In addition to the beliefs outlined in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message, Bethel Baptist Church believes the following on Human Sexuality and Marriage:
(a. Human Sexuality:
God has commanded that there be no intimate sexual activity outside of marriage. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, transgenderism, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, cohabitation, polygamy and pornography is a counterfeit and are sinful expressions of God’s gifts of marriage and sex. We believe that because of Christ’s love for sinners, through God’s redemptive and forgiving power, full healing and spiritual transformation can occur. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thes. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
(b. Marriage:
(1) We believe that the only form of marriage is that form supported within God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and is the joining of one man and one woman. The institution of marriage was designed and established by God in creation, and it is a covenantal relationship between a husband (man) and wife (woman) before God. Men and women are spiritually equal in position before God, but God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for each. (Gen 2:24; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)
(2) God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife in a sacrificial, purifying, and nourishing way as Christ loves the church. The wife is to respect her husband and submit herself to his Scriptural leadership as the church submits to the headship of Christ. The husband is to be a servant leader in the home, giving attention to his own spiritual wellbeing as well as the spiritual welfare of his family. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values consistent with God’s word (The Holy Bible). Parents are also to lead through a consistent Christian lifestyle, by being a Godly example, and through appropriate discipline. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4- 9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23: 13-14; Mk 10:6-12; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4,Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)
