ARTICLE III – DOCTRINAL STATEMENT: Articles of Faith

We believe that the Bible is the only standard of faith and practice for the believer in Jesus Christ and His Church.
The Bible alone is infallible, inerrant (without error), and complete. This Doctrinal Statement of Faith is not to be
considered an exhaustive statement but an extended statement, for only the whole Word of God (the Bible) would
exhaust the statement.
We believe that in so far as these Articles extend, they are a true presentation of the sound doctrine taught in the
Scriptures.
 

Article I CONCERNING THE SCRIPTURES
We believe the Scriptures to be completely infallible and inerrant (without error) as originally given by God in the
autographs (original text). The writings of the New and Old Testaments are verbally inspired (“God–breathed”). We
believe that this divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the writing – historical, poetical, doctrinal,
prophetical, and scientific. Therefore, the Scriptures are altogether sufficient in and of themselves as our only
infallible rule of faith and practice. Thus, the sixty-six books of the Bible constitute the Word of God as given to
man by the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 5:18; Luke. 24:27, 44; John 5:39, 10:34-35, 17:17; Acts 1:16; 1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Tim.
3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).
 

Article II CONCERNING THE GODHEAD
We believe that there is one, and only one, true and living God, who is an infinite, intelligent, self-sufficient Spirit.
God, by virtue of His perfect holiness, is worthy of all honor, reverence, worship and love. Within the unity of the
Godhead there exists three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are of one essence, divinely
equal in being, power and glory. Each one of the Godhead executes distinctive yet cooperative functions in the
overall work of redemption. God is above and separate from His creation yet vitally active in it. (Gen. 1:1; Ex.
3:14, 15:11, 20:2-3; Deut. 6:4; Psa. 147:5; Isa. 44:6 57:15; Matt. 28:19; Luke. 24:39; John. 4:24, 14:7-12; Acts 5:3-
4; Rom. 11:33; 1 Cor. 8:6; 2 Cor. 13:14; Phil. 2 5-6; Col. 1:15, 2:9; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 1:1-3).

 

Article III CONCERNING THE FATHER
We believe that God the Father is the author of one eternal plan (the Eternal Decree), that includes all
things. He is directing his plan to glorify Himself. He is the Source and Creator of everything created, including the
universe and the human race. God the Father is the Designer of redemption in the eternal counsel of Redemption
and is thereby the spiritual Father of all who believe. At the end of time, the Lord Jesus Christ will deliver up the
kingdom to God the Father that He may be all in all. (Matt. 6:25-32, 10:29; John. 6:27, 37-38, 17:4-7; Rom. 8:28-
30; 1 Cor. 8:6, 15:24-28; Eph. 1:3-12, 3:9; Heb. 12:9; Jas. 1:17; 1 Pet. 1:1-2).
 

Article IV CONCERNING THE SON
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the second Person of the Triune Godhead and that he is eternally co-
equal with the Father. We believe that He took upon Himself man’s nature, yet without sin, being miraculously
conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. (Isa. 7:14, 9:1-6; Micah. 5:2; Matt. 1:18-25;
Mk. 2:5-12; Luke. 1:35; John. 1:1-4, 15, 5:18, 6:62, 8: 58, 20:19-28; 2 Cor. 8:9; Col. 2:9; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:2, 3, 8,
10, 13:8).
We believe that Jesus Christ experienced normal human development. He was tempted in all points as any
other man, yet without yielding to sin. He remained sinlessly perfect throughout his life. His humanity did not and
does not diminish His deity, therefore He exists forevermore true God and true man. (Luke. 2:40; John. 8:42; Rom.
1:3, 4, 9:5; 2 Cor. 5:21; Tim. 2:5; Heb. 2:14, 4:15, 7:22-28; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19).
We believe that Jesus Christ, as the divinely provided, perfect sacrificial Lamb of God, voluntarily accepted the will
of the Father and gave Himself in death upon the Cross. He vicariously died (as our substitute), bearing the full
penalty of our sin, receiving unto himself the wrath of Holy judgment. This was necessary because the perfect
righteousness of God was violated, thereby making possible man’s redemption. (Gen. 3:15; Ps. 22, 69; Isa. 52-53;
John. 10:14-18; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; Eph. 5:2; Phil. 2:5-11; 1 Tim. 2:6; Heb. 9:25-27, 10:5-14; 1 Pet. 1:19-20,
2:24, 3:18).
We believe that Jesus Christ literally arose from the dead on the third day, according to the Scriptures, with
the same body, though glorified, in which He lived, suffered and died. We believe that He literally ascended to
Heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of the Father where, as the believer’s great High Priest, He fulfills the
ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate for the Redeemed. (Luke. 24:36-43; John. 2:18-22, 10:18,
11:25, 20:24-29; Acts 1:1, 2, 4, 9-12; 1 Cor. 15:3-8, 12-23, 54-57; Heb. 4:14, 7:25, 9:24; 1 John. 2:1).
 

