CHURCH ETHICS
As Christians who are committed to the Bible as the Word of God, we often hold beliefs that do not conform to the culture in which we live. When this happens, we must make clear statements about what we believe so that there is no uncertainty among God’s people that the animosity and persecution they endure from the culture is due to their faithfulness to God and His Word.
MARRIAGE
As a church, we are committed to the biblical mandate that marriage is between a man and a woman (a). We do not acknowledge the legitimacy before God of marriage between two people of the same biological sex from birth. The joining of two people of the same biological sex in a one-flesh union (marriage) is sinful in God’s sight (b). Therefore, in the life of the church, we will not participate in or approve of any union in marriage other than that between a consenting man and woman. While there is forgiveness and grace for those who enter into such a union and then repent, this repentance would require the termination of the unholy union in order to follow Christ in true faith and holiness.
(a) Genesis 2:21-25; Matthew 19:3-9; Ephesians 5:31. (b) 1Corinthians 6:16; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:25-27.
SEXUAL ACTIVITY
Furthermore, we believe that all sexual activity outside of a biblical marriage is sinful (a). This includes adultery (which includes lust (b)), fornication (which includes the use of pornography) (c), homosexuality (d), and other practices forbidden by God in Scripture. Those who continue to practice sexual sin and refuse to repent will not inherit the kingdom of God (e). This belief does not express our wish for such persons, as our desire, which is out of love for all those made in God’s image, is for their salvation (f); however, we must, as faithful Christians, hold firmly to the teaching of the Bible and be a pure light of hope, grace, and forgiveness in the world.
(a) 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 7:2; Hebrews 13:4. (b) Matthew 5:27-28. (c) Matthew 5:29; Psalm 119:37; Isaiah 33:15. (d) Romans 1:26-27; Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9. (e) Galatians 5:21; Revelation 21:8. (f) 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
GENDER AT BIRTH
We believe that the biological sex a person has from birth is the sex intended for that person by God (a). We consider all attempts to alter this biological sex to be incompatible with the Christian faith. While original sin has impacted both our souls and our physical bodies, resulting in confusion and conflicts of identity (gender dysphoria) (b), by God’s grace, the true Christian can find his or her identity in Christ and express that identity through the biological sex into which he or she was born (c). We believe that there is forgiveness and mercy for those who have taken steps to change their biological gender and then, by God’s grace, repent of this sin and purpose to live for Christ as their Savior and Lord (d).
(a) Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 44:24. (b) Psalm 51:5, 58:3; Ephesians 2:3. (c) 1Corinthians 7:16-24. (d) Isaiah 56:4-5.
ABORTION
As a church, we believe that the taking of innocent human life is murder and therefore sinful (a). This includes the taking of human life in the womb. Therefore, we are decidedly against the practice of abortion. We believe that abortion is a sin and that God has provided a way of forgiveness for such sins through the blood and righteousness of His Son, received by faith. We, therefore, continue to pray for those who have had abortions and hold forth the mercy of God to all who will acknowledge their sins and come to Christ in faith.
(a) Genesis 9:6; Proverbs 6:16-19; Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5; Exodus 21:22-25.