Biblical Perspectives on Marriage and Same-Sex Attraction

Marriage is a sacred and lifelong institution that requires complete unity of faith, principle, and affection; therefore, you should not enter into a union where your partner's affections are divided or centered on unnatural desires10MR 203.1+1. Marriage was ordained by God as the union of one man and one woman, and it is intended to be a symbol of the relationship between Christ and His church Genesis 1:27+1.

The Sacred Nature of Marriage 💍

Marriage is a step taken for life, and it should only be entered into with the fear of God and careful consideration of the responsibilities involved10MR 191.2+1. It links the destinies of two individuals with bonds that only death should severT29 171.1.

• Divine Institution: God performed the first marriage in Eden and continues to regard it as a holy institution10MR 197.2+1.

• Unity of Heart: A husband and wife are to become "one flesh," meaning their interests, goals, and affections must be perfectly blended Genesis 2:24+1.

• Total Devotion: A man who allows his wife to occupy a secondary place in his affections, or a wife who does not give her full heart to her husband, dishonors God10MR 185.4.

Understanding Divine Standards for Affection 🕊️

The Bible establishes that human sexuality was created with a specific purpose and gender-based order Genesis 1:27-28. Deviations from this order, such as same-sex attractions or "unnatural desires," are described as being contrary to the divine plan Jude 1:7BDOC 36.1.

• Consistent Pattern: Where the religion of God prevails, monogamous heterosexuality also prevailsBDOC 36.12.

• Source of True Love: Christ takes charge of the affections of those who honor Him, causing those affections to center upon proper, God-ordained objects10MR 185.4.

• Self-Control: Every person is held accountable by God to govern their passions and maintain personal purity in thought and deedCCh 134.2+1.

The Danger of Incompatible Unions ⚠️

Entering a marriage where there is a lack of shared spiritual ground or where one party is governed by impulse and "unsanctified passion" lead to lifelong misery5T 365.3+1.

• Spiritual Hindrance: You should not connect yourself with any influence that makes it more difficult for you to overcome self or travel the path to heaven2T 226.2.

• Weighty Responsibilities: Marriage is not a matter of "romance" or "blind impulse," but a duty to glorify God5T 365.3+1.

• Parental and Church Counsel: It is vital to seek the guidance of God and the counsel of experienced, godly friends before making a marriage contract10MR 191.2+2.

If a person’s heart is not fully centered on the order God has established for marriage, the union will lack the "fragrance of Christ-likeness" necessary for true happinessCCh 127.3. It is far better to remain unmarried than to link your life with someone who may lead you away from the cross or who is unable to fulfill the sacred obligations of a Christian spouseTSB 17.4+1.