Question 1

How does the statement, “I’m just a sinner saved by grace.” differ from the preferred thought of; “We are saints who occasionally sin”.

Are there some Bible verses we can dive more deeply into?

Being a sinner was not a matter of behavior-but of nature.
Romans 5:12 (NET)

Our nature of sin pre-dated sinful behavior.

Psalm 51:5 (NIV)

Romans 3:23 (NET)

Our sin nature was paid for and removed through the cross.
Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV)

Our identity is declared to be a “new creation”.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB 1995)

Notice in Scripture, we are referred to as sinners before we become believers. After salvation, we are never referred to as sinners but as saints, family of God, children, the household of faith.

Question 2

I get that God made men and women different, but since we now know more about gender identity and are being told that some people don’t fit into the male or female category, does it matter that much today?

The gender issue is clearly defined in Genesis 1.
Genesis 1:27 (NET)

Colossians 2:8 (NET)

Romans 1:25 (NET)

Question 3

How do I respond to friends or family who believe gender is fluid without sounding judgmental?

Principle: Regardless of the issue- if a person is demanding agreement and affirmation of their chosen lifestyle, a standard of righteousness will always be labeled as judgmental.

The example of Jesus in John 8:1-11

John 8:10-11 (NET)

Notice, even though he didn’t condemn her for her sin, He did not affirm or condone her behavior. “Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

Question 4

What’s wrong with someone saying, “Just be who you are”? Isn’t being your authentic self a good thing?

Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.”

Biblical principle: We are not a physical body with a soul. We are an eternal soul contained in a physical body.

1 John 2:16-17 (NLT)

1 Timothy 1:5 (NET)