Our Identity in Christ

Personal Struggles with Identity:

After experiencing divorce, I faced difficulty in anchoring my identity in Christ. The negative

perceptions from others who labeled me a sinner, bound for hell due to the divorce, pushed me towards seeking my identity in the world's materialistic allure. I became obsessed with forming an “ideal” social circle, often using alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism, and engaging in actions that brought shame. This led to frequent abuse, constant comparisons with others, and severe anxiety, leaving me with a profound sense of emptiness. Despite not being part of Gen Z, cultural pressures affected me like many today. I was close with my daughters and quickly jumped in on all the new social media that was forming. I had fun with Myspace and Snapchat (now I’m telling my age….), not realizing how much they took time away from the important things in life. Keeping up with all the latest trends until a few years ago gave me some of the same issues Gen Z deals with today..

Cultural and Generational Pressures:

Research indicates that Generation Z is particularly susceptible to mental health challenges and the pitfalls of comparison. Many individuals today are entrenched in these patterns due to relentless exposure to societal trends and the high expectations of modern life. “Social media algorithms attempt to anticipate and shape our interests, introducing us to content, ideas, and temptations unavailable to previous generations.” (McKinsey Health Institute) A growing number of people face issues with mental, social, and spiritual well-being, exacerbated by the frequent use of social media. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter (or X) significantly influence behavior, thoughts, and interests. People often seek identity through their careers, financial achievements, relationship status, and public image, overlooking the essence of the Gospel amidst cultural assimilation. When we compare ourselves to others and feel like we're missing something they have, it can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and being prone to negative emotions.

Comparison and the Hope We Have in Him:

The rise of social media influencers has magnified the issue of comparison, taking a toll on mental and spiritual health. Yet, there is hope and fulfillment through Jesus Christ. Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” Through the hope provided by Jesus Christ, we reach fulfillment, as God remains constant and ever reliable. Discovering our identity in Him ensures a lifetime of satisfaction because of His proven faithfulness. It is all about seeing ourselves in a new light, figuring out our mission, and connecting with others. When we get to know Jesus and put our trust in Him, we go through a total change that gives us a fresh start, based on grace, love, and a higher purpose. This new beginning links us with our Heavenly Father and sets the stage for living out our Christian life. Growing in our faith and understanding of who we are in Christ, we start to get it: He's the source of our meaning and worth. But this isn’t just about intelligence – it's a heart thing. It's about embracing our status as God's children and soaking up the love and acceptance that comes from a relationship with our Creator. 

Defining True Identity:

Our identity is defined by our relationship with God and what He has done for us, rather than what we are in and of ourselves. Scripture frequently reveals how God perceives His people. In Christ, we are beloved and crafted with a specific purpose, uniquely designed with meticulous care. Consider the depth of love invested in such a detailed creation!

Understanding our creation in God’s image brings profound peace and joy, unobtainable from material pursuits. According to Genesis 1:26-27, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…” Each of us has been endowed with distinct talents and qualities bestowed by God, crafted with care while we were still in our mother's womb. Psalms 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.” Given that the Creator of the universe already considers us beautiful, why should we feel the need to compare ourselves to anyone else? It is imperative that we directly consult the Scriptures to comprehend His disposition. Our self-perception should never be dependent upon conjecture or speculation. The Almighty has bestowed upon us His Word, the Bible, thereby enabling us to not only understand Him but also recognize the individual He is shaping us to be in Him. God perceives us as treasured offspring who bear His insignia. Our identity in Christ unequivocally denotes a particular purpose, one that has been meticulously crafted for each of us. Our divine Father has a specific blueprint for our existence, surpassing our individual aspirations and wants.

We Have Been Selected

In Christ, we are not merely objects of affection but a deliberate selection. The divine plan, orchestrated by God, involved the sacrifice of His sinless Son, providing us the chance to become members of His family. Our acceptance was not contingent upon our merits or qualifications, but rather, it was an intricate choice made by God, who selected us to be His.

John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” Wow. He’s chosen and ordained us, and if we do His will instead of our own, whatever we ask in His name, He will give it to us! This reminds me of being married. In all reality, it is like marriage! When we are married, we love and desire to do all that we can to please our spouse. If we love God, we will do the same for Him and obey Him giving us the opportunity and the power to get what we ask, if it is according to His will.

