At Calvary Boise, we recognize the beauty of God's design for human life and sexuality. Although the culture of our world has continually shifting views on sexual ethics, we know the Bible gives timeless answers to the questions that arise surrounding this topic.
As a body of believers committed to living out the truths of Scripture, we desire to fully represent God’s gracious and merciful love, as well as His clear and unchanging truth (Titus 2:11-14). This statement reflects our beliefs and commitments regarding human sexuality and gender. The Bible makes a distinction between a temptation, which is not a sin in and of itself, and how we respond to that temptation (James 1:13-15). And in alignment with what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:27-28, we believe these statements apply to our actions, our thoughts, and the desires of our hearts.
1. We Believe that God has intentionally and wonderfully created each person as biologically male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders are unchangeable and together reflect the image and nature of God.
We Do Not Believe that an individual’s self-conception is able to nullify their God-appointed biological sex. No physical modifications, psychological conditions, physical anomalies, or feelings can negate God’s design for each person.
Genesis 1:27, 1:31; Deuteronomy 22:5; Psalm 139:14; Matthew 19:4
2. We Believe that marriage is ordained by God as a lifelong union between one man and one woman, and is the only appropriate context for sexual intimacy.
We Do Not Believe that other forms of sexual intimacy, partnership, or marriage are consistent with biblical teachings.
Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:4-6; Romans 1:26-27; Ephesians 5:31-32; Hebrews 13:4
3. We Believe that sexual intimacy has been given as a gift by God to be exclusively enjoyed within the context of marriage.
We Do Not Believe that any sexual relationship or expression outside of marriage is honoring to God, but is in fact sinful.
Proverbs 5:18-19; Ecclesiastes 9:9; Song of Solomon 4:10; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
4. We Believe that singleness is a gift from God, and should be celebrated and honored.
We Do Not Believe that anyone who is not married should engage in sexual activity, whether in thought or action.
1 Corinthians 7:7-8, 32; 1 Peter 2:11; Mark 10:29-31
5. We Believe that any sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, the use of pornography, and sex before marriage, are sinful and offensive to God and work against the abundant life He offers.
We Do Not Believe that these practices in thought or action can be justified or legitimized under any circumstances.
Exodus 20:14, 17; Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Job 31:1; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19; Colossians 3:5
6. We Believe that those who affirm living in sexual immorality of any kind, and do not correct and call people to repentance, are teaching false doctrine and leading people astray.
We Do Not Believe such false teachers leave us any room for partnership in Gospel ministry.
1 Corinthians 5:1-5; Matthew 18:6-9; Romans 1:18-23; 2 Timothy 4:3-4
7. We Believe in the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to turn from sexual immorality to Christ through sincere obedience to the Heavenly Father.
We Do Not Believe that the grace of God permits us to continue in sinful sexual desires and behaviors.
1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Timothy 1:9-10, 1:15; Romans 6:1-2; Philippians 1:6; Galatians 2:20
8. We Believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and repent from their sexual sin, and seek His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
We Do Not Believe that there is any type of sexual sin too great for God to forgive; all are welcome to come to Him in repentance.
Isaiah 59:1; Psalm 51; John 3:16-17; Romans 6:12-14, 12:1-2; 1 John 1:9
9. We Believe that sanctification (being made more like Christ) is a lifelong process. While specific temptations may or may not become less enticing, we can experience progressive victory through continually submitting to and obeying God’s framework for sexuality by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We Do Not Believe that sexual sin or temptation defines who we are, or that experiencing victory over temptation is ever a hopeless matter.
Hebrews 4:15-16; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; 2 Timothy 2:22
10. We Believe that the path to abundant life for all people is to root our identity not in our sexuality or gender, but in our new life in Christ.
We Do Not Believe it is our right to hold non-believers accountable to these standards until they put faith in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:20-24; John 10:10; Romans 8:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11
We hold these beliefs with grace and mercy. As believers, we must love and disciple anyone wrestling with sexual sin with compassion for where they are on their faith journey, pursuing and moving towards sanctification through discipleship. We seek to extend love to all, inviting everyone to experience the transformative power of the Gospel, which is capable of renewing all aspects of human life, including sexuality.
