Sanctified Sexuality A Position Paper of the Free Methodist Church - USA — Page 4
He calls us to set aside our former way of life and to follow Him in a life of “cross-bearing.” “Cross-bearing”
accepts Jesus’ death as the basis for a new way of life. “Cross-bearing” means identifying with Jesus in His
self-sacrificial dying, leaving one way of life behind. And “cross-bearing” anticipates resurrection power so
that we may walk in newness of life, reflecting the likeness of Jesus and joining Jesus in continuing ministry
in the world. Our response to Jesus’ call leads to forgiveness of sin, freedom from the obsessions and
preoccupations of selfish living, and personal and relational transformation.
Responses Flowing from Jesus’ Ministry and Good News
The FMC’s response to the challenges of a culture that disagrees with biblical understandings of the
human person and human sexuality must flow from the ministry of Jesus and the good news He brings.
Whether the culture advocates for a rejection or redefinition of marriage, a liberation of sexual expression
from marriage altogether (however defined), or the legitimacy of multiple forms of sexual expression as
may be desired by consenting adults, or some other view and practice — we ground our responses in
the character, teachings, and ministry of Jesus. Therefore, we call all people to join us in cross-bearing
discipleship following Jesus’ lead.
From the biblical story that brings us to Jesus, we affirm the original creation of human beings in the divine
image, as male and female, and as designed for one flesh union in marriage — which God intended to
reflect the love, intimacy, beauty, and freedom of God. Though we have all fallen far short of such original
glory and goodness, we will all be judged finally by how we have responded to Jesus’ call to discipleship,
not according to the particular forms of sin we have chosen compared with others. In fact, according to the
biblical story, Jesus saves, in His own time, by the convicting work and transforming power of His Spirit,
and most often in the community of others who are also being saved from their sin and its impact upon
their lives.
Since Jesus’ way is the remedy God offers us, whatever particular sin grips us most firmly, our responses to
alternate sexual views, practices, and relationships must align with the Spirit of Jesus’ person and ministry.
We can be “correct” but then corrupt or counter the impact of the truth by a spirit contrary to Jesus’ Spirit.
In Conclusion
Therefore, we will trust the Holy Spirit to convict people of their sin, sexual or otherwise, to enliven hope
of transforming possibilities, and then to lead people to God’s best for their lives. We will be practitioners
of Jesus’ grace and welcome toward people. In our welcome we must follow Jesus to the margins and
boundaries where people often find themselves alienated, sadly at times through words and actions of
those who profess to follow Jesus. As a church we reject such words and actions and offer a community
of Jesus’ followers who do not give up on others or ourselves. Even if change comes slowly or differently
than we expected, still we walk in the way of Jesus, practice His grace and love, and confidently wait for
the wholeness Jesus promises and will surely effect.
This document was authored by Bishop Emeritus David W. Kendall and authorized by the Board of Bishops of the Free
Methodist Church – USA.
May 2020 — pg. 13