Appendix II: Clarifications of Article 4, Of Creation and Article 25, Of Marriage |
The Redeeming Grace Church Articles of Faith are a comprehensive confession of faith that declare the teaching standard, subordinate to the scriptures of the Old and New Testament, of Redeeming Grace Church. There are frequently controversies that have arisen that are addressed in one form or another by our articles of faith. There are also controversies that arise, that while they are addressed by the Articles, may need some clarification due to changes in language and usage of terms in a given culture.
Article 25, Of Marriage, is a very suitable statement on marriage. Furthermore, Article 4, Of Creation, makes clear that God created mankind “after his own image” and created mankind as either male or female. However, due to changes in the way certain words are used, this appendix of affirmations and denials has been adopted to clarify what is meant by those terms.
Article 25, Of Marriage, is a very suitable statement on marriage. Furthermore, Article 4, Of Creation, makes clear that God created mankind “after his own image” and created mankind as either male or female. However, due to changes in the way certain words are used, this appendix of affirmations and denials has been adopted to clarify what is meant by those terms.
Affirmations and Denials I
- We affirm that marriage is an institution common to all humans regardless of religious persuasion or culture having been instituted at creation.
- We affirm that, as Christians, we are obligated to the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments (God’s Word) to guide us in our understanding of marriage.
- We deny that changes to how a culture defines marriage mean that Christians and the Christian Church need to acknowledge that change as normative or permissible within the context of the Christian church being the pillar and support of the truth that has been revealed in God’s Word.
Affirmation and Denials II
- We affirm that, as a restatement of RGC Article 4.2, man and woman are created, by God, as image-bearers of God and of distinct genders and sexualities of male and female, respectively.
- We affirm that such gender and sexuality is to be defined according to biology and the physical characteristics of the reproductive system at birth.
- We deny that one can or may change their gender thus choosing to undo that which God has created in His sovereign, wise, and loving will.
- We deny that such thoughts, words, and acts are in line with God’s Law and created order..
- We further deny that a person’s gender and sexuality is either their choice or subject to changes in human will.
- We deny that how one perceives their gender and sexuality changes the reality of his or her gender and sexuality according to God’s design.
- We affirm that those born with biological and physical disorders regarding their sex development are image-bearers being as Jesus said in Matthew 19:12, “eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb.” Such are welcome, as all sinners, to saving faith in Christ Jesus. Such are capable of living a joyful and fruitful life as followers of Jesus.
- We deny that such biological and physical ambiguities either render the above defined definition of gender and sexuality as moot or invalid.
Affirmation and Denials III
- We affirm that, as a restatement of RGC Article 25.1, marriage is between one man and one woman.
- We deny that a marriage outside of that definition is a permissible marriage.
- We further deny that such attempts at marriage are consistent with Christian theology, practice, and piety.
- We further deny that, in line with the article 25.1, bigamous, polygamous, polyamorous, or same-sex attempts at marriage are permissible according to God’s law.
- We affirm that the sexual union of husband and wife is good.
- We deny that sexual union outside of such marriage is permissible according to God’s law.
Affirmation and Denials IV
- We affirm that all humans are created in the image of God even though that image has been marred and distorted by our sinful condition demonstrated by our resultant thoughts, words, and acts.
- We deny that there are any humans that are not image bearers.
- We affirm that, as Christians, we are to regard any and all humans, regardless of sinful activity, as having the dignity of being image bearers of God.
- We further affirm that we are to treat all humans, regardless of sinful activity, with the dignity of being image bearers.
- We deny that affirming such dignity gives endorsement to any sinful thoughts, words, or acts.
- We affirm that all who come to Christ in saving faith, regardless of previous sinful activity, share in the same hope as all believers and share in the expectation of being made whole and being glorified in the resurrection, and that they may and can live joyful and fruitful lives resting in Christ in a life of repentance as believers.