Life in a Dying World

Rediscovering Our True Identity IN CHRIST

TFJ
13–20 minutes

Identity. This is a topic that is constantly in the news. How do people “identify” themselves? Male, female, “other”? Some identify themselves by their race, some by their ethnicity, some by their sexuality. Others identify themselves by their profession or status in the world.

Identity is important because it defines how we see ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. Our sense of self influences our mental well-being and drives all of the decisions we make. Self-worth often takes a major hit when grappling with identity issues. It is hard to feel good about yourself when you’re not even sure who that “self” is.

It is important that we understand our identity because out of identity we find our PURPOSE. This is why Satan the adversary has attacked our identity from the very beginning. If he can get us to question our true identity he can thwart or stop us from fulfilling our purpose.

Our Original IDENTITY

Let us go back to the very beginning to search for our true identity, ALL the way back to the GARDEN OF EDEN. In the garden we discover our original identity and with that, our purpose.

Genesis 1:26: Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth

Man was created in the “image and likeness” of God. This means that ALL human beings have an intrinsic self-worth and dignity imparted to us by our Creator. Made in God’s image, man has been given intellect, emotion, and will along with rational and moral agency. With these qualities we were created to be God’s “image-bearers” on this earth, taking dominion and rightly stewarding the earth’s valuable resources. This is where we find our original identity and with that, our purpose.

Satan first attacks our IDENTITY then our PURPOSE

Satan attacked mankind’s identity in the Garden of Eden. 🐍 The serpent is described as the most subtle beast of the forest. 😈

Genesis 3:1: Now the serpent was more cunning than any animal of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” 

2 The woman said to the serpent😈, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3 but from the fruit of the tree 🌴which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’ 💀

4: The serpent🐍 said to the woman, “You certainly will not die! 5 For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil.”

Notice in the above verses how the serpent (Satan) 🐍 implied that God was denying Adam and Eve something desirable (fruit from the forbidden tree) BECAUSE God wanted to stop them from becoming “Like HIM”. This was a huge part of Satan’s BIG LIE😈 because we know that God had ALREADY CREATED mankind IN HIS OWN IMAGE. God CREATED us to be “LIKE HIM.“

The subtle serpent LIED about God’s MOTIVES and about our IDENTITY as God’s IMAGE BEARERS on this earth. We were already created in GOD’S IMAGE which means we were created to be IN RELATIONSHIP with GOD, not apart from Him. Partaking of the forbidden fruit would DISCONNECT us from God, DESTROY US and MAR GOD’S IMAGE, which was Satan’s intention.

Once we became disconnected from God our Creator, Satan would be free to devour us, which was his plan all along. 😲 However, Satan DID NOT comprehend the love💖 that God has for humanity, nor did he ANTICIPATE THE LENGTHS that GOD WOULD GO TO REDEEM US. ✝️

Look at Satan’s name. His original name was Lucifer, or “Light Bearer”. God created him as the most beautiful angel and worship director. However, because of his beauty he became lifted up with pride and decided to rebel against God (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:11-19). Because of the sin that darkened his heart his “name” changed to Satan, or the adversary. His name reflects his character or identity that changed from Cherub and worship director to the ADVERSARY of GOD and MAN. 😈

The primary tools the adversary uses to drag man down into the pit that he has fallen into is temptation, deception, and accusation. This is what he did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and what he does with mankind today. As the “subtlest creature of the forest”, the serpent’s guile 🐍was successful enough to get Adam and Eve exiled from Eden. Continuing with his subtle attacks his goal is to get mankind permanently banned from the Kingdom of God (Heaven).

The serpent initiated his assault by attacking mankind’s IDENTITY as MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE. He attacks our RELATIONSHIP with GOD and each other. The MARRIAGE COVENANT between a MAN and a WOMAN is a picture of Christ and His Church. It is a picture of God and man in RELATIONSHIP with each other. This was God’s original design when He created mankind in HIS IMAGE.

What happens when men and women enter into a marriage covenant? LIFE. CHILDREN. FAMILY.

Matthew 28:19-20 NASB – Go, therefore, and make disciples of – Bible GatewayMan was told “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth”. This was our mandate. This was to be accomplished by us as God’s image bearers on this earth. This is also a picture of “The Great Commission” in Christianity (Matthew 28:19-20). If the serpent can undermine our IDENTITY, then he can thwart OUR PURPOSE. This is why the enemy is constantly attacking MARRIAGE and FAMILY. 😈

Thankfully our God is a God of Redemption and Restoration.

