Computers rely on what is called the binary system. It is a system composed of just two numbers — zero and one — which correspond to “off” and “on”. This is the most basic level of computing but even modern computers continue to rely on this system.
Did you know that the Bible has its own “binary system”?
Search through the Scriptures and you will find an amazing number of binary systems!
For example, consider what we read in Deuteronomy 30:19 —
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”
Life and death. Blessings and curses. Those are binaries.
Here’s another one:
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
We have the choice between doing good and doing evil.
Here’s yet another one found in John 8:12:
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ ”
Jesus says that to be in a relationship with Him is to walk in the light. Those who are outside of Christ walk in darkness.
We could go on and on. There are so many binary concepts in Scripture!
Day and night (Genesis 1:5).
Truth and falsehood (John 14:6, 8:44).
Belief and unbelief (John 8:24).
Faith and doubt (James 1:6).
Spirit and flesh (Galatians 5:16).
Righteousness and sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan (John 18:36, Ephesians 2:2).
Heaven and hell (Hebrews 11:16, Revelation 21:8).
Eternal punishment and eternal life (Matthew 25:46)
The narrow gate and the wide gate (Matthew 7:13-14).
Freedom and enslavement (Galatians 5:1).
The most questioned, the most challenged binary concept found in the Scriptures is that of “male” and “female”.
In Genesis 1:27 we read:
“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
In this same chapter we see that God created other binaries such as the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), light and dark (Genesis 1:3-4), night and day (Genesis 1:5), the seas and dry land (Genesis 1:9-10). Yet, this is the only one which is questioned.
Some will no doubt cite Galatians 3:28, which says: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
At first glance, this passage seems to suggest that Christ removed male and female distinctions.
But that’s not what Paul is saying.
What Paul is saying is that we are all one “in Christ”. That is, once saved we all enjoy the same status. Women are not “less saved” than men. Greeks are not “less saved” than Jews. Slaves are not “less saved” than those who are free. We are all saved in the same manner and, once saved, enjoy the same status.
The two previous verses make this clear:
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, {27} for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27)
Galatians 3:28 is about our salvation status and does not in any way suggest that God has set aside the binary system He created when He made humankind. We are male and female.
The answer to the question of why some are now questioning their gender at birth and choosing to represent themselves in other ways is varied and requires a lot more explanation than I can provide in this brief article.
For now, suffice it to say that many are questioning the most basic, most fundamental way in which human beings are to define themselves.
Let’s love those who are struggling with gender identity and who may identify as non-binary. They need our love and compassion.
But let’s also remember that male and female is simply one aspect of a binary system that runs throughout the Scriptures.