A Message on Human Sexuality

While the core dimension of our identity is found in our relationship as God’s children (John 1:12; Romans 8:16), our sexuality, including gender identity, is an important aspect of our lives.

The Bible provides the divine design for human sexuality. In the beginning, God created human beings in His own image (Genesis 1:26). This means that each one of us have been created to reflect God and His plan for our relationships. The Creation account further shows that God created human beings as male and female (Genesis 1:27). It also reveals that God established marriage as a lifelong union and as a context for intimate sexual expression between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Within this relationship, sexual intimacy can serve a dual purpose: for the unity and love between husband and wife and for the miracle of bringing new life into existence (Genesis 1:28).

Jesus also affirms marriage as the sacred union between male and female as established by the Creator (Matthew 19:4–6), blessing the institution of marriage with His first miracle (John 2:1–11). The New Testament confirms that sexual intimacy is to be reserved for marriage (Hebrews 13:4; Romans 1:26–27), a sacred gift to be shared between a husband and wife. The Bible also teaches that, while God loves all people regardless of their condition (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:10), He wants each one of us to understand His plan for human life and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).

God created humans as whole persons (Genesis 2:7). As a result, we are called to love God with all our being, including with our heart, mind and body (Deuteronomy 6:5; Luke 10:27), and by glorifying God in each aspect of our lives (1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:31). While we may sometimes elevate the heart and mind, the biblical view does not denigrate the body. We do not simply have a body on its own. Instead, the body is an integral part of our identity and God values the body. Not only did God personally form the human body (Genesis 2:7) but Christ came to this earth in bodily form (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:14;  Hebrews 10:5).

The Bible also teaches that the body is sacred, the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Our body belongs to God, and as a result, we are to honor God with our body (1 Corinthians 6:20), presenting it to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), reflecting and evidencing the life and priorities of Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:10). If something is out of harmony with God’s plan, it is to be transformed through the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2).

What does this biblical frame mean for Andrews University? Based on biblical principles and in harmony with the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we will compassionately uphold the sacredness of human sexuality. We consider sexual intimacy as a divine gift intended to express love, commitment, and the possibility of procreation within the context of a monogamous, heterosexual marriage. Gender is meant to accord with birth sex. Ultimately, we are to be faithful stewards of God’s gifts of sexuality and gender identity.

In turn, we believe that all people are called to live a life of purity and holiness. We uphold the principle of chastity for those who are unmarried, which is in alignment with the biblical teaching of abstaining from sexual relations outside of heterosexual marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18; Hebrews 13:4). Following God’s plan in each aspect of our lives is what brings us the abundant life (John 10:10).

As a University, we care deeply for our students and their wellbeing in all areas of life. We affirm that all people are loved and valued by God and that we, in turn, are to show compassion and treat others with dignity. We commit to engage with students honestly and deeply around contemporary questions we face, including those about the goodness of traditional marriage and the wisdom of celibacy outside of this marriage. We commit to provide compassionate pastoral care, life coaching, and counseling services to those who are navigating gender dysphoria, same-sex attraction, or other questions regarding our call to develop and live an identity in Christ within a faithful biblical context.

Each one of us is a unique human canvas painted with the hues of human experience, marred by the shades of sin, yet eligible for the transformative touch of God’s grace (Romans 3:23–24; Titus 3:5–7). As a result, while we affirm that the Bible warns specifically against sexual immorality, we also believe God can enable all who come to Him to live a life in harmony with His design (Psalm 147:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 7:25).

It’s important to also note that our stance on human sexuality does not condone prejudice or tolerate sexual harassment or violence toward anyone. Instead, we are called to love as Christ loves us, with compassion and understanding, while upholding God’s principles for human life (John 8:3–11).

Amid tectonic cultural shifts around sexuality, Andrews University invites all to be faithful stewards of their sexuality in God-honoring ways. This is the cost of discipleship. While we welcome all students, as a Seventh-day Adventist religious institution we also expect all students and employees to be responsible to abide by the policies and standards of the University which include matters of human sexuality that exemplify these biblical values.

In sum, as a Seventh-day Adventist university, Andrews University affirms the biblical teaching on human sexuality, upholding the sacredness of sexual intimacy within the context of a monogamous, heterosexual marriage, and extending compassion and care to all.

John Wesley Taylor V
President, Andrews University