John 1:12 “ But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Lots of people, including the ones who are often defiant and skeptical, have been given the power to be known as sons of God if they believe on His name. It's all about having faith in His name, that ultimate trust that's only meant for God. It's not just about believing some human testimony; it's about tapping into that divine power that lets you become a son of God.

1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

We Are Absolved

To be acknowledged as a child of the flawless Father, absolution from sin was required - a state of immaculate righteousness beyond human capability. However, through the sinless act of Jesus, who died the death we deserved, we can be absolved of our sins. Our transgressions are no longer held against us, and the righteousness of Christ is now credited to us. Consequently, in God's eyes, if we have accepted the salvation offered by Jesus, we are absolved. He sees us as righteous, a foundation upon which we can construct our identity.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

We Have Been Ransomed

What does our absolution mean? It signifies that we have been ransomed - Christ's sacrifice has liberated us from the dominion of sin and evil. God no longer views us as a sinner bound by past mistakes. Instead, He sees us as new creations, whole and complete. Our past errors do not define us. God does not perceive us in light of our former identities. Instead, He sees us as ransomed and redeemed if we follow His will.

Ephesians 1:7-12 “ In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.”

This part talks about how Jesus paid for us with His "blood" payment. Paul is saying that Christ's death on the cross was the full payment for the sins of all believers. So, what did this ransom include? It paid the price to free us from eternal punishment and the earthly grip of our sins. But this freedom didn't come cheap; it cost Christ His life. So, for believers, the price for our sins has already been paid. And that is grace: the chance to become a child of God because God set up a way to know Him through faith. Grace, of great worth for making sinners children of God, is likened to money; all humans sin, falling short of divine glory. Only through Jesus' blood price do we get the chance for salvation. Paul says that the same grace of God that saves us guides us to what God wants us to do. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-9 is a very well-liked verse in the Bible. But sometimes, people get so hung up on those two verses that they overlook the gem in v10, which is all about what God has in mind for us after we're saved. So, what is so important? God sees us as His masterpiece, or His work of art, straight from the Greek word "poiēma" (poy’-ay-mah). Essentially, we're His artwork, made with care and a purpose. The goal? To do good works, and good works don't earn us tickets to heaven, but they're meant to be the sequel to salvation. God made His plan for us way before creation. He has a unique blueprint for each of us to serve Him. There’s no need to try to be like someone else; He has a special mission for each of us, complete with spiritual gifts and a personal Holy Spirit to guide us in our service.

1 Peter 1:18-20 “forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest in these last times for you.”

We Are Adopted

We are His offspring, and He will never rescind this. What does it mean to be recognized as children of God? It means that we have been adopted into His family, bestowed with all the rights and privileges befitting Jesus, His Son. God perceives us as cherished children, carrying His name. Just as earthly adoption is a legally binding process that permanently affixes us to a family, heavenly adoption is equally enduring and irrevocable. Just like earthly adoption, heavenly adoption is serious and sticks if we follow Him.

Ephesians 1:5 “having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” Galatians 4:4-7 “but when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

Paul is talking about predestination and how it's connected to love and adoption. Essentially, God's love is so big that He decided a long time ago that we would become His children. Jesus showed up at the perfect time so Paul's audience could hear the good news and become part of God's family. Even if they weren't Jewish, they could be adopted into the family through Jesus. Paul, a Jewish man who became a missionary to non-Jews, probably made his non-Jewish audience happy when he said that. He saw them as equals: brothers and sisters in God's family.

We Are Loved

In Christ, we are not merely objects of affection but deliberate selections. The divine plan, orchestrated by God, involved the sacrifice of His sinless Son, providing us the chance to become a member of His family. Our acceptance has nothing to do with our merits or qualifications, but rather, it was an intricate choice made by God, who selected us to be His.

Jeremiah 31:3 “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”

Even when things seem rough, God has our backs. He's always there to bring us into His loving covenant. Remember, it might be tough to recall good times during the gloomy ones, but His love for us is eternal—from forever ago until forever from now. Those He loves, He'll draw to Him with His Spirit. When we're grateful for what He's done, we have to ask for what we need and expect it too. When God calls, don't say you can't make it—He'll give you the strength and help you out. His kindness will lead us to repentance. If we see God as our Father and join His family, we'll have everything we need. And yes, these words probably apply to the Israelites. However, they figuratively talk about sinners finding their way to Christ and how they'll be guided to safety.

