Transgenderism and the Church
The Need for Christians to Seek God's Perspective and Biblical Truth
The recent declaration of March 31st as Transgender Visibility Day by political leaders has sparked and further fueled conversations on transgenderism. As Christians, it's imperative to understand God's perspective on this issue, grounded in biblical truth. Scripture provides clear guidance on gender and sexual identity, emphasizing God's design and His disdain for deviation from it.
God's Perspective on Transgenderism
Scripture unequivocally portrays God's disapproval of behaviors that deviate from His design. Romans 1:26-27 condemns the exchange of natural relations for unnatural ones, including homosexual acts. This condemnation extends to transgenderism, which challenges the binary nature of gender, male and female, established by God.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
Romans 1:26-27
The Biblical Foundation
Genesis 1:27 establishes the foundation for understanding gender:
"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
This passage couldn’t make it any more clear. God made only male and female. To compound that, there is no “but” and there is no “confusion”. It’s black and white and not open to private interpretations. Transgenderism simply contradicts this fundamental truth, leading individuals away from God's intended design.
Consequences of Deviation
Throughout scripture, God warns of the consequences of disregarding His commands. (Proverbs 11:19-21, Isaiah 5:20-21, Matthew 16:26-27, Romans 6:23, Galatians 6:7-8, etc.)
Proverbs 11:19–21 (NKJV) “As righteousness leads to life, So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death. Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, But the blameless in their ways are His delight. Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.”
Romans 1:28 speaks of God giving individuals over to a debased mind when they reject His truth. Embracing transgenderism and other forms of sexual deviation can lead individuals further from God's will, resulting in spiritual and moral decay.
Challenges for Christian Parents
In a culture that increasingly promotes transgender ideology, Christian parents face the daunting task of instilling biblical values in their children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs parents to teach their children diligently, ensuring they understand God's truth amidst societal pressures. This includes affirming their God-given gender identity and the importance of embracing it.
6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Standing Firm in His Word
As Christians, it's crucial to approach transgenderism with discernment rooted in biblical truth. God's disdain for behaviors that deviate from His design is evident throughout scripture. While navigating the complexities of transgenderism, we must remain steadfast in upholding God's standards and teaching future generations to do the same. By adhering to scripture and relying on God's guidance, we can confront transgenderism with conviction and compassion, ultimately honoring God’s plan for humanity.