Article V CONCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Triune Godhead, is co-equal in deity with the other
Persons of the Trinity. He is not a mere force or influence but He is eternal, infinite and personal. He is attributed
characteristics and actions that can only be applied to a person who is God. We believe that the Holy Spirit was the
divine Agent in creation and revelation. He is involved in distinct ministries in relation to salvation. These include:
the conviction of men with respect to sin, righteousness and judgment; the regeneration of each believer; the
spiritual baptism of the redeemed into the Body of Christ; the indwelling of the saints; and the sealing of the believer
unto the day of redemption. We believe the Holy Spirit empowers, guides, teaches and sanctifies the redeemed in
their daily Christian walk, leading them in spiritual maturity. (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:12; PS. 104:30, 139:7; Matt. 28:19;
Luke 1:35; John. 1:33, 3:5-8, 14:26, 15:26, 16: 7-15; Acts 5:3, 5, 15:28; Rom. 8:9, 27, 15:30; 1 Cor. 2:10-14, 6:19,
12:11-13; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 1:13, 14, 4:30, 5:18; 2 Thes. 2:13; Titus 3:5; Heb. 9:14; 1 Pet. 1:2, 10, 11; 2 Pet. 1:21).
 

Article VI CONCERNING THE ANGELS
We believe in the existence of angels. They are a class of created, spiritual, rational, moral, immortal
beings and they are a great multitude in number. They were created holy; however, some of the angels remained
loyal while some fell through disobedience. They are called by various names designating different groups:
cherubim, seraphim, principalities, authorities, thrones, dominions, powers, and archangel. The elect angels (those
who did not fall) are sent forth by God as ministers to the heirs of salvation rejoicing over the conversion of sinners,

watching over the church and learning of the grace of God to man. Evil angels, following their leader, Satan, fell and now
oppose God and seek to destroy His will. These angels are already condemned to eternal punishment in the Lake of
Fire. (Gen. 1:31; Ex. 20:11; Job 38:7; Ps. 148:2, 5; Isa. 6:2, 6; Ezk. 1; Dan. 7:10; Matt. 25:41; Mk. 8:38, 12:25;
Luke. 9:26, 15:10, 20:36; John. 8:44; 1 Cor. 6:3, 11:10; Eph. 1:21, 3:10, 6:12; Col. 1:16; 1Thes. 4:16; Heb. 1:14; 1
Pet. 1:12; 2 Pet. 2:4, 11; Jude 6, 9).
 

