Conversations surrounding gender identity have become increasingly prevalent and visible in society. As traditional understandings of gender have evolved, so too have the discussions on how different identities and expressions fit within the framework of religious beliefs. One of the common questions among discussion is: Is Being a Trans Person a Sin?
The absence of a specific verse stating, “You shall not transition from a man to a woman,” does not make transgender identity the only issue not explicitly addressed in the Bible. For instance, topics like gun violence, fossil fuels, vaccines, and numerous others are not directly mentioned. It is unrealistic to anticipate the Bible to address every contemporary issue in 21st-century terms, as it was written within the context of its time.
However, this does not imply that the Bible offers no guidance to Christians seeking to comprehend the complexities of transgender experiences in our current era. On the contrary, the Bible delves into the subject of transgender extensively—not through isolated proof texts, but through a comprehensive and profound understanding of gender and sexual identity.
The Bible’s teaching emphasizes that God created us as male or female. Despite any internal emotions or uncertainties, we are called to live in harmony with the biological reality of God’s intentional design. From this perspective, transgenderism does not align with God’s divine plan and does not reflect the path of obedience to Christ.
Emphasis on Gender Binary
Within the Scriptures, gender is portrayed exclusively through the binary framework of male and female. While the Bible acknowledges the diverse expressions of masculinity and femininity among men and women, it consistently operates with these binary categories. Individuals are identified as belonging to one of these two genders, leaving no room for alternative classifications.
Notably, the existence of intersex individuals, though uncommon, does not negate the foundational design of creation. Instead, it serves as a testament to the imperfections and disruptions brought about by a fallen world. Additionally, the mention of eunuchs in Matthew 19 does not refer to sexless individuals but rather to men who were either born without the ability to procreate or were castrated, likely for their involvement in a royal court setting.
The biblical perspective on male and female is not a mere assumption but a fundamental part of God’s design for humanity, as evident in Genesis 1 and 2. In these chapters, God’s intentional plan becomes apparent when He creates the first human pair in His image, making them distinctly male and female (Gen. 1:27). Moreover, He forms the woman to complement and support the man (Gen. 2:18-22). This design is not a cultural construct but an essential aspect of God’s creational purpose.
God’s intention for a man and a woman to unite in a sexual union reinforces their distinct roles. The woman, taken out of man, reunites with him in this union, becoming one flesh (Gen. 1:23-24). This emphasizes that the division of humanity into two genders, male and female, is not a product of societal norms or biases but originates from God’s design.
The biblical portrayal of male and female goes beyond human assumptions, revealing God’s deliberate plan for the existence of distinct genders, which are essential components of His overarching creational design. The union of a man and a woman reflects the profound significance and purpose of this divinely ordained gender distinction.
Understanding Gender Identity
Gender identity is a complex and contentious topic that has become a considerable debate among Christians. Some argue that while God creates us, male or female, gender identity goes beyond biological sex. Some transgender Christians honestly believe that their true identities do not correspond to the gender assigned to them at birth.
However, the central question is whether our emotional or mental state aligns with God’s intended design for humanity.
As Christians, we are called to follow Christ and align our lives with His Word. This involves denying ourselves, renewing our minds, and forsaking old ways of living. The notion of being “true to ourselves” must not override our commitment to God’s commands and biblical principles.
The Bible portrays an organic unity between biological sex and gender identity. This is evident in the unique pairing of male and female, allowing for reproduction (Gen. 1:28; 2:20).
The Scriptures also address the issue of homosexuality, highlighting that sexual relationships should be between a man and a woman (Lev. 18:22).
The apostle Paul reinforces this understanding by referring to homosexual partnerships as deviating from the natural order of male-female sexual intercourse (Rom. 1:26-27).
In these instances, the argument relies on the assumed equivalence between biological sexual differences and the corresponding gender identities of males and females.
Gender Confusion and Divine Design
The Scriptures are clear on specific behaviors that go against God’s design, such as men acting sexually like women (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-10) or men dressing like women (Deut. 22:5). Moreover, when individuals adopt expressions of identity that clearly belong to the opposite gender, it is regarded as a disgrace (1 Cor. 11:14-15).
We must recognize that we do not possess an inherent right to treat our physical selves in any way we please. As followers of God, we belong to Him, and our bodies are to be vessels through which we glorify Him (1 Cor. 6:19-20). This perspective urges us to align our behaviors with God’s design and purposes for us as men and women, acknowledging the significance of embracing our inherent identities while honoring the Creator’s divine plan.
Our Emotions and Objective Reality
Feelings are subjective and can often lead us astray. The mere sense of feeling like one should have been born a different gender does not alter one’s actual gender. Rather than allowing our emotions to dictate reality, we must rely on the objective truth found in God’s Word.
Our feelings can be unreliable and must be guided by the unchanging truth of Scripture. Instead of trying to mold our bodies to fit our minds, we should align our thoughts with the physical reality of our bodies.
Unsurprisingly, some individuals may believe they were born in the wrong body, especially when they reject God’s truths. As the Scriptures tell us, those who turn away from God can become ensnared in confusion and darkness (Ephesians 4:18).
When people distance themselves from God’s wisdom, they may be led to engage in behaviors that deviate from what is right (Romans 1:28).
In the face of gender confusion and similar challenges, we must emphasize the importance of renewing our minds through God’s Word (Romans 12:2). Providing the truth of God’s Word is crucial for those who are struggling, as it can offer hope and clarity amid the confusion they may experience.
Bottom Line
Transgendersim and its complexities can be challenging to understand, and we may find ourselves in new and uncertain situations. But despite these challenges, the church’s mission and people’s needs remain the same through time. Whether someone is struggling with their identity or facing any other problem, what truly matters is finding a way to be at peace with God through Jesus Christ.
No matter our issues, they all stem from being disconnected from our Creator and influenced by sin. We find ourselves in need of redemption, and Jesus is the one who can provide that for us.