John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Our Lord is telling Nicodemus here about all the blessings we've talked about. They come from the amazing love of God the Father, who wanted our salvation so badly that He sent His only Son to make it happen. It is meant for everyone who will take it on God's terms. God, He says, loves the world - that means everyone, even those who despise Him (who will perish if they don’t give their lives to Him) - so much that He gave His only Son. And the Son of God genuinely gave Himself up for us. But, we must believe in Him with a faith that does something and holds on tight till the end. If we do that, we won't be facing divine justice. Instead, we will get eternal life - the good kind, full of grace and glory, all thanks to God's mercy and His Son's big-time sacrifice.

God gave His only son for us! As a parent, it’s sometimes hard for me to fathom this. To love His people so much that He gave His son for us. Abraham loved God so much that he was willing to sacrifice his son for God. We need to come to a place where we love God just as much. As I was praying this morning, this very thing came to my mind. Oh to have faith in God just like Abraham, to be sold out to God so much that I'd be willing to do anything whether it be laying down my life; I'm struggling here; or to be willing to sacrifice my children. Not that He would ask me to physically sacrifice them on an altar because Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, but that I would love Him more than even them. I may not have been the best parent in the world (I don't know of any perfect parents), but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I love all my children and my grandchildren and I'd lay my life down to save theirs. But we are called to love God even more than our parents, brothers, sisters, spouses, and even our children and grandchildren. I haven't gotten to that place yet. But Lord, oh how I want to be there! As much joy and peace as You give me now, I can't even fathom how much better that will be, nor how amazing heaven will be!

“The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell. The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled, And pardoned from his sin. Oh love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure, The saints’ and angels’ song.” “The Love of God” by Federick Lehman

Recognizing Our Identity as God Perceives It is Significant

For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, a new identity has been conferred upon them in Him. Greater familiarity with Jesus, through His word and communion in prayer, will lead to a deeper comprehension of this identity. Familiarity with Jesus will also enable the identification of life aspects that deviate from this identity, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Suppose we were to fully believe in being all that God asserts in Christ. In that case, it would likely transform how we live, interact with others, and commune with the Lord.

As we discover our identity in Christ, we will increasingly resemble Him more and less like the world. This will foster a deepening intimacy with Him and fellow believers. This will also help us have the faith we need in Him when we fight the enemy.

When you put your trust in Jesus, you get a fresh start. The more you get to know Jesus through His word and prayer, the better you'll understand this new identity. Familiarity with Jesus will also enable the identification of life aspects that deviate from this identity, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Suppose we were to fully believe in being all that God declares in Christ? Believing what God says about us in Christ can change our lives, how we treat others, and our relationship with Him. As we figure out who we are in Christ, we'll start to look more like Him and less like the world. This can bring us closer to Him and other believers. Familiarity with Jesus will also enable the identification of life aspects that deviate from this identity, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Our identity in Christ is very important because it shapes every part of our lives, like relationships and decision-making, and gives us a solid foundation to face life's challenges and have faith in Him when we face the enemy. It will help us when putting on the whole armor of God.  Check out my next blog coming soon about Putting on the Whole Armor of God.

Benson Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (n.d.). John 3. Bible Hub. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://biblehub.com/commentaries/benson/john/3.htm

Bible Study Tools (2024, February 21). Bible Verses about Our Identity in Christ. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-our-identity-in-christ/

Got Questions Ministries (n.d.). How should we live our lives in light of our identity in Christ? Got Questions Your Questions. Biblical Answers. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://www.gotquestions.org/identity-in-Christ.htmlAccessed 9/22/2024 © 2004 - 2024 by Bible Hub Henry, M. (n.d.). Jeremiah 31. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/jeremiah/31.htm

J. (n.d.). Why Our Identity In Christ Is So Important. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://lovingchristministries.com/why-our-identity-in-christ-is-so-important/

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 128.

Scott, R. (2023, July 28). Identity in Christ: A Gen Z Viewpoint. Focus on the Family Helping Families Thrive in Christ. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/identity-in-christ-from-a-gen-z-viewpoint/

Yesudasan, B. (n.d.). Your Identity in Christ: How God Sees You. Core Christian Beliefs. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/core-christian-beliefs/identity-in-christ.html