If I were to ask ‘Who are you?’ or ‘Can you tell me a bit about yourself?”, what would your response be?
Typically, we all would respond with things such as our name, gender, nationality, age, marital and parental status, type of work we do, state we live in, educational background, hobbies, likes and dislikes. Some of these things may be facts about who you are today. However, if asked the same questions five years from now, some of your responses may be different.
As Christians, there is a part of our identity that will remain permanent, that we often overlook and lose sight of – our identity in Christ. It’s the part of our identity that doesn’t depend on hair color, body type, heritage, talents, or popularity.
The question is, do you know your identity in Christ? Or, do you define yourself by what you do and what you’ve accomplished in life? Or, have you allowed other people to define who you are and who you aren’t?
As Christian women, not only is it important that we know our identity in Christ, but it’s essential that we embrace that identity and learn to walk confidently in it. If you are wondering how, then this post is the place to start.
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What is Identity?
First, let’s start by taking a look at the basic definition of the word identity.
The Webster’s dictionary defines it as the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.
According to Psychology Today, identity encompasses the memories, experiences, relationships, and values that create one’s sense of self.
As you can see, identity in general is based on a combination of the things mentioned in the definitions above that in essence shape how an individual views who they are.
In light of that, let’s take a look at an identity issue that seems to be rampant in the Christian arena.
The Christian Identity Crisis
We live in a world today where everything is all about self-expression. As a result, many Christians have gotten caught up into promoting every aspect of their identity (gender, race, professions, political standing), while putting their identity in Christ on the back-burner.
Now I’m not saying we shouldn’t be proud to be who we are. Nor am I saying that we shouldn’t stand for or fight for our rights and privileges – especially if those rights and privileges are limited based on who you are.
But, whether I’m a man or woman, black or white, rich or poor – what difference does it really make apart from my relationship with God?
The Christian Identity Crisis is the fact that we as Christians have forgotten that our true identity is found in Christ alone. Apart from Him we are nothing. It is God who gives us our identity and our purpose. Our reason for living. Period.
My gender, race, background, education, and political standing are indeed factors that contribute to who I am. However, they should ALWAYS be secondary to who I am in Christ.
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So lets dive into learning who we are in Christ, so that we can not only embrace our identity in Christ, but walk confidently in it!
What Does the Bible Say About Your Identity in Christ?
So what is our identity according to the bible?
Although all types of people are mentioned in the bible, God only ever defines two identities when it comes to the human race – those who belong to and have a relationship with Him, and those who do not.
And these two identities are at such opposite extremes, that when a person transitions from not having a relationship with God, to accepting Jesus as their Lord and personal Savior, that the bible declares that they are a brand new creation.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Whether you realize it or not, when you gave your life to God, you became a new creation.
I’m not just a black, well-educated, successful, single mom from VA. I’m a Christian! And that is the most important part of my identity.
Now let me show you from the Word of God why that is the case, and why our identity in Christ is truly what makes us so special.
You Are Chosen
God does not select people based on what they look like or what they’ve accomplished.
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Ephesians 1:4-6
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:16
Not only did God choose us in accordance to His will and purpose for our lives, but He chose us before He ever created the heavens and the earth! Look at what he tells the prophet Jeremiah:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Jeremiah 1:5
I don’t’ know about you, but knowing that God chose me before He created the world not only amazes me, but it helps me to see just how special I truly am.
You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Psalm 139:13-15
God doesn’t make mistakes. Those eyes, that nose, that mouth, those hips, your complexion, the type of hair you have, your height – they were all planned and crafted by God!
He knows every detail of our bodies. EVERY. LITTLE. DETAIL.
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Luke 12:7
So when we allow the devil or the world’s system in which we live to trick us into thinking that we are ugly, deficient, lacking, or not enough, we have to remind ourselves of who God says we are – fearfully and wonderfully made!
There is no other ‘you’ on the planet. God knit you together exactly the way He intended you to be. For me, that includes my big forehead, bow-legs, bad eye sight and all!
In fact, even those Christians with disabilities or handicaps (whether they were born that way or became that way) are NOT a mistake.
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam”. So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
John 9:1-7
Whether we realize it or not, everything about us is meant for the glory of God – in one way, shape, or form.
When I teach my Sunday school kids and teens on the topic of our Identity in Christ, one of my favorite examples to use is Nick Vujicic. He is an Australian-American, Christian evangelist, that was born with no arms or legs. Nick is an inspiration to many and God has used him to reach millions worldwide through his ministry, Life Without Limbs.
What I love most about his story is that he is a living miracle in our modern culture of what God can do through His chosen people.
Notice that unlike the passage above, God didn’t heal Nick as He did with the blind man. Rather, He is using Nick despite his physical disabilities to accomplish great and mighty things for the kingdom of God. God has a plan mapped out for each of us and nothing and no one can limit or thwart that plan!
You Are A Child of God
This one may go without saying, but as a Christian, you are in fact a child of God!
- Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13
- And, I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:18
- For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:14-16
- This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6
- Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-20
Do you understand that we are NOT like ordinary people in this world that don’t have a relationship with God? God is our Heavenly Father, and we have been adopted into a His heavenly family. We belong to Him!
