So what does the Bible say about sexual identity? What is sexual identity? Sexuality used to be the term to describe the quality or state of being sexual or the act of engaging in sex. However, the phrase sexual identity has replaced the term. Sexual identity has been described as a part of an individual's identity which reflects their self-concept. However, when someone lives and thinks according to a belief that their choices and behavior determine who they are—they have rejected the Biblical view. Genesis 1:27 is the basis and Biblical definition of sexual identity. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female, He created them.”
Before we continue this article, if one is feeling confusion or inner conflict over their identity, one should seek wise, loving and encouraging counsel with the goal of mental, emotional and spiritual healing.
If you examine this verse carefully, you will see that we were made in the image of God. When someone thinks and lives according to their choices, they have turned the Biblical view of reality on its head. Matthew 7:15-20 reminds us of the warning Jesus gave us about false prophets. He taught us we would recognize them by their fruits. He gave the analogy of a tree and the fruit it produces. Good trees bear good fruit, bad trees produce bad fruit. In other words, each of us are like trees. How we live according to God’s Word or not determines the kind of fruit we produce. We, either accept God’s Word and love Him with all our hearts, our minds, and strength or we reject him.
The second significant truth is how God created us: Male and Female. He assigned our sex at conception. Every cell in our body carries the genetic code of our sex. Not only do our chromosomes identify our sex, there are also hormones and reproductive organs as well. However, there are rare cases of physiological disorders that occur during fetal development which create confusion in gender identity. Evidence points to the influence of different hormone levels that determine sexual preference and condition the brain to male or female during pregnancy as well.
Further research into the Bible points to different passages throughout the Old and New Testament, God encourages us to embrace our sexuality and gender. In today’s culture, Christianity is generally portrayed as sexually repressive. We’re known to be opposed to pre-marital sex, extramarital sex, and gay sex. This leads to the assumption that sex is dirty or bad. It couldn’t be further from the truth. God put boundaries around one of the best gifts he gave us.
For example, a woman’s clitoris has over 8,000 nerve endings. Let that sink in before the next fact. It is the only body part that solely exists for pleasure. Also, the Bible says that the first husband and wife were: “both naked and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:25 ESV). It was considered VERY GOOD. Sex is never a cause for shame, neither is our sexuality. Our sexual identity is who God created us to be: everything from our preferences in the opposite sex to having sex.
The book of proverbs reveals a passage where a wise father instructs his son to: Rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love. (Proverbs 5:18–19 ESV)
Likewise in the New Testament, it says: Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled. (Hebrews 13:4 ESV)
Sex between a husband and a wife is never a cause for shame. It should be honored, cherished and enjoyed as the gift and the good that it is; thanks be to God!
Finally, if one still has doubts about sexuality and their identity, dive into the book of Song of Solomon. It is a tender, erotic, breathing taking look at a man and woman as they prepare for marriage. Each shares their sexuality and sexual identity with each other as they become united as one.
God’s will is for each person to appreciate and embrace who he created each individual to be with his or her talents, thoughts, gifting, work, relationships, and gender. It’s obvious through the observation of the world that God loves variety. He created each of us with different personalities, interests, talents, appearances, body shapes, and aptitudes.
Sources:
https://www.centersite.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=9699&cn=353
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexuality
https://valleyadvocate.com/2012/05/26/clit-chat-14-clitoral-factoids-to-know/
Heather Riggleman calls Nebraska home (Hey, it’s not for everyone) with her three kids and husband of 20 years. She writes to bring bold truths to marriage, career, mental health, faith, relationships, celebration, and heartache. Heather is a former national award-winning journalist and is the author of Mama Needs a Time Out and Let’s Talk About Prayer. Her work has been featured on Proverbs 31 Ministries, MOPS, Today's Christian Woman and Focus On the Family. You can find her at www.heatherriggleman.com.