Jesus Christ IS the GOD THE SON

When Jesus Christ was baptized the Heavens opened and the Spirit was seen resting on Him like a Dove. The voice of God the Father boomed down from Heaven saying, “This is My Beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”. (Matthew 3:17). Immediately after Jesus’ baptism He was taken into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The first thing the devil said to Jesus was “IF you are the Son of God”. The first thing the devil attacked was Jesus’ identity.

Matthew 4: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted for forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”

Jesus IS GOD

The apostle Paul described Jesus as “the image of the invisible God”, showing how Jesus is representative of God Himself. In contrast to the rest of humanity, Jesus does not have a tarnished image of God; rather, He is “an exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3). Those who have seen Jesus have seen the Father (John 14:9).

Jesus is not only the perfect image or representation of God, but He is God as well (Colossians 1:19; John 1:1–2; 14–18). Jesus is both the perfect image-bearer (representative) and God Himself (actual). The Son, being “the image of the invisible God,” makes visible the One who is by nature invisible. The Son’s power, wisdom, and goodness fully and accurately reveal to us the character and perfection of God.

Jesus Christ’s purpose was to destroy the works of the devil

As the Son of God who was also God Himself, Jesus Christ’s purpose was to “destroy the works of the devil”.

1 John 3:8: the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus Christ’s IDENTITY and PURPOSE were intrinsically linked. As the Son of God who is also GOD, Jesus Christ was the ONLY ONE who COULD destroy the works of the devil. This is why the devil first attacked Jesus’ IDENTITY.

IDENTITY IN CHRIST – A NEW CREATION

As a Christian, we are to find our identity IN CHRIST. Jesus did not come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people alive. He came to RESTORE FALLEN MANKIND back to God’s original design. 🌱

2 Corinthians 5:17:  Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

This verse underscores the radical transformation that occurs when one becomes a believer IN JESUS CHRIST. 🌱The old sinful self who was SEPARATED from God, is replaced by a NEW SELF that is reconciled to God through FAITH in CHRIST. All those who RECEIVE the GOSPEL and BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who takes away their sin are WELCOMED into the FAMILY of God. Their NEW IDENTITY is that of ADOPTED SON or DAUGHTER.

John 1:12: But as many as received Him (JESUS CHRIST), TO THEM He gave the right (exousia) to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,

The Greek term exousia in John 1:12 is often translated as a “right,” or an entitlement. This word indicates that Spiritual honors are given to all believers, simply for being part of God’s family. However, this word also implies the power to do something. Becoming a child of God doesn’t simply result in privileges, but spiritual power to the glory of God. This honor is for all who Receive Jesus Christ and place their FAITH and TRUST in HIM.

IDENTITY IN CHRIST – ADOPTED SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD

Sonship or daughter-ship is the new identity of all believers in Christ. This is very important because the enemy will VEHEMENTLY ATTACK the believer’s IDENTITY. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you are MORE than just a “sinner saved by Grace through Faith”….You are a CHILD of GOD.  This adoption signifies a new familial relationship with God, marked by intimacy and inheritance.

Galatians 3:26: For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ✝️

1 John 3:1: “See what great love 💖the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

As a child of God, you are invited into an INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP with GOD OUR CREATOR AND FATHER. You are….

  • FAMILY – ADOPTED SON OR DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH GOD 💕🥰
  • FORGIVEN AND CLEANSED
  • JUSTIFIED/DECLARED LEGALLY RIGHTEOUS
  • LOVED UNCONDITIONALLY
  • ACCEPTED
  • HEARD
  • VALUED
  • GIVEN PURPOSE
  • SECURE
  • PROTECTED
  • GIVEN SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY
  • GIFTED

Believer’s Inheritance, Already…

God’s children are given His HOLY SPIRIT 🕊️as a downpayment of our INHERITANCE. 💖 Yes, that’s right, as an adopted child of God you are entitled to an INHERITANCE! God is, after all, the King of the Universe.

As a deposit of our INHERITANCE, HOLY SPIRIT literally dwells within the BELIEVER. God’s Spirit🕊️ connects us to Christ and to the FATHER in HEAVEN. No longer is the person an orphan, separated from God. Now they are a beloved son or daughter adopted into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit’s role is multi-faceted in the believer’s life. His Primary role is to TRANSFORM us into something that looks more like JESUS CHRIST who is the EXACT IMAGE OF GOD OUR FATHER. 💕 This is the ONGOING WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT that the Church calls SANCTIFICATION. This work will continue over the course of a believer’s life and CONNECTS us to our TRUE IDENTITY and PURPOSE.