And because we are His children and belong to Him, we inherit all the promises and privileges that come along with that!
You Are Loved
All you have to do is spend some time watching TV, surfing the internet, or scrolling through social media, and you will see how much hatred exists in our world today.
When you add to that, low self-esteem and depression that result from comparing ourselves to others, dwelling on the mistakes of our past, and broken relationships, its no wonder we sometimes find ourselves feeling unloved and like no one cares about us. And the more unloved we feel, the more we dislike ourselves, and have trouble loving others.
And the devil loves to make us feel this way.
This is why it is so important, as Christians, that we recognize that we are loved by God.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10
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
And NOTHING will separate us from God’s love:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Reading and meditating on verses such as this, helps to keep our minds focused, so that we don’t allow the enemy to trick us into thinking we are not loved. Never doubt that God loves you!
You Are Forgiven
As Christians, so many of us struggle with forgiving ourselves and moving on from things we have done in the past. We often get trapped in a state of spiritual complacency because we allow our minds, and the devil to deceive us into thinking that God can’t use us because of our past.
When you start to face negative thoughts like this, remind yourself of these verses:
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Ephesians 1:7
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
The devil will have you so fixated on your flaws, mistakes, and sins that sometimes you won’t even realize it. But, through our relationship with Christ, God has given us grace and mercy. He’s already forgiven us for past, present, and even future sins. We have to forgive ourselves, embrace His Word about forgiveness, and move on in our purpose for Him.
You Are A Representative of Christ
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Unlike in Old Testament days, God does not appear on the earth in a cloud, or speak to people in an audible voice out of a burning bush. However, because He sent His Holy Spirit to live in us, all Christians are essentially ambassadors (representatives) of Christ.
So what exactly does that mean? What does being a representative of Christ look like in real life? Take a look at the verses below:
- But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
- You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
- A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35
- Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
- For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9
- 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
A representative of Christ, declares the praises of God. They let the light of Jesus shine through them wherever they go so that people can see that there is not only something different about them, but they see Christ.
A representative shows love and extends forgiveness in a world full of hatred. A representative works in diligent service unto God, seeking to obey His Word.
As a Christian, we don’t just represent our household, our family heritage, our race, our business, our local church, or our alma mater. First and foremost we should seek to represent Christ in everything.
You Are Victorious
If anyone has ever told you being a Christian was easy, or that it would eliminate all problems from your life, they lied. In fact, the bible tells us in numerous places that we will definitely face difficulties.
However, the beauty of being a Christian is that God has equipped us through our relationship with Him to walk in victory and overcome any situation that life may bring!
- The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19
- I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
- You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
- For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
Because Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and conquered death via his resurrection, we too are now victorious over sin, and the obstacles of everyday living!
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:31-37
No matter what you face or go through in life, always remember that you are not only a conqueror, but the bible says you are more than a conqueror! We just have to learn to walk in the victory that God has already deemed for us.
More Bible Verses About Your Identity in Christ
Just in case you need more to boost your confidence regarding your identity in Christ, check out these powerful verses about who God says you are:
1. You are heard by God – We have 24/7 access to talk to God freely about any and everything through prayer. And He always hears us.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
1 Peter 3:12
2. You are strong in the Lord – Even when we feel weak, the bible declares that God is our strength!
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense, he has become my salvation.
Isaiah 22:12
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
3. You are gifted by God – God has given every believer a spiritual gift(s) that He wants you use in whatever work He has called you to do.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:4-8
4. You are NEVER alone – God promises to never leave or abandon us.
- Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
- And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20
- Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:15-16
We couldn’t get rid of God even if we tried!
Walk Confidently in Your Identity in Christ
Ladies, I know many of us feel insecure at some point in our lives (I’ve been there often). But, that’s only because we keep trying to find our worth and security in the all the wrong people, places, and things.
The moment we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were given a new identity! No it didn’t erase our personality, character, heritage, or sense of style. But rather, it gave us a make-over in the form of the Holy Spirit who now lives in us. We have been rescued and redeemed from the power of sin and darkness.
It is through this new relationship with God that we have literally been adopted into a heavenly family, with direct access to God. We are heirs to the promises in His Word, including eternal life. We now carry His name as his child because we were chosen before we were even born, and fearfully and wonderfully crafted by God according to His purpose.
We are loved unconditionally, and forgiven of all sins (past, present, and future). We are ambassadors of God and are called to represent Him everywhere we go by extending the same love and forgiveness He extended to us.
We are and will be victorious in all things, because God is with us, and is greater than anything life can throw our way. He is always with us, and will never leave our side.
Now that you know your identity in Christ according to the bible, you can walk confidently in who God says you are by continuously meditating on the verses in this post. General affirmations are one thing, but you can’t go wrong with biblical affirmations based on the the very promises of God.
Remember, Satan will take every opportunity he can to make you question and doubt who you are in Christ. Even when you don’t physically or mentally feel strong in Christ, or when your circumstances aren’t the best, or the world around you seems to be falling apart – your identity in Christ is solid.
Trust that it is secure. Rest in it. And, never doubt or forget who God says you are!
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