Historic sexual ethic
Historic orthodoxy
The teaching, held by the whole church through its history, that marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman and the only right place for sexual intimacy.
Also called: historic Christian sexual ethic, traditional sexual ethic, biblical sexual ethic
What it means
The historic Christian sexual ethic teaches that God created humanity male and female and joined the first man and woman in marriage. Marriage is a covenant union of one man and one woman for life, and sexual intimacy belongs within it. Sexual activity outside marriage, whether heterosexual or same-sex, is sin. So are lust and pornography, as Jesus taught.
This ethic is not an arbitrary rule. Scripture presents marriage as a picture of Christ and the church, and the union of man and woman as part of what it means to bear God's image. Singleness is honored too: Jesus and Paul were single, and single believers are full members of God's family.
The church has always held this teaching, and so do the Westminster and 1689 confessions. Holding it does not mean treating some sins as worse than our own. Every Christian is a sinner saved by grace, and churches should welcome those who experience same-sex attraction, walk with them, and call all members alike to repentance and faithful obedience.
In Scripture
A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Jesus grounds marriage in God's creation of male and female and their union as one flesh.
Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept pure.
Paul describes same-sex relations as exchanging natural relations for unnatural ones.
The sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom, but such were some of you; you were washed.
The union of husband and wife is a profound mystery that refers to Christ and the church.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 24.1; LBCF 1689 25.1
On this site: Marriage & sexuality
Related terms
Affirming theologySerious error
The teaching that the church should bless same-sex marriages and same-sex sexual relationships as faithful before God.
Third wayFlagged as a concern
The stance that a church will not take a position on same-sex marriage and sexuality, treating it as a matter on which members may disagree.
Created sexHistoric orthodoxy
The teaching that God creates each person male or female, and that a person's body is a good gift that identity and conduct should honor.
SanctificationHistoric orthodoxy
The lifelong work of God's grace by which believers are made more holy, dying to sin and living to righteousness.