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God’s Design, Not Ours: Responding to Transgender Ideology with Biblical Clarity
By Dave Jenkins | Servants of Grace – Contending for the Word
Transgender ideology has rapidly moved from the cultural fringe to the center of public discourse. In schools, media, politics, and even churches, questions of gender identity are no longer theoretical—they’re personal, urgent, and often polarizing.
As Christians, we must respond—not with compromise, nor with cruelty—but with unwavering truth and Christlike compassion. Our authority is not cultural consensus, emotional appeal, or political power. Our authority is the Word of God.
The Cultural Shift: Why This Conversation Matters
A recent Pew Research Center report reveals the scale of the challenge: 50% of U.S. adults aged 18–29 believe a person’s gender can differ from their sex at birth, and 58% of religiously unaffiliated individuals (“nones”) believe increased acceptance of transgender people is a positive change. These statistics confirm what many pastors and parents already know—confusion about gender is not a fringe issue. It’s mainstream.
This cultural shift demands biblical clarity. Silence is not an option. Ambiguity is not loving. God’s people must be equipped to stand firm and speak faithfully in a confused and hurting world.
What Scripture Says About Gender and Identity
“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
From the opening pages of Scripture, gender is defined as a binary, embodied reality. It is not fluid or self-assigned. It is a good gift from God, embedded in creation itself. God made us male and female—not arbitrarily, but purposefully. Our identity is received, not constructed.
Rejecting one’s God-given sex is not merely a personal preference—it is a rebellion against the very structure of creation.
The Image of God and the War on the Body
Transgender ideology doesn’t just challenge biology. It undermines the imago Dei—the biblical truth that every human being is made in the image of God.
Our bodies are not mistakes. They are intentional reflections of divine design. To mutilate or suppress the body in pursuit of self-defined identity is not just harmful—it is theologically devastating. It says, in effect, “God got it wrong.” But He didn’t.
When we reject the body, we reject the Creator behind it. And when society encourages this rejection, it isn’t progress—it’s a descent into spiritual darkness.
Gospel Hope for Real Struggles
This doesn’t mean we minimize the real pain some experience. Gender dysphoria—the distress of feeling a disconnect between biological sex and perceived gender—is a real and heartbreaking burden. But the solution is not affirmation of a lie. The solution is truth, grace, and new life in Christ.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Jesus offers more than identity labels or temporary relief. He offers transformation, peace, and the restoration of our created purpose.
Why This Ideology Is So Dangerous
Transgender ideology is dangerous not because it is new—but because it is ancient. It recycles the original lie of Satan in the garden: “You can be like God.” (Genesis 3:5)
- God’s Authority – It replaces divine truth with human feelings.
- The Human Body – It promotes irreversible harm in the name of freedom.
- The Family and Children – It sows confusion in young hearts and fractures homes with deception.
This is not compassion—it is cruelty dressed in affirmation.
How Christians Must Respond
- Stand Firm on Scripture
God’s Word—not cultural tides—defines what is true. We must teach and defend the Bible’s clear teaching on sex and gender. - Speak the Truth in Love
Truth without love is harsh. But love without truth is hollow. Jesus modeled both. So must we. - Disciple with Clarity and Grace
Churches must be safe places for repentance, restoration, and biblical discipleship. People coming out of gender confusion need more than tweets—they need truthful care and consistent community. - Protect Children
Christian parents and pastors must take bold steps to shield children from ideologies that confuse and harm. This is not political activism—it’s pastoral faithfulness.
The Final Word
God’s design for gender is not a problem to solve. It’s a gift to embrace.
Christians cannot affirm transgender ideology without denying the authority of Scripture and the goodness of creation. But we also cannot respond with cold detachment. We are called to contend for the faith (Jude 3) while holding out the hope of the gospel.
“He created them male and female… and behold, it was very good.”
— Genesis 1:27, 31
There is freedom—not in self-expression, but in surrender to Christ.
A Closing Word
If you or someone you know is wrestling with gender identity, don’t walk alone. Reach out to a faithful pastor or a biblical counselor. You are not beyond hope. Jesus sees, saves, and sanctifies.
