What does it mean that My Identity is in Christ?

Sister. Daughter. Aunt. Lunch lady. Bookworm. Friend. Writer.

These are some words that give a picture of me, maybe some of the first that come to mind in to answer the question, “Who are you?”

But if given more thought, if asked to delve deeper, there are other words I would use to describe myself that give a fuller picture or who I am: patient, wise, curious, reflective.

Those are the positive words I or others might use. But there are other words, words that attempt to define me by my insecurities, shame, and shortcomings, words rarely spoken out loud but resounding in my heart nonetheless: boring, ugly, incapable, ridiculous. 

​There are many ways we can describe who we are. There are many things we can believe define us. But we each have an identity that supersedes all these other identifiers. An identity that defines us not by our position or status, not by others’ opinions of us, not by our accomplishments or failures, not even by our own personalities and passions.

Our identity in Christ.

Maybe like me, you’ve grown up hearing about your identity in Christ. (And if you haven’t, that’s okay; you’re about to!) How you are a precious daughter of the Most High King; how you are loved by your Heavenly Father; how you are forgiven and free, chosen and wanted, made new and so much more.

These are all true. So, so, so true.

But sometimes, the truth of them doesn’t seem to stick to our hearts as much as all those other labels.

​We hear the words, but they don’t seem real. Not as real as the job title, or the relationship status, or the cutting words of others, or all the ways I could list that I’m not good enough.

We hear the words, that our identity is in Christ. We hear the words that describe this identity. But what does it really mean that our identity is in Christ?

In Christ.

These words are the key words here. They’re the words that give this identity power over all the others, they’re the words that prove this one true and the others false, they’re the words that make it a reality for us, causing it not only to stick to our hearts, but transform our lives.

So let’s take a look at what it means that our identity is in Christ:

Your Identity is Defined by Christ

​God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.   2 Corinthians 5:21

​​We each were created to have relationship with God who loves us, but our sin causes separation between us and God. Yet in His love, God sent Jesus to save us from sin and make a way for that relationship to be restored.

When He died on the cross, Jesus took our sin upon Himself and suffered the punishment in our place. And when He rose from the grave, He defeated sin and death so it would no longer have to enslave us.

So when we trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He shares His identity of son with us: one who has right relationship with the Father (righteousness), who has a place at His table and in His heart, who can trust in Him for care and provision, who can approach Him with confidence to ask for help, wisdom, and strength, who is empowered to victoriously walk in obedience to Him, and who can delight in Him and know He delights in us.

Our identity being defined by Christ means we can’t find our true worth and significance apart from His love. It means we won’t find wholeness or purpose outside of a love relationship with Jesus.

• Maybe you’ve trusted in Jesus as your Savior: have you spent time getting to know Him? Are you taking steps to grow in your relationship with Him, draw closer to Him, nurture your love for Him?

Your Identity is Secure in Christ

For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
​Colossians 3:3

​Failures in our efforts, rejections from others, regrets of the past, shame we carry, the feelings and emotions we experience, our faults and weaknesses, even the sin we at times commit cannot change our identity in Christ.

When we repent of our sin and trust in Jesus as Savior, we are given new life as children of God. And this new life, this new identity, is secure in Christ.

The word “hidden” used in Colossians 3:3 comes from the Greek word krupto, which means “to cover, conceal, keep secret.”

Our life is covered with Christ, safe from the punishment, condemnation, and tarnishing of sin. Our identity as children of God is tucked so deeply into Him, like a cherished treasure, that we needn’t fear anything being able to steal it away.

This includes mess-ups and mistakes, failings and faults, let-downs and the less-than-perfect.
 
Because Jesus has secured our identity, we don’t have to earn it. Like our salvation, it is a free gift from God, a work He does in us by His Spirit.

• Maybe you know your sins are forgiven: do you also know you no longer have to strive to be good enough for God? Do you know you don’t have to prove yourself worthy to receive His affection and attention? Do you know you don’t have to work harder or do more or be better to make sure you don’t fall out of His grace?

Your Identity is a Reflection of Christ

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God - truly righteous and holy.
​Ephesians 4:21-24

​New identity and new character go hand-in-hand. In Christ, we are already chosen and cherished, forgiven and free, righteous and holy. With this identity in Christ, we are called to live out character that reflects Christ.

If we keep living in our old nature, following old patterns of thinking and behaving, as if that is who we are, it will be difficult for the truth of our new identity in Christ to take root in our hearts.

But if through the power of the Holy Spirit, we cultivate new thoughts and attitudes and habits, we will begin to live as who we already are in Christ: righteous and holy.

• Maybe you know your identity in Christ: are you living as if this is your true identity? Are you throwing off the old ways of living and cultivating your new nature, becoming more and more the woman God created you to be, the woman His Spirit empowers you to be?

Our identity is defined by Christ: we are sons and daughters of God. Our identity is secure in Christ: we don’t have to earn it or fear losing it. And our identity is a reflection of Christ: we are created and empowered to walk in Christ-likeness.

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​If you're dealing with doubts about your worth as a single woman, this free devotional is for you.

Over 6 days, we'll redefine what it means to be single through our identity in Christ.