Article VII CONCERNING SATAN
We believe in the existence of Satan, who originally was created a holy and perfect being. But through
pride and unlawful ambition he rebelled against God, thus becoming utterly depraved in his character. Satan is the
great adversary of God and His people. He is a deceiver, an angel of light, a roaring lion and the god of this present
world. His powers are supernaturally great, but strictly limited by the permissive will of God, who overrules all of
his wicked devices for the good of God’s people and for His own glory. Satan was defeated and judged at the Cross,
and therefore his final doom is certain. He is destined to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire prepared for him
and his angels. Believers are able to resist and overcome him only by using the armor of God and by the strength
and the Blood of the Lamb. (Job 1:1-22; Isa. 14:13-14; Ezk. 28:13-17; Matt. 4:1-11, 12:24-26, 25:41; Luke 22:31-
32; John. 8:44, 12:31-32, 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4, 11:14; Eph. 6:12-18; 1 Tim. 3:7; 1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9-11, 20:10).
 

Article VIII CONCERNING MAN
We believe that man was created with a rational nature, a great intellect and with a moral responsibility to
God. Man was created with the divine intention that he should glorify God, enjoy His fellowship and fulfill His will
and His purpose in the earth. However, by personal disobedience to the revealed will of God, Man became a sinful
creature and the progenitor of a fallen race. Mankind became universally sinful in both nature and practice. As a
consequence, Man became subject to the wrath of God, inherently corrupt and incapable of choosing or doing that
which is acceptable to God apart from divine grace. We believe that this Fall of Man was a historical, non-
repeatable act with the effects transmitted to all men of all ages, the Lord Jesus Christ alone being excepted. Thus
all men are sinners by divine pronouncement, nature and deed and a man is himself unable to remedy his lost
condition. (Gen. 1:26-30, 2:7, 15-25, 3:1-24, 5:3; Ps. 14:1-3; Isa. 43:7; Jer. 17:9; Matt. 19:4; John. 3:36; Rom. 3:23,
5:12-19, 6:23; 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:1-3; Col. 1:16; Jas. 2:10, 3:8-9; 1 John. 1:8; Rev. 4:11).
 

Article IX CONCERNING CREATION
We believe that the creation of the world was an instantaneous and supernatural act of God by which he
brought the universe and all that it contains into existence. God did this in six successive 24 hour days through the
mediation of Jesus Christ and the operation of the Holy Spirit. We believe that Man is the direct creation of God, in
His image and not in any sense the product of animal ancestry. We believe that the Genesis account of creation is
the only trustworthy, historical record concerning creation. (Gen. 1:1 – 2:25; Ex. 20:9, 11; Acts 17: 23-36; Col.
1:16).
 

Article X CONCERNING SALVATION
We believe that the salvation of man consists in the satisfaction of divine justice, the forgiveness of sins
and reconciliation with God the Father through the righteousness and obedience of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ. We believe that His voluntary death made full and vicarious (substitutionary) atonement for our sins.
Salvation is “by grace through faith”, a free gift based upon the sovereign elective will and grace of God. It is
neither merited nor secured in part or in whole by any virtue or work by man.
We believe the all true believers have as a present possession: The free gift of eternal life, a perfect righteous
standing in Christ, sonship in the family of God, and the deliverance from all condemnation. Salvation is through
the instrumentality of the Word of God as applied by the Holy Spirit. Salvation concerns the “whole” man (body,
soul and spirit) and apart from the all-sufficient Lord Jesus Christ, there is no possible salvation. (Jn. 1:12, 3:16,
5:24, 6: 28-29, 10:27-30, 14:6; Acts 4:12 6:31; Rom. 3:22-24, 4:4-5, 6:23, 8:29-30, 11:6 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 3:26; Eph.
1:3-5, 2:1 8-10; 1 Thes. 5:23-24; Titus 3:5; 2 Pet. 1:3-4).
 

