The Bible and Transgenderism

Transsexualism and transgender issues have become important topics of discussion in today's world. What does the Bible teach about these issues?

First, it is important to note the Bible talks of only two created genders—male and female: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27). Both men and women are created in God's image.

Second, it is also clear that we live in a fallen world in which there are many things that take place that do not fit God's ideal creation (Genesis 3). For example, suffering, tragedy, disabilities, natural disasters, and other areas of life often cause situations that do not fit God's ideal original design for life.

Third, in the case of transgenderism, there are two main areas to distinguish. The first situation involves a person who is born with abnormalities related to male and female body parts. This is not the fault of the person, but rather a situation in which Christians are called to show much grace and wisdom. All believers are called to love neighbor as self (Matthew 22:39), including those different from us. Christians are specifically called to be people known for their love: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

The second category, however, involves people who are originally one gender and seek to act like or physically become (through surgery) a person of an opposite gender. Gender is God-given and not self-determined or socially constructed. One's biology (male or female) is ultimately not separate from one's gender identity.

Instead of attempts to change one's identity, Scripture calls us to find our identity in Christ. Through Christ, we become His children (John 1:12), are adopted by Him (Ephesians 1:5), become one in spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17), and become part of a chosen generation, royal priesthood, and a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9).

He can restore our entire being. As the apostle Paul urged the Christians in Thessalonica, "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23).