Identity in Christ

Over the weekend, I curled up with my teen and watched Cinderella. As the movie winded down, I saw several similarities to our identity in Christ. I was reminded of God’s deep love as I reflected on our identity in Christ as believers- it brought a smile to my face.

The first similarity I saw was when Cinderella is locked in the attic. The kings-man and stepmother unlock the door so she can go downstairs to meet her prince. Just before she turns to leave, the evil stepmother grabs her arm and hisses, “Just remember who you are, you wretch”.

Isn’t that just like the enemy, planting seeds of doubt about our identity in Christ? Attempting to sway us from living in our identity in Christ.

In the next moment, Cinderella is walking downstairs, her mind flooded with doubts. Her hair is a mess and she is clothed in a dirty, ragged dress. The narrator asks, “Who she was…would it be enough? The greatest risk any of us can take is to be seen as we really are.”

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ~Romans 5:8

Christ died for us just as we are, so we can have a new identity in Him. In the very moment that we accept Jesus as our Savior we have our new identity in Christ; We are clothed in His righteousness(2 Cor 5:21).

So why would we climb back into our rags and hang onto our old identity?… Are you living in your identity in Christ?

In order to live in our new identity in Christ to the fullest, we must know what He says about us. We have to see ourselves through the eyes of Christ. The only place to know what He says about His people is through His Word.

Know Your Identity in Christ

1.We are forgiven and redeemed.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace…” ~Ephesians 1:7

Forgiven and redeemed means no matter how checkered my past or poor my future decisions, I’m forgiven. We have to stop putting on the past identity and living in the shame. What’s done is done. Put on the robes of righteousness Christ has given you. He bought you with His blood and washed you white as snow.

2.We are no longer slaves.

“So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” ~Galatians 4:7

When Christ paid the debt of our sin, He released us from the slavery of sin and death. Jesus determined to set us free from everything that keeps us enslaved. Freedom is part of your new identity in Christ. He has opened the door, but you have to choose to step through it!

3.No condemnation in Christ.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” ~Romans 8:1

Condemnation is strong disapproval or punishment. Your new identity in Christ means you will never face condemnation for sin – Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Nothing you have done or will do can erase the fact you are free.

4.You are a child of God.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” ~1 John 3:1

I love how John emphasizes the greatness of God’s love…that He would call us children of God. Adopted into the family of God-made sons and daughters (Gal 3:26), opening up our access to God (Eph 3:12), our heavenly Father. This is your identity in Christ…access to your heavenly Father.

5.You are made for a purpose.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~Ephesians 2:10

You are created by God, His handiwork and made for a life of purpose. Apart from Christ our life lacks purpose and meaning. Our identity in Christ means He makes everything in your life purposeful.

Knowing your identity in Christ is not enough. You must believe who Jesus says you are according to His Word.

Believe Your Identity in Christ

Accepting something as true is the definition of ‘believe’. Belief is a choice, not a feeling. Do you believe who God says your are in Christ?

It’s easy to make the mistake of listening to who we say we are. Unfortunately, how we think about ourselves can be skewed. Our childhood and life experiences heavily shape the way we think about our worth and our identity (more on that here + free taking thoughts captive bible study).

Belief takes practice. We have to try on those robes of righteousness and walk around in them a bit. God’s love is hard to comprehend, especially if we grew up feeling unloved and unimportant. However, our unbelief does not diminish the truth about God’s love for us or our identity in Christ.

Believe who God says you are.

Our unbelief does not diminish the truth about God's love for us or our identity in Christ. Share on X

Live Your Identity in Christ

When you live in your identity in Christ, you live freely, fearlessly and authentically.

When you live in your identity in Christ, you live freely, fearlessly and authentically. Share on X

Live Freely

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” ~John 8:36

The moment you get your new identity in Christ, you are no longer under the control of the law of sin and death. You are free to live in the purpose for which you were made. Living freely is now possible because you are one with Christ, a child of God and ready to live the life He intended for you.

Live Fearlessly

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” ~2 Timothy 1:7

Our identity in Christ means we can live fearlessly because our hope is in Christ. Our future is secure. The Most High is with us all the time…protecting and guiding.

Live Authentically

“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.” ~Psalm 139:1

There is nothing to hide. You are fully known and fully loved. Nothing can undo the love of the Father. You are free to be yourself. God thinks you are fabulous(Psalm 139) and delights over you! He loves you so much He died for you as you are. Only this kind of love gives permission to live authentically in your identity in Christ.

Identity in Christ Wrap Up

It’s important to know your identity in Christ according to God’s Word. But, knowing isn’t enough. Believing what the Bible says about your identity in Christ is the bridge to living in your new identity.

Belief requires you to choose to believe who God says you are rather than who you say your are. Then you have to keep trying out this new identity in Christ. It goes without saying to ask God to help you with unbelief (more on that here).