Identity: You Are New in Christ
Who are you? If someone asked you this question over lunch today, how would you respond?
Most of us would likely answer by describing what we do: "I'm a student," "I'm a baseball player," or "I'm a software engineer." Others might define themselves by the roles they play: "I'm a spouse," "I'm a parent," or "I'm a team member."
Some people reach into their past for identity markers: achievements they're proud of, like being valedictorian or a sports champion. These become anchors for their sense of self-worth and value.
Unfortunately, others define themselves through negative labels: "I'm a loser," "I'm a failure," or "I'm nobody." These labels might come from past mistakes, painful experiences, or hurtful words spoken by others.
The False Sources of Identity
But are we really defined by what we do? Are we truly characterized by the things others say about us or by our self-perceptions? Are we ultimately defined by our current roles, past achievements, or future aspirations?
Scripture teaches us otherwise. Many of us struggle with identity issues, but when we finally understand the biblical truths about our identity, we can find peace and rest. This understanding transforms how we live the Christian life because of a fundamental principle:
We act out of what we believe. What we believe about ourselves is the greatest influencer of our actions.
The Problem of Sin and Identity
Sin has consequences in each of our lives. Romans 5:12 tells us: "Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death came to all people."
Sin results in spiritual death—separation from God. Ephesians 2:1-2 describes this condition: "You were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air."
Because we're separated from God—the One with whom we were meant to have spiritual union and from whom we were meant to derive life and meaning—we look to the world to define ourselves. We fight, struggle, and perform to earn an identity. We pursue certain roles to define who we are. We use people and manipulate them to find worth and value.
This makes us slaves to others' opinions and perceptions. We become defined by what we do, what we think, or what others think about us. But this is all a lie from Satan.
The Truth About Our Identity
Just as barking like a dog doesn't make someone a dog, no amount of performance, self-perception, or others' labels can truly change who we are at our core.
The good news is that Jesus came into the world, took our sins upon Himself, paid the penalty through His death on the cross, and rose from the dead, defeating sin and death forever. When we place our faith in Him as Lord and Savior, we receive the forgiveness He purchased for us.
But that's not all. Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us: "When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession."
Our New Identity in Christ
When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, changes take place at the core of our being:
Galatians 2:20 describes being crucified with Christ, no longer living ourselves but having Christ live in us.
2 Corinthians 5:17 speaks of becoming new creations in Christ.
Ephesians 2:4 talks about being made alive in Christ—once spiritually dead, now alive with new life.
Romans 6:4 summarizes this transformation: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Batman vs. Spider-Man: A Helpful Illustration
Consider the difference between Batman and Spider-Man as told by Rankin Wilbourne in his book, Union with Christ:
Batman's identity comes from external things—gadgets, weapons, and outward strength. But Spider-Man is different. A radioactive spider's bite changed his nature from within. He now has new power that is part of his very being.
In your union with Christ, you're more like Spider-Man than Batman. Something outside yourself—the Holy Spirit—has entered you and changed your nature! You have a new identity in Christ.
Who God Says You Are
Scripture reveals numerous aspects of your new identity in Christ:
A child of God (John 1:12)
Justified and redeemed (Romans 3:24)
Righteous (Romans 5:17)
Holy (Colossians 3:12)
Loved (1 John 4:10)
Accepted (Ephesians 1:6)
A saint (Philippians 1:1)
Completely forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
Dead to sin (1 Peter 2:24)
A temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16)
A member of Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12:27)
God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
A citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20)
A royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9-10)
Joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:16-17)
Complete in Him (Colossians 2:10)
This is your true identity! You are not defined by what you do, what you think about yourself, or what others say about you. You are who God says you are!
Living from Your True Identity
You may not always feel this way, but these truths remain. That's why we're instructed to renew our minds according to the truth and to focus on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
2 Corinthians 4:18 encourages us: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
There are two realms: the seen, temporal realm and the unseen, eternal realm. The eternal realm is changeless and timeless—the realm of ultimate reality where completeness and wholeness reside. The temporal realm is the created realm of matter and appearances, with a beginning and an end.
Paul urges us to fix our eyes on the unseen, eternal realm because if you are in Christ, that's where you now reside. Colossians 3:1-3 confirms this: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
The Impact of Knowing Your Identity
Understanding your identity in Christ and what God thinks about you makes a tremendous difference in your walk with Him and how you live your life. As Ralph Harris writes in "God's Astounding Opinion of You":
"It begins with knowing what God thinks of you... One moment we're in serious trouble with God, and next we're spot-on perfect, indwelt by God himself, residents of heaven already, the people of God's delight. What a change! Yet most days the change makes little difference to us."
Why? Because "we've been deluded into making a lunatic argument with God... While he thinks one thing: holy, righteous, blameless, and majestic sons and daughters walking the planet, we think something else—something way less. God's opinion of us and our opinion of ourselves don't agree."
But as God increasingly wins you over to His way of thinking about you, you'll increasingly live as you really are because you'll know who you really are. When your opinion of yourself matches God's opinion of you, and when who you are lines up with how you live, the glory of God will be stunningly evident! And you'll be living by faith.
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