Does God Acknowledge a Transgender Christian’s New Identity?

By Michael Clark

God’s Design for Gender in Creation

In today's world, many Christians find themselves grappling with questions that were never directly addressed in Scripture. One of these is: If a Christian transitions from their birth gender, does God acknowledge their new identity—or does He still see the person they were born as? This question touches deeply on our understanding of God’s nature, human identity, and what it means to be seen by God. So let's explore this concept and in the end it is my hope that we come to an understanding that is not condoning nor condemning but one of love.

So we begin with the foundational text for human identity which is found in Genesis:

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” — Genesis 1:27

This is often referenced to uphold the view that male and female are distinct, divinely created categories—not fluid or interchangeable, also

"A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God." -Deuteronomy 22:5

Which is an Old Testament law, it's often cited in discussions about gender expression and roles. It reflects a cultural and religious emphasis on maintaining the distinction between the sexes and one more is:

"Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality... will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified..."1 Corinthians 6:9–11

The phrase "men who practice homosexuality" is translated from the Greek terms malakoi (soft or effeminate) and arsenokoitai (men who have sex with men). Some interpret malakoi as referencing gender non-conforming behavior, though this interpretation is debated. This verse is often used in broader conversations about gender and sexuality, but it doesn't explicitly mention transitioning.

Jesus reaffirms this view in Matthew:

“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female?” — Matthew 19:4

From the beginning, gender is presented as binary and divinely ordained.

2. God's View of External Identity vs. the Heart

“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

God knows who we are beneath external labels, including those adopted during gender transition.

3. Baptism and Covenant Identity

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

This transformation is spiritual, not a change in gender or physical identity.

4. A Dream of God’s Voice – A Theoretical Encounter

Imagine God speaking to someone who transitioned after baptism:

“My child… the one I knew before you were formed. You were baptized as [Original Name], and I rejoiced. I have not stopped seeing you, even as you walked under a name not given by Me. I see your struggle and your longing to be whole. But I made no mistake in your creation.”

He continues:

“Come back to the one I created. I do not condemn you—I call you. Your identity is not in male or female, but in Me. Return, and I will restore what was lost.”

“Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. — Malachi 3:7

5. What About Lesbian Relationships?

Traditional Interpretation

“Even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature...” — Romans 1:26–27

“Do not be deceived... neither homosexuals nor sodomites... will inherit the kingdom of God.” — 1 Corinthians 6:9–10

Affirming Interpretation

“Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” — Romans 13:10

“There is neither Jew nor Greek… neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28

6. God's Voice: Correction or Affirmation?

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” — Revelation 3:19

God lovingly corrects and calls His people back to truth.

7. Final Thoughts: What Does God See?

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you...” — Jeremiah 1:5

True identity is found not in self-reinvention, but in surrender to God's design and love.

8. But What If Someone Says, “This Is My True Identity in God”?

Affirming View:

“For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” — Psalm 139:13

Some believe their gender identity is part of how God uniquely formed them.

Traditional Response:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...” — Romans 12:2

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5

Feelings do not define truth; Scripture does. God may call us back to our original design not out of judgment, but love.

Conclusion

Whether someone is transgender, lesbian, or questioning, God's love never wavers. But His love often comes with a call to truth, surrender, and restoration.