Article XI CONCERNING SANCTIFICATION
We believe that Sanctification is the work whereby the believing sinner is set apart to God from sin.
Sanctification involves three aspects which may be termed: Positional, progressive, and final. Positional
Sanctification is the setting apart, once and for all, the believing sinner as God’s own possession. Therefore, in his
standing before God, he is reckoned holy. Progressive Sanctification is the present work of God whereby the
believer, in his experience, is progressively set apart from sin and brought toward holiness. Final Sanctification is
the work of the future wherein God will wholly finish the process of perfection at the coming of Jesus Christ with
His Saints. (Jn. 17:17; Acts 26:18; Rom. 6:22, 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 1:30, 6:11; Gal. 5:22-25; Eph. 1:4, 4:24, 30-32; Phil.
1:6, 3:12-16; Col. 1:10-12; 1 Thes. 3:12-13, 4:3, 5:23; Heb. 10:10, 14, 12:10, 13:12; 1 Jn. 3:2).
 

Article XII CONCERNING PRESERVATION AND PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS
We believe that: because of the eternal purpose of God toward the objects of His love; because of His freedom to
exercise grace toward the meritless on the ground of the blood of Christ; because of the very nature of the divine
gift of eternal life; because of the present and unending intercession and advocacy of Christ in heaven; because of
the unchangeable covenants of God; because of the regenerating, abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the hearts
of all who are saved; all true believers once truly saved shall be kept saved forever. However, this is not to say that
there is no Christian responsibility in one’s lifestyle. As much as the true believer is preserved for the future, the true
believer will also persevere to the end and bear witness of his true salvation. We believe that God is our holy and
righteous Father, and He cannot overlook the sins of His children. Therefore, He will, when they persistently sin,
chasten them and correct them in infinite love. Having undertaken to save them and keep them forever, apart from
all human merit, He who cannot fail, will in the end present every one of them faultless before the presence of His
glory and conformed to the image of His Son. (John 5:24, 10:27-30, 13:1, 14:16-17, 17:20-24; Rom. 8:29; 1
Cor. 6:19-20; Heb. 7:25; 1 John. 2:1-2, 5:13)
 

Article XIII CONCERNING ASSURANCE
We believe it is the privilege, not only of some, but of all who are born again by the Spirit through faith in Christ as
revealed in the Scriptures, to be assured of their salvation from the very day they take the Lord Jesus Christ to be
their Savior and that this assurance is not founded upon any fancied discovery of their own worthiness or fitness, but
wholly upon the testimony of God in His written Word. (Luke 10:20; 2 Cor. 5:11, 6:8; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 10:22; 1
John. 5:13)
 

Article XIV CONCERNING CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY AND LIVING
We believe in righteous living and good works for every believer. This is not the procuring cause of salvation in any
sense, but it is the proper evidence of spiritual fruit. The Christian is to glorify God in personal conduct in relation to
his family, his vocation, his neighbor and his government. Therefore, as Christians, we are to keep the Word of our
Lord, seek those things which are above, walk as He walked, maintain good works and accept as our solemn
responsibility the duty and privilege of bearing the Gospel to a lost world in order that we may bear much fruit.
Believers desire to do these things because of the infinite and undeserved mercies of God bestowed upon them in
love by God. (Matt. 7:16-18; Luke. 24:46-48; John. 14:23, 15:16; Acts 1:8; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 2:8-
10; Col. 3:1-4; Titus 2:14, 3:8; 1 John 2:6, 3:9-11, 5:4)
 

Article XV CONCERNING THE CHURCH
We believe the true glorious Church, in the ultimate sense, is made up of all who have placed their faith and trust in
Christ. Various terms are used in the Bible for this designation, such as the body, bride, living building, priesthood,

