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2015-2016 Student Handbook 67 Redemption involves not only forgiveness but also empowerment for godly choices, and the availability of God's grace to follow God's design for human sexuality. Christ's redemption provides grace to live faithfully "as unto the Lord," whether sexual brokenness is the result of personal choices, or the inexplicably tragic consequences of the Fall, or an inscrutable combination of the two. Experientially, this grace may lead to varying levels of healing and restoration or to the resources for living faithfully and joyfully in anticipation of full restoration. Human Sexuality and Personal / Spiritual Formation Christian spiritual formation is predicated on specific assumptions about human identity, which encompass both who we are and who we are becoming. A biblical approach to spirituality addresses those two themes with reference to the image of God as the defining construct for who we are and the image of Christ as defining the trajectory and goal for who we are to become. Our experience of who we are is determined by a complex interaction of genetic, physiological, relational, cultural, and spiritual realities with various aspects of our personhood (e.g., physical, cognitive, affective, moral, social, spiritual, sexual, and personal identity) continuing to develop throughout the lifespan. Two core principles arise from this perspective: 1) everyone is always in process of becoming, and 2) simple statements regarding human functioning are almost always inadequate. These principles must inform our understanding and practice of spiritual formation so that it is not disconnected from the realities of human experience, including sexuality. How individuals understand and experience their own sexuality is an important aspect of their growth in Christlikeness. It directly affects the trajectory and character of that growth. When considering sexuality in the context of personal and spiritual formation, there is a danger of making this aspect of humanity more than it is or less than it is. Sexuality is not all of who we are, but neither is it peripheral. Christian spiritual formation must impact every aspect of our lives, including sexuality. While radical, about-face changes in behavior are much rarer than we would like, and changes in sexual orientation not always even possible, the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the healing context of Christian community bring hope for change. Throughout the process, living with integrity, grace, truth, and love is of paramount importance. Difficult as it is, Christian spiritual formation requires that one must live in relationship with others while abstaining from biblically prohibited sexual behavior, whatever one's sexual preferences or orientation. Such sacrifices are part of the process of developing in Christlikeness. They focus our attention on things beyond our own needs and desires for the sake of Christ and the world. We must not underestimate the difficulty of maintaining sexual abstinence or the spiritual benefit of the self-control and discipline that abstinence demands. The support of the Christian community in upholding a commitment to sexual purity is of paramount importance. Human Sexuality and the Mission of the Church The scope of the gospel of Jesus Christ and, therefore, the mission of the Church encompasses all people. The gospel that we embrace includes not only the hope of forgiveness but also the call to lead a life that is consistent with the character and purpose of God in all areas, including sexuality. In like manner the gospel invites believers into a dynamic relationship with the indwelling Spirit of God through whom we come to recognize and resist deeply embedded temptations to sin. Furthermore, the gospel invites believers into a community of faith where relationships of genuine love for one another can meet deep needs and longings for intimacy. The posture and message of the Church regarding sexuality must be based on the truth of Scripture and bathed in the mercy and compassion of Christ. The behavior of the believing community must not in any way support the misperception that Christians hate others who have embraced sexual identities and behaviors that