Holy Spirit🕊️ is our…

Comforter/Advocate/Helper Holy Spirit is a source of comfort and assistance to all believers. In times of trouble or need, the Holy Spirit comes alongside us to provide guidance, strength, and support. 🤗
Teacher/GuideHoly Spirit teaches and guides believers in understanding and living out the teachings of Jesus Christ. This includes helping us to interpret and apply the Scriptures (The Bible) to our lives. 🧑🏻‍🏫
Conviction of sinHoly Spirit convict’s believers of our sin and leads us to repentance so we can turn away from sin and towards God. 🛞
Empower/Equip with GIFTSHoly Spirit empowers believers for Christian living, equipping us with spiritual gifts for service 🎁and enabling us to live out God’s will and purpose for our life.

As children of God, we are His heirs. Much like an earthly father leaves his children an inheritance, our heavenly Father bestows upon us an inheritance as well. Our Spiritual inheritance far surpasses any earthly inheritance we could ever receive. What we have in Christ has been reserved in Heaven for us during our sojourn on earth. Our inheritance is unfading, unspoiled, and imperishable.

James 2:5: Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Ephesians 1:11: In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will,

Colossians 3:24: knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Hebrews 9:15: For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the violations that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

1 Peter 1:4: to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

As believers in Jesus Christ, our inheritance is not only a future hope, but a present reality that should greatly impact the life of every Christian. Rooted in the Covenantal promises of God, our inheritance in Christ encompasses salvation, eternal life, and the blessings of being united with Him FOREVER.

God’s indwelling Holy Spirit is the deposit of our inheritance that we receive now. 🕊️ Holy Spirit empowers us to live Christ-centered lives. He also helps us to produce the fruit of the Spirit 🍇🍊🍎which includes Joy, Peace, Love, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-control. (Galatians 5:22). These are really wonderful qualities that we can ENJOY in our lives now, regardless of our circumstances.

Holy Spirit also gives each believers GIFTS (1 Corinthians 12-13). 🎁 These gifts are distributed to believers based on God’s Will and His plan for each person’s life. Not everyone receives the same gift. All gifts are given to equip God’s people to do His Work and build up the body of Christ (Church) until we all attain to unity and maturity in the faith. Gifts are given to each believer to build up the Church, to encourage, and to glorify Jesus Christ. God’s gifts should never be used for SELF-glorification. Any gift used for personal gain or without love is like a harsh noise to God. Even the most powerful spiritual gifts done without love cannot glorify God.

Believer’s Inheritance, Not yet….

Believers also have a FUTURE INHERITANCE that is MORE GLORIOUS than anything that any of us can even think to imagine. We’re not talking about MONEY or the “PROSPERITY GOSPEL; we’re talking about TRUE HEAVNELY RICHES – what I like to call – KINGDOM CURRENCY. 💖

1 Corinthians 2:9: but just as it is written:

“Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the human heart,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Matthew 6:19: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 

21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

An heir can’t fully enjoy their inheritance while they are still children. In the same way, God has already settled the believers’ adoption, and they have full rights as his sons and daughters. But they are not yet enjoying the full benefits of their status.

Romans 8:19: The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 

Romans 8:23: Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 

What is everyone waiting for? The redemption and transformation of our bodies, when the Trumpet sounds and God resurrects us into Christ’s image and form.

  • God’s Spirit transforms the believer’s spirit the moment we are born again through Faith in Christ.
  • God’s Spirit is presently at work within all believers transforming our hearts, minds, souls, lives.
  • God’s Spirit will transform the believer’s body at the Resurrection when the Trumpet sounds.

Revelation 21:4 gives us a brief but beautiful description of our inheritance: “‘He will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” God and man will dwell together. Everything will be made new. The bejeweled city, New Jerusalem, will be our residence. The river of life will issue from God’s throne. The healing tree of life with twelve kinds of fruit will grow there, too. There will be no night there, because the eternal light of the Lamb will fill the new heaven and new earth and shine upon all the heirs of God. – Gotquestions.org

None of us know just how glorious coming into our eternal inheritance will be. But it will include heavenly blessings not yet described or even imagined!

As believers, we find our ultimate identity and our purpose IN CHRIST no matter WHO the world says we are. In Christ the believer is no longer an orphan but ADOPTED into the FAMILY OF GOD as a son or a daughter. As adopted children of God we are coheirs with Christ. We are NEW CREATIONS, having been RESCUED from the kingdom of darkness and TRANSFERRED into the KINGDOM OF HIS GLORIOUS SON (Col 1:13). We have an ETERNAL DESTINATION and INHERITANCE reserved in Heaven for us that is more glorious than any of us can even think to imagine.

Now that have discovered our IDENTITY in CHRIST, we can talk about our PURPOSE. Each believer has a DIVINE PURPOSE on this earth that is part of their IDENTITY. In our next post we will discuss more about our DIVINE PURPOSE.

30 Powerful Bible Verses About My Identity In Christ (Full Commentary) – Bible Study For You

God Bless!

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