22 / 57
Sin entered, bringing the potential for evil in what God had created to be
good. Intimacy in human relationships would be more difficult to attain. What
previously could only be used for good could now be used for evil. God did
not remove the desire for intimacy, however, including the desire for sexual
intimacy between men and women, even though the potential for evil was so
great. Instead, He made it clear how intimacy was to be achieved in line with
His original intent.
God created mankind with the need for relationships, both same and opposite
gender relationships. Everyone can benefit as they relate with those of the
same and opposite sex. It is essential to know and be known, to love and be
loved, to serve and be served, to help mold and be molded by other people,
both male and female. This is especially true as brothers and sisters in
the family of God. Appropriate boundaries are necessary in order for these
relationships to be of the greatest benefit.
Marriage is to be between one man and one woman. This relationship is in
the form of a commitment to a lifetime covenant between husband and wife.
This covenant is sacred, requiring fidelity in every area of the relationship.
Anything less than this falls short of the biblical standard. Those who are
married should align themselves with this high calling, thus honoring one’s
spouse and not defrauding others. Those who are single should maintain
purity and not defraud others.
In keeping with the design of God and the commands of Scripture concerning
sexual purity, students are required to maintain irreproachable behavior in
sexual matters and to avoid situations that would unduly tempt them to
compromise moral standards (Ex. 20:14; Mt. 5:27-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-20; Eph. 5:3; 1
Thes. 4:3-8; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 5:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 13:4). Couples should avoid
being alone together in any place of residence or private area. Any sexual
misconduct, including, but not limited to, adultery, homosexuality (including
any same-sex physical expression of romantic affection), any form of
premarital sex, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, use of sexually explicit
materials for sexual gratification, and sexual abuse of children, is forbidden.
Expressions of Affection:
Hugs are to be appropriate as between brothers and
sisters. Individuals involved in casual dating are to refrain from all expressions
of physical affection on and off campus except for brief hugs.
Couples who have committed to date each other with a focus on the
possibility of engagement and marriage should be prudent and intentional
in establishing boundaries in regard to physical expressions of romantic
affection. These couples are to refrain from all expressions of physical
affection on and off campus except for hugs as noted above, holding hands,
and a brief kiss. In addition, we strongly encourage such couples to establish
accountability relationships with mature believers.
Engaged couples are also to be prudent in setting appropriate boundaries
to maintain purity and a godly example. Here again, we strongly encourage
the establishment of accountability relationships with mature believers.
21