Understanding Gender Identity
The opening pages of Genesis offer more than an account of creation; they present a blueprint for how humanity was meant to exist: in harmony with God, each other, and the world around us. As the sixth day drew to a close, God saw all that he had made and declared it "very good." Yet today, the world often feels anything but good. War, disease, division, and disillusionment challenge us to reconcile this ancient proclamation with modern reality.
So what went wrong—and more importantly, what does it mean to return to God’s original design?
So what went wrong—and more importantly, what does it mean to return to God’s original design?
Foundational Truths from Genesis 1–3
Genesis 1 - 3 outlines the original design God had in mind for creation, especially for human beings. These passages present what scholars often call "threshold truths"—essential, universal principles that shape the biblical worldview. Among the most pivotal of these is the concept that humanity was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).
This concept isn’t merely poetic or symbolic. It was God’s intention for men and women to be image bearers—visible, living representations of his nature. That means every individual is created with inherent dignity, worth, and purpose. And it was not good for man to be alone, so God created woman as his equal partner, a helper suitable for him (Genesis 2:18). In Hebrew, the term used is ezer kenegdo, a phrase also used to describe God as a helper to Israel.
The image of God is not bound to specific cultural gender roles. Throughout Scripture, men and women embody a wide spectrum of traits, roles, and responsibilities—warriors, poets, leaders, nurturers, and entrepreneurs. These aren’t bound by rigid stereotypes but instead reveal the multifaceted expression of God’s image across human lives.
This concept isn’t merely poetic or symbolic. It was God’s intention for men and women to be image bearers—visible, living representations of his nature. That means every individual is created with inherent dignity, worth, and purpose. And it was not good for man to be alone, so God created woman as his equal partner, a helper suitable for him (Genesis 2:18). In Hebrew, the term used is ezer kenegdo, a phrase also used to describe God as a helper to Israel.
The image of God is not bound to specific cultural gender roles. Throughout Scripture, men and women embody a wide spectrum of traits, roles, and responsibilities—warriors, poets, leaders, nurturers, and entrepreneurs. These aren’t bound by rigid stereotypes but instead reveal the multifaceted expression of God’s image across human lives.
Understanding Sex, Gender, and Identity
Modern society often discusses sex, gender, and identity in ways that diverge from biblical narratives. It is essential to distinguish between terms:
While God's original intent was that biological sex and gender identity would align, we now live in a world impacted by sin and brokenness. This misalignment—sometimes manifesting as gender dysphoria or rapid-onset gender questioning—can create deep emotional and spiritual pain, especially for young people.
And yet, the church is called not to judge or reject, but to embody the compassionate posture of Christ. In every conversation about identity, we must begin with this foundational truth: every person is made in the image of God and worthy of love, care, and dignity.
- Sex typically refers to biological and physical characteristics such as chromosomes and reproductive organs.
- Gender reflects psychological, social, and cultural expressions of masculinity and femininity.
- Gender identity speaks to an individual’s internal sense of self in relation to their gender.
And yet, the church is called not to judge or reject, but to embody the compassionate posture of Christ. In every conversation about identity, we must begin with this foundational truth: every person is made in the image of God and worthy of love, care, and dignity.
Cultural Constructs and the Image of God
Many gender roles we accept today are culturally constructed rather than biblically mandated. What is considered masculine or feminine varies widely across time and cultures. The early 1900s, for instance, saw pink as a boy’s color and blue as more suitable for girls.
Scripture offers a wide range of gender expressions within godly living:
The consistent thread throughout is that God uses people—not based on their conformity to cultural norms but on their faithfulness and willingness to reflect his image.
Scripture offers a wide range of gender expressions within godly living:
- Jacob, the quieter brother, enjoyed cooking.
- David, the warrior-king, wrote poetry and played the harp.
- Women in Scripture led nations, won wars, funded Jesus’ ministry, and planted churches.
The consistent thread throughout is that God uses people—not based on their conformity to cultural norms but on their faithfulness and willingness to reflect his image.
God’s Design for Equality
Genesis shows that both male and female were created to co-rule and co-create with God. God blessed "them" and gave both the mandate to be fruitful, multiply, and govern creation (Genesis 1:28). There is no hierarchy in the text’s original language. The fall, described in Genesis 3, introduced a brokenness in this equality. It was only after sin entered the world that the idea of one gender ruling over another appeared.
The consequences of sin disrupted God’s design, but the church is called to remember and pursue that original vision: men and women working together, reflecting the image of a triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—who exists in perfect unity and equality.
The consequences of sin disrupted God’s design, but the church is called to remember and pursue that original vision: men and women working together, reflecting the image of a triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—who exists in perfect unity and equality.
Our Primary Identity: Image Bearers
In a world that urges us to define ourselves by gender, race, politics, or social status, Genesis calls us back to our most fundamental identity: image bearers of God. This calling transcends societal divisions and roots us in a mission to reflect the character of Christ.
Jesus is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15), and our goal is to become more like Him (Romans 8:29). The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not gendered traits. They are the evidence of a life aligned with God’s Spirit.
Jesus is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15), and our goal is to become more like Him (Romans 8:29). The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not gendered traits. They are the evidence of a life aligned with God’s Spirit.
Called to Reflect Christ
God is not seeking stereotypical expressions of manhood or womanhood. He is seeking people who walk with him, reflect his kingdom, and live in service to others. To be his image bearers today means:
Whether married, single, nurturing children, leading teams, or serving communities, we are invited to bear the image of God faithfully, pointing the world to his goodness.
The journey back to God’s original design is one of restoration and renewal. It begins with rediscovering who we are: image bearers made to reflect the love and character of our Creator.
- Loving those around us sacrificially
- Honoring the dignity of every person
- Seeking justice, mercy, and humility
- Embracing diversity in how God’s image is reflected through personality, gifting, and calling
Whether married, single, nurturing children, leading teams, or serving communities, we are invited to bear the image of God faithfully, pointing the world to his goodness.
The journey back to God’s original design is one of restoration and renewal. It begins with rediscovering who we are: image bearers made to reflect the love and character of our Creator.