Grow: First Steps with Jesusنموونە

NEW IDENTITY

From John 1:12 we realize that we have become children of God. And so, people who believe in Jesus experience a conclusive change in their identity.

John 1:12: Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

We so often hear people say: "I am just a sinner saved by grace." This gives us the impression that they are barely surviving; that God is just tolerating us. But from this next scripture we discover a radically different idea.

2 Corinthians 5:17: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’

If anyone associates with, identifies with, and believes in Christ, that person is a new creation. So you are not just a sinner saved by grace. No, you have become a child of God! It is almost as if a line has been drawn in the sand and we no longer step over it. We are new beings, with a new nature, a new identity.

Let me use my relationship with my own children as an example. They often act or speak in a way that could cause disappointment or hurt. I do not tell them that they are hopeless and will never become anything worthwhile in life. No, I tell them that they have our DNA, they are our children, and therefore they can develop into all their parents are and much more! 

This scenario of our identity and association with God is now further explained in the next verse.

2 Corinthians 5:18: All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.

Paul teaches us, that the quality of the restored relationship with God, affirms our identity. We are His children. Let’s now have a look at one of the most important scriptures in the Bible about your identity.

2 Corinthians 5:21: For our sake He (the Father) made Him (the Son, Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him (Christ) we might become the righteousness of God.

That means Jesus identified with our old identity as sinners, and because of His sacrifice we have become the righteousness of God. This is a very important term in the New Testament. Let’s look at what it means:

1. Rightness with God, quality relationship, being accepted.
2. I am forgiven, cleansed from sin, a pure child of God,
3. I am restored to His purpose and identity.
4. I have access to all of the blessings of His kingdom.
5. I have authority to live this life in victory and conquer the force of sin.

Daily Affirmation: "In Christ Jesus I am a brand-new creation."

Action Step for Today: Rewrite 2 Corinthians 5:21 to affirm the truth in those words.