Identity In Christ
Key Verse
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me...”
– Galatians 2:20a
Basic Biblical Understanding
Our identity defines us. Notice the way people introduce themselves. “Hi. I’m Dr. Simms. I’m a surgeon.” “Good morning. I’m Allen. I work out of the Atlanta office.” “Hello everyone. My name is Mike. I’m an alcoholic.” Our identity is often linked to what we do, what we like, where we’re from, or how we see ourselves. Identity defines us.
Prior to placing faith in Christ, our spiritual identity was defined by what we did. We all sinned against God and were identified as “sinners” (Romans 3:23). By placing faith in Christ, our identity is redefined by what Jesus did on our behalf. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead that we might have eternal life. We are now identified in Him. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” He is our identity!
The following list is not exhaustive. It’s intended to reveal foundational truths of your new identity in Christ. If you ask the question, “Who am I from God’s perspective”—here’s what you could say:
I am the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13
I am the light of the world. Matthew 5:14
I am a child of God. John 1:12; Romans 8:16; Galatians 3:26, 4:6
I am part of the true vine, a branch of Christ’s life. John 15:1, 5
I am Christ’s friend. John 15:15
I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit. John 15:16
I am a personal witness of Christ for Christ. Acts 1:8
I am a slave of righteousness and enslaved to God. Romans 6:18, 22
I am a joint-heir with Christ sharing His inheritance with Him. Romans 8:17
I am a temple of God. His Spirit dwells in me. 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19
I am a member of Christ’s body. 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 5:30
I am a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17
I am reconciled to God and a minister of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18–19
I am a son of God and one in Christ with other believers. Galatians 3:26, 28
I am a saint. Ephesians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2
I am God’s workmanship created in Christ to do His work. Ephesians 2:10
I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God’s people in His family. Ephesians 2:19
I am righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:24
I am a citizen of heaven and seated in heaven right now. Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:6
I am chosen of God, holy, and dearly loved. Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4
I am a son of light and not of darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
I am an alien and stranger to this world I temporarily live in. 1 Peter 2:11
I am an enemy of Satan and he can’t touch me. 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 5:18
Verses (ask God to to show you how they apply to your life)
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
– John 14:15
“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
– Luke 6:46
“…Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…”
– 1 Samuel 15:22b
Helpful Questions and Application
As you read over the statements of identity, which ones mean the most to you right now? Why?
Your new identity in Christ is often captured by the phrases “in Christ,” “in Him,” or “in the Beloved.” Read carefully through the book of Ephesians. As you read, highlight each time one of those phrases appear. Take the time to think through the many spiritual implications of those statements.
Additional Resources
Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 6:17; Colossians 3:3; Psalm 23; Psalm 100
WordTruth Article:
”Knowing Jesus or Just Knowing About Jesus”
”Your Identity in Christ”