Why sex outside marriage is not a salvation issue

Our understanding of God’s unconditional love is at the heart of division in the Church over sex and sexuality, says Jayne Ozanne. Jesus’ love for us may lead us to repent of sin, but it isn’t conditional on us doing so

It seems we have two versions of Christianity being taught within our churches today. One believes in the unconditional love of God. The other seeks to add in various caveats and exception clauses, making our salvation a transactional exchange, dependent on various actions we take rather than solely what Christ has done for us.

Until we agree which version of the Christian gospel we believe in, I fear we are destined to continue in an endless Groundhog Day of tennis-match-style debates on matters such as sexuality. That is what I told the General Synod last month. And that is why I tabled my amendment to the Prayers of Love and Faith debate, asking the House of Bishops to clarify which version they believe in.