HUMAN SEXUALITY, GENDER, MARRIAGE, AND SANCTITY OF LIFE

This document is from our church’s Bylaws Article XI, Section 7.

A.    Human Sexuality

We teach that God has established clear standards regarding human sexual behavior.  God’s Word, the Bible, affirms sexual intimacy exclusively between one man and one woman who are married to each other.  The Bible defines sexual immorality (sin) as any sexual behavior that occurs outside of the biblical marriage of one man and one woman.  This includes, but is not limited to, all forms of heterosexuality outside the confines of biblical marriage of one man and one woman, including conjugal cohabitation outside of biblical marriage.  This further includes, but is not limited to, all forms of homosexuality, bisexuality, incest, pedophilia, and bestiality.  (Leviticus 18:22, Corinthians 6:13,18, 10:8; Ephesians 5:3; Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22- 23, Hebrews 13:4)

B.    Sexual Identity

We teach that according to the clear teaching of God’s Word, the Bible, God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman).  Gender and sexual identity are strictly binary, meaning these are the only two genders (or sexes) which are defined by a person’s biology at birth.  This is affirmed both genetically and anatomically.  Male and female are created equal in personal dignity, but are called by God to different roles and functions in life.  Disagreeing with one’s predominant biological gender is a denial of reality, and rebellion against God who made us either male or female.  Any and all attempts to physically change one’s gender—including but not limited to elective medical sex-reassignment procedures, transvestite cross-dressing, self-identifying as transgender, or non-binary acts or conduct—is sinful.  We teach that homosexuality, in particular, is subject to God’s wrath of abandonment, is a matter of choice and not inherited status, and epitomizes man’s ungrateful rebellion against God. (Romans 1:18–28, Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

We teach that every person, including those who struggle with or live sexually sinful lifestyles, must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity.  Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture.  We teach that the faithful proclamation of the Scriptures, including the call to repentance, does not constitute hate speech, or hateful and harassing behavior, but is instead a fundamental part of the Church’s loving mission to the world.  While God’s people love people who struggle with any form of sexual sin, the Church cannot, however, endorse or condone any sin, sexual or otherwise. (Matthew 28:16–20; 2 Corinthians 5:11–20; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 4:1–2)

C.    Marriage

We teach that marriage was established, initiated, and ordained by God.  We believe that God has clearly defined the context, confines, and parameters of the marriage relationship in His Word, the Bible.  Biblical marriage is solely between one man and one woman as defined by their biology at birth.  Biology is defined by both genetic and anatomical makeup.  For these reasons, Grace Bible Church and its ministers will only conduct and allow our property and facilities to be utilized for the purpose of marriage ceremonies between one man and one woman.  (Genesis 2:18-24, Genesis 3:16; 1 Peter 3:7)

D.    Sanctity of Human Life

We teach that human life begins at conception, and that the unborn child is a living human being.  Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused ending of unborn human life.  We reject any teaching to the contrary. (Job 3:16; Psalms 51:5; 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24; 49:1,5; Jeremiah 1:5, 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)

Originally adopted 5/2017. Updated 2/2020.