flock, and vine with branches. However, the emphasis found in the Scripture seems to be placed upon the local
church. The local church is a congregation of baptized believers associated in the faith and fellowship of
the gospel. The purpose of the local church is to uphold the truth of God’s Word in the world; to propagate that
truth; to see saints built up in the faith; and to see the truth of God perpetuated down through the ages until Jesus
comes. The local church is congregational in government. It has the authority to judge its own membership, elect its
officers, send its own missionaries, observe the ordinances, settle its own internal problems even to the extent of
discipline by the church if needed. This authority is final as far as its own affairs are concerned. Within this
government there are only two offices, that of the Pastor (or Elder) and Deacon. Also, there are only two ordinances,
water baptism by single immersion and the Lord’s Supper. We believe the church is an independent, sovereign local
body, possessing that absolute right of self-government, free from any hierarchy of individuals or organizations.
(Matt. 18:15-17, 28:19-20; John. 15:1-11; Acts 2:41-42, 6:1-6, 13:1-3, 20:28; Rom. 6:3-6; 1 Cor. 5:1-13, 6:1-5,
11:23-30, 12:1-5; Gal. 6:21, Eph 2:19-22, 4:11-16, 5:23-32; Phil. 1:1; 2 Thes. 3:6, 14-15; 1 Tim. 3:1-13, 5:20,
6:3-5; 2 Tim. 2:2, 4:2-5; Titus 1:6-11, 3:10-11; 1 Pet. 2:4-10, 5:2-4; Rev. 21:9)
 

Article XVI CONCERNING THE ORDINANCES
We believe that Christ commanded His followers to observe two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Water
baptism by single immersion does not obtain or insure salvation any way, but it is to be done in obedience to Christ.
It is a visible symbol of what the Holy Spirit has already done for the believer by placing (baptizing) him into the
body of Christ. As part of the body of Christ, the believer has died with Christ to sin and been raised with Christ to
righteousness and newness of life. (We believe that baptism by immersion precedes church membership.) We
believe that the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the commemoration of the
Lord’s death until he comes and it shows our continual fellowship with Him. It should always be preceded by
careful self-examination.
(Matt. 28:19-20; Luke. 22:14-20; Acts 2:41; Rom. 6:1-13; 1 Cor. 11:20-28, 12:12; Col. 2:12-13)
 

Article XVII CONCERNING ISRAEL
We believe that God has a separate program for the nation of Israel declared in a series of covenants. This program
includes judgment, repentance, acknowledgement of her Messiah and the restoration of a redeemed remnant to the
promised land. Israel will occupy a place of honor and blessing when Christ reigns as king during the future
millenium. (Gen. 12:1-3; Deut. 30:1-10; 2 Sam. 7:16; Jer. 31:3, 31-34;
Rom. 11:12, 25-27)
 

Article XVIII CONCERNING SEPARATION
Concerning personal separation, we believe that a sinner saved by grace is to demonstrate that salvation in his daily
life. Therefore, the believer is obligated to walk circumspectly in this world, refraining from such of its practices and
amusements which are enemies to spiritual-mindedness. He is not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers and he is
to crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts. Believers are to put on the new man, to live in holiness and to avoid
whatever may grieve the Holy Spirit. The believer is not to be caught up with this world’s system but rather to work
for his Master, realizing he has been given the spirit of power, love and a sound mind.
Concerning ecclesiastical separation, we believe that as a local church of called-out believers, and considering the
current apostasy, we are unable to associate with any organization or individual that has departed from or is contrary
to the truth as revealed in Holy Scriptures. (Matt. 6:24, 33; Mk. 16:15; Acts 1:8; Rom. 6:6; 1 Cor. 5:4-5, 11,
6:19-20; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Gal. 1:6-7, 2:20; Eph 1:4-5, 4:30, 5:15; 2 Tim. 1:7; 2 John. 10)
 

Article XIX CONCERNING CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that God, the supreme Lord, has appointed and controls civil government. It is for His own glory and the
public good. It has as its end the defense of those who do good and the punishment of those who do evil. The rulers

in authority ought to be prayed for, in order that those who live under them might live a peaceable life in all
godliness and honor. They also should be honored and obeyed except in things opposed to the revealed will of our
Lord Jesus Christ who is the ultimate ruler of all. (Ex. 18:21-23; Deut. 16:18; 2 Sam. 23:3; Ps. 2:10-12, 72:11;
Dan. 3:15-18, 6:7-10; Matt. 10:28; Acts 4:17-20, 5:28-29, 26:2; Rom. 13:1-7, 14:11; 1 Tim. 2:1-2, 6:15; Rev.
17:14, 19:16)
 

