IFCA International Statement on Biblical vs. Same-Sex Marriage

From Voice magazine, July/August 2016. Used by permission.

We Rejoice in the Proclamation of the Truth

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 biblical 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 decision 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.

Adopted by the IFCA International Convention delegates June 30, 2015.