Our Identity In Christ
by Brett Barry
Dear Ambassadors of Christ,
I asked the Lord what would encourage His body today. He said, “Remind them of Who they are in Me.”
So here are a few thoughts.
First, you may have noticed that I capitalized “Who” in reference to our identity. While this is a topic of some debate, as believers wrestle with whether we're sinners saved by grace or saints who are now at war against sin (hint: the answer is, YES!), the distinction is important because there are two parts to that sentence: “who they are” and “in Me.”
The “in Me” part is critical, because our being in Christ (having been transferred from darkness into light - Col 1:13) makes us perfect in our identity (how God sees our new, spiritual man due to its unity with Christ) and positions us in the heavens at the right hand of God (Eph 2:6). Scripture teaches this is a present reality for us spiritually, the reality by which we are to live; with the completion being our new, immortal bodies, given at Christ’s return. (Wowzers - such an amazing thought!)
Because of our present position and calling as Ambassadors of righteousness (1 Cor 5:20), God calls us to then live in such a way that His character is made known to others through our very lives; beginning with our thought life that directs our words and actions that affect our family and friends, as well as the world around us (Eph 2:10 / Col 1:10-12).
BREAKING IT DOWN A LITTLE
Positionally, in Christ, we have been made new (1 Cor 5:17), perfect (Heb 4:12) holy, Heb 10:10) and empowered (1 Cor 4:20/Eph 1:18-21); for we are born again into righteousness and the full measure of Christ (Col 1:19), not into sin or that which is sinful.
Conditionally, in Christ, we are also being made holy (1 Cor 10:14), being conformed to His likeness as we, by His Spirit, bring our mind, will and emotions (soul realm) under His leadership (Rom 12:1-2). In this process, to the degree we die to self through submission to the Spirit of God in us (lay down our will for His), we overcome our sin nature and walk in holiness (Rom 8:9-11). The result of such renewed mindset and proactive living is that we then please God by accurately representing Christ, which is a sweet aroma to Him (2 Cor 2:15).
This is our call, and it is our battle.
It can sound AND feel a bit overwhelming at times. But, truthfully, the greater our revelation regarding the reality of our present position in Christ, the more we desire to please God (which directly impacts our present condition). And the transition from focusing on our difficulties to living for His pleasure brings a whole new ascent of freedom and authority. We rise in the authority of oneness with God, taking captive our thoughts and dishonoring tendencies, and make them obedient to Christ! We then ride on the wings of His pleasure!
Praise God: in Christ, we are overcomers! For, we can do all things through His strength! (Phil 4:13)
PRACTICAL
Following are some of what God says regarding our identity in Christ. I encourage you to take some time to look up these Scriptures, and, importantly, read each one aloud. As you ponder their reality, let Truth strengthen your oneness with Christ and bring peace and humility to your soul.
Then, viewing life and circumstances through the lens of your position in Christ, rise in the resolve of oneness with your Creator and, overcome!
From The Bondage Breaker & Victory Over The Darkness, by Dr. Neil Anderson
I AM ACCEPTED
- Jh 1:12 – I am God’s child.
- Jh 15:15 – I am Christ’s friend.
- Rom 5:1 – I have been justified.
- 1 Cor 6:17 – I am united with the Lord and one with Him in Spirit.
- 1 Cor 6:20 – I have been bought with a price – I belong to God.
- 1 Cor 12:27 – I am a member of Christ’s body.
- Eph 1:1 – I am a saint.
- Eph 1:5 – I have been adopted as God’s child.
- Eph 2:18 – I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
- Col 1:14 – I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
- Col 2:10 – I am complete in Christ.
A few others I’ve dug up over the years. In Christ:
- 1 Corinthians 2:16 – I have the mind of Christ.
- Psalm 40:8 – I desire to do the will of God.
- Col 1:9 - I can grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding.
- Col 1:10 - I am capable of pleasing God and living a life worthy of the Lord.
- Col 1: 11 - I can bear fruit that will last.
- Proverbs 23:18 – I have a hope that can’t be cut off.
- Jeremiah 29:11 – I have a future and a hope.
- Psalm 21:6 – I have eternal blessings and will find joy in God’s presence.
- Psalm 28: – The Lord is my strength and my shield.
- Psalm 30:11 – God turns my wailing to dancing.
- Psalm 30:11 – God cloths me in joy.
- Psalm 139:17 – God thinks of me more often than I can count.
- Psalm 32:10 – I am surrounded by God’s unfailing love.
- Psalm 34:19 – Though I will face many trials, God will deliver me from them all.