Article XX CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS
We believe that spiritual gifts are divinely given and sovereignly distributed by the Holy Spirit to individual
believers within the body of Christ. The purpose of these gifts is always to glorify God, and the Savior, Jesus Christ,
and to edify the church. We believe that there are spiritual gifts of a permanent nature given to enable believers of
all ages to share in the ministry of edification and growth. However, we also believe that certain spiritual gifts were
temporary and limited to the Apostolic Age of the church. We believe these gifts include: apostleship, prophecy,
miracles, healings and resurrections, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. We believe that the primary purpose
of these gifts was to supernaturally authenticate the ministry of the apostles and to confirm the message which they
preached during the laying of the foundation of the church. These miraculous sign-gifts faded and ceased with the
closing of the Apostolic Era and were needed only until the writing of Scripture was completed. Therefore, we
believe that any movement that would seek to emphasize these gifts is not in harmony with the Scriptures. (Mk.
16:20; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-13, 13:8, 14:26-34; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 2:20, 4:7-16; 2 Tim. 4:20; Heb. 2:3-4;
1 Pet. 4:10-11)
 

Article XXI CONCERNING THE INTERMEDIATE STATE
We believe that at death, the souls of the redeemed pass immediately into the presence of Christ and there remain in
joyful fellowship until the first resurrection. The souls of the unsaved at death descend immediately into Hades
where they are kept under punishment until the second resurrection. (Ps 9:17; Luke 16:22-23, 23:43; Acts 24:15; 2
Cor. 5:1-9; Phil. 1:21-23; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; 2 Pet. 2:9; Rev 11, 20)
 

Article XXII CONCERNING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
We believe in one second coming of Christ in two aspects: the coming of Jesus Christ in the clouds (to remove
believers from the earth), and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom on earth. We believe that His return from
heaven will be personal, visible and glorious- A blessed hope for which all believers should watch and pray. The
time is not revealed but is always imminent. First, He will, by resurrection and translation, remove believers from
the earth. Second, He will pour out the righteous judgments of God upon the unbelieving world. After this, He will
establish His glorious and literal kingdom over all the nations for a thousand years. Finally, He will deliver up His
Messianic Kingdom to God the Father, in order that as the eternal Son of God, He may reign forever with the Father
in the New Heavens and the New Earth. (Mk. 13:33-37; Luke 1:32-33; John. 14:2-3; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 15:24-28,
51-52; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Thes. 4:16-18; Titus 2:11-13; Rev. 1:7, 6:1-18:24, 21:1-22:6, 22:20)
 

Article XXIII CONCERNING THE ETERNAL STATE
We believe that at the end of the Millennial reign the unsaved dead will be raised, judged at the Great White Throne
judgment, and committed to eternal punishment. The saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God. It is at this
time that the Triune God will reign in all spheres forever. (Matt. 11:20-24; Mk. 9:43-48; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:24-
28; 2 Thes. 1:9; 2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 20:11-15, 21:1-8, 22:11-15)

 

