Additional Notes: We believe that all human existence, including our sexuality, has been damaged by mankind’s Fall into sin (Gen 3; Rom 3:23; 5:12; 6:23). We are all sinners broken in some measure by the Fall. Though Christians are rescued, reconciled, and in a process of being transformed, this brokenness affects our bodies. Romans 8:20-23 says that “we groan as the whole creation” eager to experience our final redemption, which includes a glorified body. We know that at present we do not live in a perfected state. Everything from our environment to our bodily genetic code has been affected by the Fall into sin.
The Scriptures declare that the damage to our bodies ultimately culminates in physical death, for “the wages of sin is death" and "it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment” (Rom 3:23; Heb 9:27). This damage also involves the need for all of us to temper and control our physical desires and passions, including sexual temptations. Whether sexual sins are the product of environment, genetics, or other influences, we are called to resist sin and participate in God’s plan. Temptations, including sexual attractions, are not sin. Sin is yielding to temptation. Jesus himself was tempted, yet without sin (Matt 4:1-11, Heb 4:15).The Scriptures have much to say about sexual behavior, from the beautiful affirmations of the Song of Solomon to clear prohibitions found throughout the Bible (Song of Solomon; Prov 5; Rom 13:13-14; 1 Cor 5; 6:9-11, 15-20; Gal 5:16-26; 1 Thes 4:1-9). Sex within the covenant of marriage is a gift from God to be enjoyed by husband and wife – and the means to produce children and families. However, sexual activity outside the marriage covenant (including promiscuity, fornication, adultery, and homosexual behavior) are specifically condemned as sin in both the Old and New Testaments (Gen 19:4-11; Lev 18:22-30; 20:13-16; Rom 1:24-32; Eph 5:1-6; 1 Thes 4:1-9; 2 Pet 2:4-22).Regardless of a person’s lifestyle, we affirm that the Christian community is called to respond to others with the love of Christ, even as our Savior did (Jn 8:10-11). All human beings should be treated with respect and kindness. We reject and oppose the mistreatment of others, even when they have different views or lifestyles. The authentic gospel of Christ is full of grace and truth. It is an offer of forgiveness and newness of life to all who choose to receive it. - back -
