PMW 2022-070 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

In my last article I introduced the problem of cultural collapse as indicated by the transgender phenomenon as a social and political movement. In this article I will briefly highlight the biblical argument against transgender ideology. In that postmillennialism is biblically-rooted eschatological system which seeks a God’s-law governed moral system, postmillennialists need to understand the issues. So now let us consider transgenderism and:

The Divine Prohibition

For Christians the most important observations on trans-gender issues, though, come from God’s Word itself. Scripture speaks expressly against transgender behavior. It presents it as a sin that cries out for release through redemption and counseling.

Transgenderism is prohibited by creation design. As already noted, transgender conduct is contrary to the God-ordained order from the very beginning of creation. Genesis 1:27 states: “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Transgenderism is prohibited by God’s Law. Divine laws established against homosexual conduct naturally include transgender activities. Leviticus 18:22 is clear: “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.”

Covenantal Theonomy
(by Ken Gentry)
A defense of theonomic ethics against a leading Reformed critic. Engages many of the leading objections to theonomy.
See more study materials at: www.KennethGentry.com

And this law continues in the New Testament where we read Paul’s statement regarding the gospel and sound doctrine: “We know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted” (1 Timothy 1:8–11).

Transgenderism is prohibited by biblical morality. In Deuteronomy 22:5 Moses states: “A woman shall not wear man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.” This is not a fashion statement. It does not condemn women wearing jeans. This is a moral statement. It prohibits passing off one oneself as the opposite gender.

We see this moral requirement reappearing in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 11:14–15 Paul state: “Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering.” By “nature” here, Paul means social mores, cultural expectations. This is obviously the case in that nature does allow male and female hair to grow long.

Paul is pressing the moral values of Deuteronomy 22:5 regarding social conduct and decorum. Long hair conveyed sexual ambiguity and moral perversion. In antiquity it was worn by male transgenders and homosexual prostitutes. For instance, Epictetus (d. 135) commented: “Are you a man or woman? We ought not to confuse the sexes which have been distinguished in this fashion.” The first-century Jewish philosopher Philo warned of “the disease of effemination” (Special Laws 3:7:37–38).

Transgenderism is prohibited by divine warning. In 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 Paul states: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” The word “effiminate” is a translation of the Greek word malakoi which means “soft men.” That is, men desiring femininity.

The Biblical Counsel

How shall Christians argue the biblical case against transgenderism? How can we counsel transgenders and homosexuals who claim to be Christian — even while they freely engage in this conduct?

Point them to the teaching of the Bible. The Bible is clear. And the true Christian will accept it as God’s Word. We should not let them waffle with a “Yes, but….” This of course will require that Christians know their Bibles.

Warn them not to claim they were “born that way.” Modern thought claims most reprehensible sins are genetically-determined. Medical scientists today are beginning to declare that pedophiles are born that way. Shall pedophilia be tolerated on this basis? And think of violent crime. Ninety percent of violent crimes are committed by men. And this is influenced by testosterone. Shall we allow violence since men are “born that way”?

Urge them to live by the Bible. In all of life. Remind them that John warns: “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” Jesus present God’s Word as a sanctifying influence. In John 17:17 he prays: “sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”

Creation according to the Scriptures
Ed. by P. Andrew Sandlin
This book is sub-titled: A Presuppositional Defense of Literal , Six-day Creation. It has chapters by R. J. Rushdoony, Andrew Sandlin, Kenneth Gentry, Cornelius Van Til, and others. It touches on historical, exegetical, theological, and philosophical implications of Six-day Creation.
See more study materials at: www.KennethGentry.com

Life can be difficult, to be sure. Paul struggled with covetousness. But he did struggle against it; he did not give in and pursue his covetous desires (Rom. 7:21–25).

Promise them hope in true redemption. Paul pointed out the power of the gospel to claim homosexuals and transgenders. To the Corinthians he wrote: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals…. 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 Cor. 6:9, 11).

America needs a true Christian revival. The church needs a fundamental Reformation. Let’s pray God grants both. Soon. Otherwise our hope must await the next generation.

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Tagged: God's Law, morality, transgender