Our Humanity – Loch Raven PCA

We believe that man was the principal creature of God’s creation, and thus man was especially made in God’s image; that is, in a state of righteousness, innocence and blessedness. We affirm that Adam and Eve were real historical human beings, the first two people in the world. Their fall was a historical occurrence which brought sin into the world. Because of this, all humanity who are born into this world are born in sin.

We confess that the fall of humanity necessitated the gracious redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and that fallen man’s only hope for salvation from sin lies in Jesus Christ, his Redeemer and Lord.

SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139) See also: Sancitity of Life Concerns page.

MARRIAGE, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:27-28). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

Watch this real life documentary video trailer In His Image: Delighting in God’s Plan for Gender and Sexuality. It was produced by American Family Studios. If you or someone you love is wrestling with same-sex attraction, transgenderism or other issues of sexual brokenness, please consider seeking help.

Watch the feature-length video In His Image: Delighting in God’s Plan for Gender and Sexuality. This new film is expected to impact the cultural debate on gender and sexual orientation in America, a debate that has hit inside the church as well.

Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself, Loch Raven Presbyterian Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the pastors and staff of Loch Raven Presbyterian Church shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Loch Raven Presbyterian Church shall only host weddings between one man and one woman.

We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4)We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual and transgender conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. (Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor 6:9-10)

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Loch Raven Presbyterian Church (LRPC) as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by LRPC in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality. (Matt 5:16; Phil 2:14-16; 1 Thes 5:22)

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11)

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Loch Raven Presbyterian Church.

NOTE: See also our endorsement and support of the Nashville Statement

One People — One Savior.
We’re all humans beings. We’re all sinners. We all need Jesus.

There is only one people of God brought into the family the same way… For God so loved the world… everyone. We are all of one blood, as the Bible teaches (Gen 3:20), and that we share not only our ancestry, but our need for a Savior. … For all have sinned … everyone

In Jesus, the man-made walls of division between people groups by races and classes ultimately crumble.

PRECEPTS