Appendix 2.7: Doctrinal Clarification – Biblical Marriage and Sexuality
We believe that the term "marriage" has only one true meaning, and that is marriage sanctioned by God, which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Genesis 2:22–24; Matthew 19:4–6)
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1–5)
We believe that any form of sexual immorality—such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, or any attempt to change one’s sex or disagreement with one’s biological sex—is sinful and offensive to God. (1 Corinthians 6:9–20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5; Mark 7:20–23; Romans 1:25–28)
We believe that, in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, or hold membership, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.
The clergy employed by Washington Heights Baptist Church may not in any way officiate a marriage ceremony that compromises the biblical standard for marriage set forth by this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality.
These doctrines may only be amended to better reflect the teaching of Scripture. Any change must be supported with thorough biblical justification. Doctrinal shifts based on trends, sentiment, or group opinion, rather than the Word of God, are to be rejected outright.
Scripture Support:
The biblical doctrine of marriage and sexuality, as affirmed in Article 2, Section 7 and this appendix, is rooted in both the created order and redemptive theology. Scripture consistently presents marriage as a covenantal, God-ordained union between one man and one woman for life (Genesis 2:24). Jesus Himself affirmed this design, stating, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female… For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?” (Matthew 19:4–5).
This view is not based on cultural tradition but divine revelation. Any deviation from this model—whether in form of same-sex unions, sexual activity outside of marriage, or attempts to alter one's God-given sex—is treated in Scripture as sin. Paul, under inspiration, wrote, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind...” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).
This appendix reinforces that marriage is not merely a social contract but a theological reality that reflects Christ's relationship with His Church (Ephesians 5:25–32). Sexual ethics, likewise, are not personal matters of autonomy but spiritual matters of obedience. Hebrews 13:4 declares, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
The church, therefore, is not at liberty to redefine or ignore these doctrines. In order to maintain its identity as a holy people (1 Peter 1:15–16) and a pillar of truth (1 Timothy 3:15), Washington Heights Baptist Church affirms and requires alignment with the biblical witness on these matters.
This doctrine is not about condemnation, but conviction—calling all people to repentance and new life in Christ. The church’s role is both prophetic and Pastoral: to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and to restore the repentant in a spirit of meekness (Galatians 6:1).
Any attempt to reinterpret marriage or sexuality apart from the biblical standard is not merely a difference of opinion—it is a departure from sound doctrine and the authority of Scripture. For this reason, doctrinal protection in this area is essential for the preservation of biblical integrity.
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1–5)
We believe that any form of sexual immorality—such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, or any attempt to change one’s sex or disagreement with one’s biological sex—is sinful and offensive to God. (1 Corinthians 6:9–20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5; Mark 7:20–23; Romans 1:25–28)
We believe that, in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, or hold membership, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.
The clergy employed by Washington Heights Baptist Church may not in any way officiate a marriage ceremony that compromises the biblical standard for marriage set forth by this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality.
These doctrines may only be amended to better reflect the teaching of Scripture. Any change must be supported with thorough biblical justification. Doctrinal shifts based on trends, sentiment, or group opinion, rather than the Word of God, are to be rejected outright.
Scripture Support:
- 2 John 9–10 – “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God…”
- 1 Timothy 6:3–5 – “If any man teach otherwise… withdraw thyself.”
The biblical doctrine of marriage and sexuality, as affirmed in Article 2, Section 7 and this appendix, is rooted in both the created order and redemptive theology. Scripture consistently presents marriage as a covenantal, God-ordained union between one man and one woman for life (Genesis 2:24). Jesus Himself affirmed this design, stating, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female… For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?” (Matthew 19:4–5).
This view is not based on cultural tradition but divine revelation. Any deviation from this model—whether in form of same-sex unions, sexual activity outside of marriage, or attempts to alter one's God-given sex—is treated in Scripture as sin. Paul, under inspiration, wrote, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind...” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).
This appendix reinforces that marriage is not merely a social contract but a theological reality that reflects Christ's relationship with His Church (Ephesians 5:25–32). Sexual ethics, likewise, are not personal matters of autonomy but spiritual matters of obedience. Hebrews 13:4 declares, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
The church, therefore, is not at liberty to redefine or ignore these doctrines. In order to maintain its identity as a holy people (1 Peter 1:15–16) and a pillar of truth (1 Timothy 3:15), Washington Heights Baptist Church affirms and requires alignment with the biblical witness on these matters.
This doctrine is not about condemnation, but conviction—calling all people to repentance and new life in Christ. The church’s role is both prophetic and Pastoral: to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and to restore the repentant in a spirit of meekness (Galatians 6:1).
Any attempt to reinterpret marriage or sexuality apart from the biblical standard is not merely a difference of opinion—it is a departure from sound doctrine and the authority of Scripture. For this reason, doctrinal protection in this area is essential for the preservation of biblical integrity.