The umbrella organization of which my church belongs (IFCA) threw their gauntlet down on same sex marriage...
The members and churches of the IFCA International
maintain their historical commitment to God’s Word, the
Bible as the final and
supreme authority in all matters of faith
and practice. Morality is a matter of biblical definition, not
subject to any cultural, social or political redefinition.
Morality, when left to popular opinion, will drift from
generation to generation, but biblic
al truth remains constant
and absolute.
The Biblical teaching on issues of human sexuality and
marriage is the final word regardless of what any human
individual or human institutions, organizations or groups might contend. There is no authority that can
supersede,
countermand or preclude the teaching of the Word of God.
We affirm biblical, traditional and historical marriage as the uniting of one man and one woman (as genetically defined)
within covenant bonds and lifelong commitment. Marriage is not open to social architecture, cultural engineering or judicial activism. God established it as His purpose at the beginning of time with Adam and Eve, demonstrated it through
the rest of Scripture and reinforced it through the teachings of Jesus. God regards
any sexual activity outside of this biblical
definition of marriage as sinful and, therefore, so must we.
We cannot and will not recognize or endorse same
sex “marriages,” nor will IFCA International churches or ministers be
involved in solemnizing such
“unions” either by hosting them within our churches or officiating at such ceremonies.
Any position, perspective or redefinition of marriage and sexuality that disagrees with this biblical standard, regardless of
its origin or source, will be dissented and rejected.
The Bible also informs us how we are to respond to people who struggle with sin of any kind, including homosexuality.
We are to possess and demonstrate God’s love for sinners, a love that seeks to deliver them from their sin through the provision of Jesus Christ. We renounce common reactions such as sarcasm, mockery, ridicule, and disrespect to those engaged in sin. However, the Gospel is not, nor has it ever been, about affirming humanity in whatever expression it chooses.
It is rather about the powerful grace of God toward sinners that delivers us from sin by cleansing us through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is impossible, therefore, to demonstrate the love of God, and at the same time,
endorse, legitimize or affirm conduct or behavior that brings His condemnation on its participants.
Because we believe that the fundamental and inalienable right to religious freedom is at stake within this critical issue, we
will remain loyal to God and His eternal Word regardless of the decisio
n of any human court, regardless of how supremely
men venerate it. God’s expressed Word and will must remain truly supreme.
Therefore, the members and churches of the IFCA International agree to remain submissive to God rather than men; to openly reject any legal redefinition of marriage; to continue to contend for the faith; and, to affirm God’s design for marriage, family and individual conduct.
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