ARTICLE IV—MARRIAGE AND HUMAN SEXUALITY

Introduction
This is an article on the beliefs of Wildwood Chapel regarding religious beliefs concerning marriage and human
sexuality and our policies based upon the necessary application of our faith to life and practice.
What We Believe About Marriage and Human Sexuality
We believe, based on the teaching of the Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments, that marriage is an
institution ordained by God from the foundation of the world, and intended as a lifelong union of one man and one
woman. This idea is supported by the account of creation in Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Genesis 1:26-28 provides
that God created man in His own image, both male and female. The passage implies that a unity of one man and one
woman is in some way necessary to fully represent the image of God in mankind.
Genesis chapter 2 provides a more detailed account in which God created the first man, Adam, and decided that it
was not good for him to be alone. (Genesis 2:18). God indicated that He would make “a suitable helper for him.”
God brought all of the animals to Adam, but none of them was a suitable helper for him, so God then created Eve,
the first woman, from part of Adam himself. God did not create a second man to be Adam’s helpmate, or an
assortment of multiple women, but rather one woman. Together they were man and wife and had “no shame” or sin
in their union with each other. (Genesis 2:15-25).
Jesus Christ reaffirmed the teaching of the Old Testament when He said, as recorded in Matthew 19:4-6, “Haven’t
you read, he replied, that at the beginning the creator made them male and female and said for this reason a man will
leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two,
but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
The Apostle Paul states in Ephesians 5:22-32 that marriage is not merely a human institution, but is a special divine
metaphor that is supposed to illustrate the union of Christ and the church. For this reason, also, only a union
between a man and a woman can be a proper marriage because a union between two men, two women, or one man
and multiple women or any collection of people could not properly illustrate the relationship between Christ and His
church.
I Corinthians 6:9-11 condemns a variety of lifestyles including those associated with adultery, prostitution, and
homosexuality. The Bible condemns all forms of sexual immorality and encourages Christians to flee from it
because of its destructive effects, and because the body of the Christian is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (I
Corinthians 3:16 & 6:12-20).
Romans 1:18-32 makes it clear that it is not only sinful to engage in homosexual unions, but also to approve of such
sins in others or encourage their practice. As a result, in order to maintain our consistent Christian witness, we
cannot sanction, approve, or promote in any way adultery, fornication (a sexual relationship between an unmarried
man and woman; i.e. “living together”), pornography, pedophilia, polyamory, polygamy, bestiality, or homosexual
unions. This is made clear also by countless other verses throughout the Old Testament as well as by these and
other passages in the New Testament.
Our church follows what the Bible reveals as the "sure foundation" of the teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles
(Matthew 7:24-29 and I Corinthians 14:37).  The church is called to teach and practice these teachings and is not at
liberty to depart from them for a different authority if it is to authentically bear the name "Christian." Though we
strive to live peaceably with all people and to obey legitimate government authority, in instances involving matters
as foundational as marriage we must ultimately obey God rather than man if the two come into conflict (Acts 4:18-
22).

​

Sexual activities outside of marriage, including but not limited to fornication, adultery, incest, homosexuality,
pedophilia, polyamory and bestiality are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the church. Lewd conduct,
transgender behavior, and the creation or distribution or viewing of pornography are incompatible with God’s
intention.

Our Faith Based Policy on Marriage and Human Sexuality
As a result of these above-described religious beliefs and our belief in the need for a practice of fidelity to these
beliefs, it is our policy that the facilities of this church may not be used for any ceremony that in any way approves
of, solemnizes, supports or allows a same-sex union or a polygamist. It is also the policy of the church that no
pastor or member of the church staff shall officiate at any ceremony designed to solemnize, promote, create, or
approve of such a union. Nor may any member of the church enter into such a union without being subject to
church discipline.
A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent
that it is consistent with the definition of marriage found in this Policy Statement.
 

WILDWOOD CHAPEL’S POLICY REGARDING SEXUALITY
Recognizing that we all struggle with sin, Wildwood Chapel will provide an environment that welcomes people
who struggle with sexual sin. We will seek to love all people in Jesus’ name, pointing them towards Christ’s
power to forgive and heal. While the Bible teaches that those who engage in sexual sin, sin against their own
body we also recognize that sexual sin is not characterized in Scripture as being more severe than other forms of
sin. We will seek God to discern ways that we can directly and indirectly minister and share God’s love with
those who struggle with every kind of sin. We also recognize that there is a difference between temptation and
behavior and while temptation is sometimes unavoidable we are responsible for our behavior.