Concerning Marriage and Sexual Morality

By Proclaim and Defend | July 2, 2015

Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International

Position Statement 13.01

The following statement regarding marriage and sexual morality reflects the clear and consistent Biblical teaching, the consistent historical position of Christianity in general and of Fundamental Baptists in particular and has always been and remains the unwavering theological conviction of the FBFI. Adherence to the clear teaching of Scripture on marriage and sexual morality is and has always been fundamental to obedient, Biblical Christianity.

Definition of Marriage:

  1. Marriage is the exclusive God ordained institution between one man (husband) and one woman (wife) in a mutually consented “one-flesh” relationship, consisting of mutually supportive companionship and physical union (Gen. 1:27; 2:24; 1 Cor. 7:1-6; Rom. 1:26-27).
  2. Marriage is a monogamous, heterosexual, covenant relationship between the man and the woman, which is intended to be lifelong and which is publicly entered into before God as witness and enforcer (Prov. 2:17; Mal. 2:16; Matt. 19:6) and recognized by God’s institution of human government (Deut. 22:13-17; Gen. 29:25-26; Rom. 13:1; Matt. 22:21).

Biblical Sexual Morality:

  1. Sexual relations do not alone constitute a genuine marriage (John 4:17-18) due to the fact that sexual activity and relations outside the marriage bond as defined above are always considered to be sinful (Heb. 13:4; Matt. 19:9).
  2. All other forms of sexual activity outside of monogamous, heterosexual marriage are forbidden in Scripture, including fornication (“any sexual activity outside of marriage” 1 Cor. 7:2; 1 Thess. 4:3), adultery (“with someone other than one’s own spouse” Exod. 20:14; Matt. 5:28), homosexuality (“any same-sex sexual activity” Gen. 19:5-7; Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:27; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:10; Jude 7), incest (“sexual activity with family members or relatives” Lev. 20:11-21; 1 Cor. 5:1), obscenity (Eph. 5:3-4), pornography (Matt. 5:28; Mark 7:21-22; 1 Thess. 4:5; Rev. 18:9), prostitution (Prov. 5:1-23; 7:4-27; 1 Cor. 6:15-18), transvestitism (Deut. 22:5; 1 Cor. 11:4-15), criminal sexual behavior (rape, molestation, pedophilia, bestiality, necrophilia, pederasty, etc., Rom 13:1-6; Lev 18-22), and impurity (“moral filth in one’s heart and thoughts,” James 1:21; Rev 22:11; Rom 1:24; 2 Pet 2:10).

God’s Will for Sinners:

  1. It is the clear will of God for all human beings made in the image of God to abstain from immorality. This is especially true for professing believers in Christ (1 Thess. 4:1-8). His image-bearers must abstain from immorality and refrain from approving immoral behavior (Rom. 1:31-32). The practice or approval of these sins is inconsistent with a sincere and genuine profession of faith (Eph. 5:3- 5; cf. Gal. 5:19-21 and 1 Cor. 6:9-11).
  2. Thankfully, God in His grace offers His gospel to all sinners. All human beings are sinners (Rom. 3:23). Though sexual sin carries severe consequences in this life and eternal judgment in the life to come, all sin, including sexual sin, can be forgiven via the grace of God available on account of Christ’s infinite atonement for sin applied to those who repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone for their eternal salvation (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Acts 17:30; 1 John 1:9; Rom. 6:1-7).
  3. Because of human depravity, it is possible for anyone to commit any sin at any time. Therefore, we should humbly take every opportunity to help others by introducing them to Jesus Christ. In addition, we must help any professing Christian who is battling with sexual sin. We do so by accurately calling sin what it is and by encouraging genuine repentance in order to restore fellowship with Christ and the joy of one’s salvation (Ps. 51).

This statement, after being duly moved and seconded, was adopted by majority vote at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors on June 11, 2013.

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