Social Position Statement
Southwest Christian High School seeks to walk in the truth of God’s Word, the Bible.
We desire to live like Jesus Christ who was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). We affirm that God, in His mercy, spares us from the eternal separation from God that we deserve, and in His grace He blesses us with what we do not deserve.
We know that all of us are sinners (Romans 3:23) and, as a result, are in need of God’s forgiveness. Furthermore, we affirm that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross completely paid for our sins, and His resurrection from the dead proved His victory over sin and death (I Cor. 15:55–58; Romans 3:21–26). We also affirm that since Christians have not only been assured of forgiveness, but are dead to sin, we should not continue in sin. We who have died to sin should live in it no longer (Romans 6:1–2). Rather, because of God’s great love in sending Jesus to die for us, we ought to live for Him (Romans 5:8). We have been set free from a life of sin, we are no longer slaves to sin, and we are called to not make a practice of sinning (Romans 6:12–13; Gal. 5:1).
It is our belief that many in the world today would seek to exchange the truth of God for a lie (II Timothy 4:2–4). We need to be on guard to live in a way that is different from the world. Rather than being conformed to this world, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:1–2). Our mind is renewed when we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit and live according to God’s Word, the Bible. When we sin, we are called to ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9), to repent (turn away) from our sins and no longer walk in them (Acts 3:19). We are called to live holy lives because He is holy (1 Peter 1:14–16). Therefore, because God’s great love for us was demonstrated by Jesus when He died for us on the cross (Romans 5:8), we are called to live holy lives for Him (1 Peter 2:24).
For these reasons, we would like to bring clarity regarding several controversial social issues of today. In doing so, we are not saying that these issues, or the sins involved in them, are bigger or worse than any other sins or issues. Sin is sin, and Christians are called to turn away from all sin. We specifically address these issues because modern society has both confused and, in some cases, deliberately and intentionally misrepresented what Scripture says regarding these behaviors. Some even suggest we go against God’s Word and not call certain behaviors sinful. It is important that we understand sin because we cannot fully understand God’s mercy, grace, and our need for salvation until we first understand our sinful condition. We affirm the following:
Truth of Scripture
As we address all issues of life, we affirm that the Bible has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. We affirm that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). We affirm that the Bible, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testament, is the infallible Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and without error in the original manuscripts (2 Peter 1:21). God’s character is the standard of moral goodness and is communicated through His revelation in the Bible. (Ps. 19:7–11).
Sanctity of Life
We affirm that life is a gift from God and is precious. We affirm that life begins at conception (Ps. 139:13–16; Is. 44:2; Is. 49:5) and each person’s days are numbered by God (Ps. 139:16; James 4:13–15). We affirm that all humans are created in the image of God and therefore each individual is of eternal value.
Marriage and Family
We affirm the historical Christian view of marriage; namely, that marriage is a one-flesh covenant union between two sexually different persons (male and female) from different families. (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:4–5). We affirm that God created man and woman equally in His image, importance, and value, and in God’s love and wisdom, and were given marriage as a picture of Christ and the Church (Gen. 1:27; Gen. 2:18-24; Eph. 5:22–31). We affirm that God has given the primary responsibility of discipling and teaching children to parents (Deut. 6:4–9; Eph. 6:1–4; Prov. 22:6; Ps. 78:1–7). Christian schools exist to come alongside parents in this journey to equip, strengthen, confirm, and reinforce biblical teaching at home.
Sexual Identity
We affirm that God’s original and ongoing intent and action is the creation of humanity manifest as two distinct sexes, male and female (Gen.1:27, Gen. 2:18-24, Mark 10:6). We also recognize that due to sin and human brokenness, our experience of our sex and gender is not always that which God the Creator originally designed. In addition, we affirm God’s capacity to redeem any broken aspects of our sexuality. With this foundational understanding of creation, fall, and redemption, we do not affirm the resolution of tension between one’s biological sex and one’s experience of gender by the adoption of a psychological identity discordant with one’s birth sex or through medical intervention.
Sexual Purity
We affirm the historical Christian view of marriage and sexual expression; namely, that marriage is a one-flesh covenant union between two sexually different persons (male and female) from different families, and that all sexual relationships and activity outside of marriage, including adultery, premarital sex, the use of pornography, and sexual relations between persons of the same sex, are sin. (1 Cor. 6:9–10, 13, 18–19; Ex. 20:14; Matt. 15:19; Rom. 1:26–27). Sexual relations outside the confines of marriage are inconsistent with the teaching of Scripture, as understood by Christian churches throughout history.
Diversity and Unity
We affirm that God created all people in His image (Gen. 1:27), and that God in his perfect wisdom created the diversity we see in humanity’s physical attributes, personalities, talents, and other traits. We recognize that because of sin, humans have often used differences, especially cultural distinctions and physical traits like skin color, to discriminate, marginalize and oppress fellow human beings. In light of this oppression, we believe that the Bible teaches that all forms of racism and ethnocentrism are sinful (Gal 2:10-14, Rom. 3:10-18, James 2:2-8). Therefore, Christians should see oppression, pursue justice, and actively seek restoration when sinful words or conduct have devalued the dignity of fellow image-bearers (Luke 10:25-37, James 3:6-10). Christians are called to work toward all tribes, tongues, and nations worshiping God together (Acts 2:1-12, 17-21; Gal. 3:28; Rev. 7:9). Importantly, we believe that true harmony, peace, and unity among people are only possible through Christ who has reconciled sinful humans to God and who reconciles us to one another (Col 1:20, 2 Cor 5:16-21, Eph 2:11-22). Therefore, with these biblical truths in mind, we strive to be a school community that appreciates and rejoices in the variety of differences among people including physical attributes, cultural customs, and ethnic backgrounds, while cultivating a spirit of unity and peace in Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:16; Eph 4:3).
Bullying
We affirm that all humans are created in the image of God, and each individual is of eternal value. As a result, God expects all people to be treated with respect and honor. Bullying is the conscious, willful, deliberate, and hostile activity intended to intimidate others. Not only are Christians called not to bully, but they are called to an even higher standard. Scripture directs all Christians to love, bless, serve, grant grace and mercy, as well as encourage one another as we strive for unity (Mk. 12:29–31; I Jn. 4:19–20; Eph. 4:1–3). This does not mean that we will not disagree or even strenuously hold to another opinion on certain matters. It does mean that all bullying, whether it is physical, verbal, cyber, written, or relational, is sin and completely unacceptable. In summary, the SWCHS community commits to behaving in a manner that honors Jesus Christ and His teachings in the Bible as well as holding each other within our community to act similarly.
All of our behaviors, thoughts, words, and deeds that are not consistent with the nature and character of God and His Word are sin. When we sin, we need to repent and ask for forgiveness. The good news is that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I Jn. 1:9). “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). As Christians, we are called to live like Jesus to the glory of God; “Whoever claims to believe in Him must walk as Jesus did” (I Jn. 2:6; 1 Cor. 10:31; Is. 43:7).