Our culture is rapidly changing the rules on gender. It is being redefined according to preference rather than biology. Traditionally, there were two genders that were assigned at birth. Now there are multiple definitions for gender and it is something you are allowed to decide for yourself.
These changing standards are affecting us as a society. On April 16, retail store Target announced that customers may use the restroom that corresponds with the gender of their choice. Shortly after, the federal government issued guidance to schools about accommodating transgender students.
Our culture is rapidly changing the rules on sexuality as well. Sex has been reduced from an expression of intimacy within marriage to an urge that may be fulfilled however you wish. It is even expected for someone to be sexually active, even if they aren’t married.
These shifting standards are also having an effect. On June 26, 2015 the Supreme Court ruled that states can no longer ban same-sex marriage. MTV airs programs for teenagers like 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom 2, and It’s Your (Sex) Life. And the dating site Ashley Madison (which promotes having an affair) has nearly 50 million members.
To say our culture is confused about gender and sexuality would be an understatement! Our thoughts need to be based on what the Bible says. God created us, including our gender and sexuality. His Word alone guides us into the truth regarding these matters.
What the Bible Says about Gender
What the Bible says about gender is simple: “So God created man in his own image…male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). God made us according to two genders – male and female. Our gender is assigned at birth and cannot be changed.
What the Bible Says about Sexuality
What the Bible says about sexuality is also simple. Sex is a blessing to be enjoyed between husband and wife (Genesis 2:25; Proverbs 5:18-19; 1 Corinthians 7:3-4). Any sexual pleasure outside of heterosexual marriage is sinful and wrong.
A helpful Scripture is 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. It says, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
Notice the balance in this passage. Paul says that all who give themselves over to sexual sin will not inherit the kingdom of God. This includes “homosexual offenders,” but it also includes “the sexually immoral,” “adulterers,” and “prostitutes.” We must be careful not to condemn others while overlooking sexual sin in our own lives.
Notice also the redemption in this passage. Paul says some of his readers were in sexual sin before Jesus saved them! Jesus does not show favoritism. He forgives all who receive Him in faith, including those who are confused about their gender or embrace an alternative lifestyle.
What makes it difficult for us to uphold what the Bible says about gender and sexuality? Leave your thoughts with a comment below!
(Next week I will publish a follow-up post entitled, “How Should We Respond to Gender & Sexuality Issues?” Be sure to follow my blog if you want to receive it!)
Zack Donaldson 
I am a Transgender woman. What response do you have to the scientific research that points to biological causes for someone being Transgender? Why do you think some people are Transgender, intersex, androgynous or Gender fluid?
It’s possible that homosexuality and gender confusion are caused biologically. The Bible teaches that sin corrupts us to our very core, even to the level of genetics. So gender confusion may be the result of genetic corruption caused by sin. I don’t mean that you sinned in some way to make yourself transgender. Rather, I mean that sin has so affected humanity that some of us are confused in an area where God meant for us to have clarity.
By the way, would you mind sharing some “scientific research that points to biological causes for someone being transgender”? I’d be interested to see it!
here you go Zack. this is from February last year: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150213112317.htm
You handled this well, Zack. As you know, science has proven that our emotions and thought life will effect our bodies one way or another. It has been proven that “we become what we think”, just like “we are what we eat”. With all the ‘teaching’ on ‘sexual awareness’ and everyone coming up with their own version of corruption, it is no wonder the world has fallen so far. The world deviates more and more from God’s design and plan for our lives, and this is just another step in the wrong direction.
Another thought is this: with all the garbage that is in our “food” the last 50 years, plus all the GMO foods that DO mess with our DNA, mankind suffers from that as well. God intended that we eat whole foods and not all the chemicals that are added into it. Those chemicals also would cause problems in peoples bodies. Oh what a tangled web we weave as the world sins against God in many areas, and not merely in morals and values. Thank you for having the courage to speak the truth in love. God bless you. 🙂
Well written, good stuff. I appreciate the clarity of what God’s designed spelled out. We need more of this in our culture.