The Image of God and Human Sexuality

The Image of God and Human Sexuality: Truth in a Confused Culture

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What does it mean to be made in the image of God, and how does this shape our understanding of gender and sexuality? Discover the biblical truth behind today’s identity confusion and the hope found in God’s design.

You’ve Heard It Said… But What Does God Say?

In a culture saturated with confusion around gender and sexuality, Christians must return to the truth of God’s Word. Jesus often began His teachings with the phrase, “You have heard it said… but I say to you.” Why? Because lies and distortions—then and now—pollute how we understand God, ourselves, and the relationship between them.

Today, one of the most distorted truths in our world is this: What does it mean to be made in the image of God? And how does that relate to our bodies, our gender, and our sexuality?

The Ancient Lie Behind Modern Confusion

You might think gender theory is a modern invention, but its roots go back to an ancient heresy: Gnosticism.

Gnosticism taught that the material world was evil and only the spiritual mattered. This dualism split the body from the soul—leading people to seek “secret knowledge” about their true, inner self, apart from their physical reality.

Sound familiar?

Today’s gender ideology reflects this same pattern:

Biological sex = The material, external body
Internal gender identity = The true, spiritual self
Personal truth = The authority to redefine identity

As theologian N.T. Wright put it, this is just Gnosticism 2.0—an old lie, dressed in new language.

What the Bible Really Says About Gender and Identity

Let’s return to the beginning—Genesis 1 and 2—and rediscover God’s design for humanity.

1. Your Body Bears the Image of God

“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” — Genesis 1:26

The Hebrew word tselem (“image”) always refers to a physical representation. Your body isn’t a shell; it’s sacred. Like the tabernacle or temple, it was designed to reflect God’s presence.

Desecrating the body—through attempts to deny or alter its God-given gender—is like desecrating the temple.

2. You Are Both Body and Soul

“Then the LORD God formed the man of dust…and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” — Genesis 2:7

You are not just a body or just a soul. You are both. God knit together your physical body and your spiritual essence. This unity is foundational to human identity.

3. Male and Female Reflect God's Image Together

“In the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27

The gender binary is not a cultural invention—it’s a divine expression of God's image. Both male and female are equally sacred and necessary to reflect God’s nature.

There’s no biblical support for the idea that gender is fluid or subjective. Scripture affirms that gender is a gift—given by God, expressed through our physical bodies, and reflective of divine purpose.

4. Gender Difference Fulfills God’s Calling

“Be fruitful and multiply…subdue the earth…have dominion.” — Genesis 1:28

Men and women were created to work together—to give life, sustain creation, and reflect the collaborative, life-giving heart of God. Gender roles in Scripture are not rigid stereotypes but callings rooted in mutual purpose and dignity.

But What About…? Answering Common Objections

1. “Gender Identity Isn’t a Sin.”

Struggling with gender identity is not sin—it’s a result of the brokenness brought by sin. Like every part of creation, our perception of self has been affected by the Fall. But acting on a distorted identity—rejecting God’s design—is rebellion against the image of God.

2. “The Bible Doesn’t Address Transgenderism.”

Actually, it does—both directly and indirectly. In the Old Testament, cross-gender expression is linked to pagan worship (Deut. 22:5). In the New Testament, Paul critiques cultural practices that blur gender distinctions (1 Cor. 6:9, using the word malakoi, meaning effeminate men).

This issue has always existed. What’s new is its normalization.

3. “Gender Roles Are Toxic and Outdated.”

Many objections to biblical teaching come not from the Bible itself but from gender stereotypes. Scripture doesn’t say boys must like blue or girls must like pink. It doesn’t box people into narrow roles. In fact, Jesus and the apostles regularly broke cultural gender expectations (e.g., women funding the church, men writing poetry, Jesus showing emotion).

The gender binary is beautiful. It’s the stereotypes that are toxic.

The Real Cost of Gender Confusion

Gender dysphoria and confusion aren’t just theological problems—they’re deeply human ones. Consider the statistics:

58% of transgender individuals have a diagnosed psychological condition
81% have considered suicide
42% have attempted suicide
56% engage in self-harm

(Sources: National Library of Medicine, Williams Institute)

These are not political talking points. These are hurting people—our neighbors, friends, and children. People made in the image of God.

How Should Christians Respond?

Not with shame. Not with silence. But like Jesus:

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench…” — Matthew 12:20

Jesus led with compassion, then spoke the truth. He didn't crush the broken—He healed them.

If you or someone you love is wrestling with gender identity, you are not alone. There is a God who sees you. There is a church called to meet you with grace and truth.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not a Mistake

You were made on purpose—with a sacred body, a unique gender, and a divine calling. Deviating from that design doesn’t lead to freedom. It leads to confusion and pain.

But Jesus came to redeem broken identity and restore us to wholeness.

You don’t need to redefine yourself—you need to rediscover who God made you to be.