What is our true identity in Christ? A significant portion of the New Testament is devoted to answering that question. In order to fully embrace our identity, we need to understand the extraordinary privileges and responsibilities associated with it. These seven key passages offer clear insight.
1. John 1:12 – You Are a Child of God
Receiving Jesus as Lord changes our relationship status with God. We become His children. He welcomes us into His presence as all loving parents welcome their children. He delights in us. He knows what’s ultimately best for us and steers us toward it. Knowing that we can approach Him as a child approaches his or her father gives us peace of mind, confidence, and hope.
2. John 15:5 – You Are Given Everything You Need
The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—grows in our lives as apples grow on the branches of an apple tree. As appendages of the tree (or “vine”), we’re nourished by something greater than ourselves. Jesus’ work within us produces qualities and characteristics that draw people to us—and to Him.
3. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – You Are Uniquely Gifted
One of God’s most precious gifts to His children is His Holy Spirit. As the Apostle Paul explains it, when we choose to follow Christ, our bodies become temples in which the Holy Spirit dwells. From within, He performs His vital work of guiding us, convicting us of sin, helping us understand and apply God’s Word, and communicating our prayers to our Heavenly Father. We have the opportunity to bring glory to God in the way we care for our bodies—or temples. By taking care of ourselves, we glorify Him.
4. 1 Corinthians 12:27 – You Are Part of Something Important
Every follower of Christ is a part of His body. Together we accomplish His work in the world. Individually, each member of Christ’s body plays a key role in its effectiveness. If one body part fails to do its job, the entire body suffers. Our identity in Christ gives us extra incentive to complete the work He’s given us, using the talents and abilities He’s given us.
5. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – You Are a New Person
When we assume our identity in Christ, we don’t become improved versions of our old selves. We become something else entirely: a new creation. That means we’re no longer tied to the mistakes of our past. We no longer have to carry the guilt and shame of past offenses. We’re no longer slaves to old desires and habits. In God’s eyes, we’re pure and spotless.
6. Galatians 2:20 – You Are All In
Our identity in Christ results from our being all-in. We no longer have the freedom to take back the reins when it suits us. Our lives are His—not for better or worse, but for better and best.
7. Colossians 3:12 – You Are Jesus’ Representative
As members of God’s family, we’re understandably (and rightfully) held to a higher standard in the way we interact with others. We have an opportunity to give others a glimpse of Christ’s mercy, patience, and kindness. If we humbly point to Christ as the One who makes those qualities possible in our lives, we may help others find their own identity in Him.
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1 reply on “7 Scriptures Explaining Our True Identity in Christ”
What an awesome well written and explained article; I have found that may people struggle with this topic and fail to understand how special we are in Gods eyes; you could have added also Ephesians 2:10 this verse changed my whole outlook on my relationship with God