Truth in Love: A Free Grace Response to the Transgender Conversation

By - Pastor Freddy Cortez, National Capital Bible Church

In an age of cultural confusion, the Church is called to respond with clarity and compassion. As a Free Grace pastor, my desire is to address the transgender movement with a heart of grace, a voice of truth, and an unwavering commitment to God’s Word. This blog post reflects on gender, identity, and pastoral care from a biblical perspective.

Introduction

As a pastor committed to the Free Grace message — that eternal life is a free gift received by faith alone in Christ alone — I am also deeply aware of the cultural storms facing the church today. Among them is the growing confusion surrounding gender identity and the transgender movement.

This topic is not just cultural; it’s personal. Behind every question of identity is a soul created by God, deeply loved by Him, and in need of both compassion and clarity. In this article, I want to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) — neither ignoring the real struggles many face nor compromising the truth of God’s Word.

1. God’s Good Design: Male and Female by Divine Intent

From the very beginning, Scripture reveals that our Creator intentionally designed humanity as male and female:

“So God created man in His own image… male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27)

Gender is not a social construct or human invention; it is a divine creation rooted in God’s wise and loving design. The distinction between male and female reflects the beauty and order of creation. It is not fluid or negotiable, but rather woven into the very fabric of what it means to be human.

In a Free Grace context, we affirm that eternal salvation is by grace through faith — but our understanding of human dignity, identity, and purpose must still be anchored in divine revelation, not cultural pressure (Romans 12:2).

2. A Compassionate Approach to Real Struggles

While the biblical teaching is clear, our hearts must remain tender toward those who struggle with gender identity. Many are not in rebellion but are wrestling with deep emotional pain, confusion, or past trauma. The church must never mock or belittle people made in God’s image. Instead, we are called to love them — fully, graciously, and patiently.

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt…” (Colossians 4:6) 
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2)

Pastoral ministry in the Free Grace tradition emphasizes assurance, security, and grace — not condemnation. That same heart should extend to those struggling with gender confusion. The call is not to shame, but to shepherd.

3. Identity in Christ: The True Answer to a Searching Generation

At the root of gender confusion is often a deeper search for identity, acceptance, and worth. The world offers labels and transitions, but only Christ offers true transformation:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:26)

The Free Grace gospel gives a foundation for identity that is not based on feelings or appearance, but on our eternal position in Christ. Our bodies may be fallen, our emotions may waver, but our position in Christ is unchanging once we believe (John 5:24; Ephesians 1:13-14).

We must remind every believer — regardless of their past or struggles — that their identity is eternally secured not in gender, performance, or social labels, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

4. Loving Without Lying: Truth Is Not Hate

Culture increasingly labels biblical conviction as hate speech. But Scripture never gives us the option to affirm sin in order to avoid offense.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil…” (Isaiah 5:20)
“Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)

To affirm someone’s chosen gender identity apart from their biological sex is to deny God’s design and encourage deception. That is not loving. As followers of Christ committed to His Word, we are called to stand firm in the truth of Scripture — even when it goes against the grain of culture.

Yet, we do so with gentleness, not aggression — with tears, not triumphalism. Our goal is not to “win an argument,” but to “win the person” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

5. The Church’s Role: A Safe Place for Healing and Truth

The local church must be a refuge for the confused and hurting. Not a place of compromise, but a place of clarity and grace.

We should equip believers to understand and communicate biblical truth about gender with humility and courage. We should also extend patient discipleship to those in our midst who struggle — helping them walk the path of sanctification as they grow in the knowledge of Christ and His Word.

“Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is truth” (John 17:17)

Church discipline is appropriate for unrepentant sin, but gentle restoration is the biblical goal (Galatians 6:1). Those who struggle with gender identity are not our enemies — they are people Christ died for, and whom we are called to love and lead to Him.

Conclusion: Grace and Truth in a Time of Cultural Storm

In this present age, the Church must hold fast to the Word of God (Philippians 2:15-16), and speak clearly, but always compassionately. The transgender movement is a symptom of a world adrift from its Creator. But we have the anchor — the gospel of grace, the Word of truth, and the hope of transformation through Christ.

Let us walk in wisdom, speak with grace, and love all people without compromising truth.

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17)

A Final Word: Everlasting Love for a Searching Heart

In a world full of shifting identities and broken stories, there remains one unchanging truth: God so loved the world.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16

This promise isn’t complex or conditional. It’s breathtaking in its simplicity: whoever believes in Him — no matter your past, no matter your confusion, no matter your questions — will not perish, but will have everlasting life.

This is not an offer to the “good” or the “sorted,” but to anyone who will simply take Jesus at His word. To believe in Him means to entrust yourself to the One who died in your place and rose again, knowing that He alone can give eternal life — and that He does so freely.

And what kind of love does this show us?

The Father did not send His Son into the world reluctantly. He did not offer His Son only for the strong or religious. He gave His Son for the world — for the broken, the confused, the burdened, the ashamed, the searching.

Jesus came not to condemn you, but to save you. And the moment you believe in Him, you are saved — forever. Not because you promised something to Him, but because He promised something to you: everlasting life.

That’s how much God the Father loves you. He gave what was most precious to Him, so that you could belong to Him forever.

In a world of temporary affirmations and fragile identities, here is your anchor: You are loved. You are invited. You are welcomed. And you are one simple act of faith away from receiving eternal life that can never be lost.

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ — and live forever.

This post was written by Pastor Freddy Cortez of National Capital Bible Church. If you have questions about this post or Christianity in general, please contact us today!