Biblical Sexuality – Pt. 3

Weekly Update – April 20th, 2023

It has been several weeks now since we have examined the a point in our newly adopted statement on Biblical sexuality.  So far, we have taken an in-depth look at the first two points of our statement.  You can find an explanation of point one HERE and point two HERE.  This week we will take a look at point three which says this:

Those born with a physical disorder of sex development are created in the image of God and have dignity and worth equal to all other image-bearers. They are acknowledged by our Lord Jesus in Matthew 19:12, “as eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb.” With all others they are welcome as faithful followers of Jesus Christ and should embrace their biological sex insofar as it may be known.

As we look at this statement there are three main aspects that we must understand.  First, what is a physical disorder as it relates to sexual development.  Second, what does it mean to be in the image of God.  Then third, what is a eunuch and how would they embrace their biological sex, as much as possible.  This can become a complicated and sensitive subject.  Therefore, I will try to handle it carefully. 

First, what is a physical disorder?  A physical disorder is not what our modern society would term, “transgender.”  Transgenderism states that a person may have a different gender identity or gender expression from their biological sex.  There are legitimate cases where people suffer from what is called “gender dysphoria.”  Here there may be a legitimate feeling that your gender does not match up with your sex.  These cases are far fewer than what society would tell us.  Nevertheless, what a physical disorder is relating to is what is called a “disorder of sexual development” (DSD) or what was formally called, “intersex.”  This would be a case where someone is either born or has not developed clear “criteria” that would distinguish them as male or female.

Second, image of God.  As with the previous two points that we examined, the conversation must necessarily go back to what it means to be in the image of God.  Genesis 1:27 is clear, “So God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”  There are only two biological sexes, male and female.  This means that there is no possibility of a third sex.  How then do we think about those who cannot categorize themselves as male or female?  Though it may not look perfect or even always be possible, they should try to determine their chromosomal state (remember from biology, XX = female, XY = male), and live within that state, as much as possible. 

Third, what is a eunuch?  A eunuch in the first century typically referred to a male who “was not able to reproduce”, to put it mildly.  Matthew 19:12, as it refers to eunuchs from birth, is likely referring to those with a biological defect or perhaps a “disorder of sexual development.”  Therefore, Jesus, in talking about marriage in this context, stated that those who suffer from such condition may still live faithful lives before the Lord, as they strive for sexual purity.  In many cases, this may mean a life of celibacy. 

Point three is probably the most technical out of all the points in our statement on Biblical sexuality, yet it is just as important.  As Nancy Pearcey says, “In a fallen world, we are all born with deficiencies and malfunctions in various parts of our minds and bodies – a weak heart, a proneness to depression, a tendency to high blood pressure.  The world is out of joint.”  In other words, sin has such a vast effect on us, that though we are all created in God’s image, some may have a physical disorder that creates more hardship than others.  Regardless, because we are all in God’s image, no matter what the defect or weakness we have, we all have dignity, value and worth by nature.  Furthermore, through Jesus Christ, no matter what effect sin has had on us, whether physical, mental, or emotional, we can live faithful lives, through trusting in him, being transformed from one degree of glory to the next (2 Cor. 3:18).    

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson