Statement on Marriage, Sexuality, and the Sanctity of Human Life

We believe that marriage was ordained by God at creation as the sacred union of one man and one woman.  All sexual relations must, therefore, be reserved for that union.  Christian marriage is a representation of Christ’s relationship to His church.  Ministers in this church are not authorized to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies or civil unions, and will only perform covenant marriage ceremonies for one man and one woman as biologically designed and revealed at birth. We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s gender, or disagreement with one biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God. (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:24;Matthew 19:1-10; Romans 1:18-32; 1Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:22-33; Hebrews 13:4)

 

All human life is sacred and worthy of protection from conception since we believe that personhood begins at conception.  Because of the sanctity of human life we believe the Bible prohibits abortion on demand. The Bible teaches that children are a blessing from the Lord. We also oppose active intervention with the intent to produce death (euthanasia), whether for the relief of suffering, economic considerations, or convenience of the person, family, or society. We do not oppose the withdrawal of or failure to institute artificial means of life support in patients who are clearly and irreversibly deteriorating, in whom death appears imminent beyond reasonable hope of recovery. (Psalm 127:3-5 & 128:3-6; 139:13-16)

 

The sanctity of human life is rooted in the Imago Dei (the image of God) which male and female equally bears. (Genesis 1:27) As image bearers of God, human beings are set apart from the rest of creation. We are not merely mammals, but are the pinnacle of the creative acts of God. It is no surprise then that Jesus taught what is commonly referred to as the Golden Rule, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Rooted in the sanctity of human life and flowing out of the command of the Lord Jesus, we believe there is biblical motivation for combating all forms of evil and injustice that are perpetuated against human life. Violence, abuse, oppression, human trafficking, and many other evils are also violations of the sanctity of human life. We will strive to protect others from harm - whether from abortion, euthanasia, human trafficking, or other abuses. While the sanctity of human life can be the foundation, love must be the motivation. 

 

Membership in this church shall be reserved for those who voluntarily agree with this statement on marriage, sexuality, and the sanctity of human life. Any deviation from agreement with this statement, whether in belief or practice will result in being pursued with the hope of repentance and restoration to the fellowship of the church.

 

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

 

We believe that every person 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 nor the doctrine of the church.

 

Any effort by civil authority to require ministers, staff, or members of this church to violate these provisions of our church constitution, shall be viewed as an attack on our religious liberties and the First Amendment rights as expressed in the Constitution of the United States, and will thereby lead to the only alternative left: Engaging in civil disobedience by refusing to comply with their demands, irrespective of the penalties, consequences and cultural stigma that may result as an act of faith that testifies: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29.)