Can Christians Be Transgender?

Bible Believing Christian
Sep 12
3 min read

Can Christians Be Transgender?

Our culture now treats gender as a fluid self-choice, but Scripture reveals gender as a good creation of God. Followers of Jesus are called to live in the identity God gives, not one we invent. This article approaches the question with compassion for individuals and fidelity to God’s Word.

Biblical Foundation

God’s Good Design

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NASB)

From the start, humanity is created male or female. This is not a mere biological accident but a divine gift woven into our being.

The Integrity of Body and Soul

The Bible consistently treats body and soul as an integrated whole.

“You created my innermost parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13, NASB)

To deliberately reject one’s God-given sex is to reject His handiwork.

Our Struggle with Brokenness

Since the Fall, all people experience inner conflict. Romans 8:22 says creation “groans” under sin. Dysphoria—deep distress over one’s biological sex—is real suffering, but Scripture points to restoration, not self-redefinition, as God’s answer.

Identity in Christ

The gospel offers a better foundation for identity:

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NASB)

Faith in Jesus does not erase male or female identity; rather, it redeems and fulfills it. Paul declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, NASB).This verse does not abolish physical sex, but it shows that salvation, worth, and purpose are not limited by gender.

Misconceptions & Objections

“God made me this way.”
Scripture affirms that all humans are made in God’s image but also teaches that we are all broken by sin. Desires that conflict with God’s design are to be surrendered, not celebrated.

“Jesus never mentioned transgender identity.”
Jesus affirmed Genesis: “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female?” (Matthew 19:4, NASB).

“It’s just a personal journey.”
Our bodies are not our own property. “You have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20, NASB).

Theological Reflection

The transgender worldview effectively rejects God’s created order. Choosing an identity contrary to one’s God-given sex says, in effect, “My self-determination outranks God’s design.” Christian discipleship calls for the opposite: yielding every desire to Christ and letting Him define us.

Connection to Christ – Wholeness and Hope

Jesus meets every person with both truth and grace (John 1:14).He invites all to find their deepest identity in Him:

“Whoever follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12, NASB).

In Christ, brokenness—including gender confusion—is met with forgiveness, healing, and the Spirit’s transforming power.

Grace and a Path Forward for Those Who Have Transitioned

Some readers may already have undergone hormonal or surgical transition and now feel the weight of regret or wonder whether God can still receive them. The gospel answers with unshakable hope.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NASB)

The cross of Christ covers every sin—sexual, physical, or spiritual. No surgery or hormone treatment can place someone beyond the reach of Jesus’ saving love.

Practical next steps may include:

Return to Jesus daily. Your truest identity is in Him, not in medical records.

Seek wise pastoral and medical counsel. Faithful Christian doctors and counselors can help with ongoing care in ways that honor God.

Find supportive Christian community. Healing happens best when believers walk together in truth and grace.

The process of restoration may be gradual and sometimes painful, but God delights to redeem broken stories. As Paul writes, “Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11, NASB)

This means no one is defined by past choices. In Christ you are forgiven, made new, and forever loved.

Christ-Centered Conclusion

Christians cannot embrace a transgender identity as a God-approved lifestyle because it contradicts creation and rejects God’s authority. But every person struggling with gender distress is deeply loved by Jesus, who offers a better identity and lasting peace.