Does the Bible say anything about transsexualism / transgenderism? Is gender dysphoria / gender identity disorder the result of sin?

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TL;DR:

The Bible teaches that God intentionally created humanity as male and female, and our gender is part of His good design, not a human choice. While affirming this truth, Christians are called to show love, grace, and compassion to those who struggle with gender identity, pointing them to wholeness in Christ.

from the old testament

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • God intentionally created us male or female (Psalm 139:13–14).

from the new testament

  • All believers are called to love their 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).
  • 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).
  • Even when we do not feel comfortable in our own bodies, living according to the reality of the way God made us is where wholeness is found. God 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).

implications for today

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. The second category, however, involves people who are originally one gender and seek to act like or physically become (through surgery) a person of the 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. God calls us to uphold the truth that He intentionally creates each person as male or female. While culture may encourage redefining gender, the Bible teaches that our identity is rooted in God’s design, not personal preference or social trends. Followers of Christ are to respond with both conviction and compassion—holding firmly to God’s Word while showing love, care, and understanding to those who struggle with gender identity, pointing them to the hope and healing found in Christ (Ephesians 4:15).

understand

  • God created humanity as male and female, making gender part of His intentional design.
  • Brokenness in the world leads to struggles like gender dysphoria, but true wholeness is found in Christ, not self-redefinition.
  • Christians are called to uphold biblical truth while showing love and compassion to those who wrestle with gender identity.

reflect

  • How does knowing that God intentionally created you as male or female shape the way you view your own identity?
  • How can you show compassion and understanding to someone struggling with gender identity while staying true to biblical truth?
  • How does finding your identity in Christ give you security in who you are?

engage

  • How can we speak the truth about God’s design for gender while demonstrating genuine love and grace?
  • What challenges does today’s culture present when we uphold the biblical view of gender, and how can we respond with wisdom?
  • How can the church respond to people wrestling with gender identity so they encounter Christ’s healing and hope?