equally as important, if not more so. The law was not given for men to keep so they could be good enough to get to heaven. The law was given by God to show man how far short he has fallen in relation to His standards. Adam and Eve were given only one commandment to obey, and they couldn't keep it (Genesis 2:16-17). As a result of breaking just one of God's commandments, they were thrown out of the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). What makes you think that you will fare any better, when it comes to gaining entrance to heaven? God demands absolute perfection (Revelation 21:27), and God has already declared the whole human race to be guilty before Him (Romans 3:19). Who then can be saved? Jesus Christ was the only Man to ever walk the earth that kept God's law to absolute perfection. The Bible records that He knew no sin (2nd Corinthians 5:21), He did no sin (1st Peter 2:22) and in Him is no sin (1st John 3:5). He had to be perfect, but His holy life was not enough to save us. God is a just God and can by no means acquit the guilty (Nahum 1:3). Sin must be punished, and somebody must bear that punishment. But God is a God of love, and He loves you so much that He sent His only Son into the world to take the punishment that your sins deserved. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world (1st John 2:2). His atonement was not limited to a certain amount of people or a certain number of sins. He died for sin (Zechariah 13:1). He died for you (John 3:16). The Bible declares that all who repent and believe on Jesus Christ for salvation can have their sins forgiven, and shall have everlasting life in heaven (John 5:24). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today.

John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Source Times Online, Switched, Guardian

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