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Identity in Christ: Who God Says You Are

[Study Aired March 25, 2025]

Introduction: Understanding Identity from God’s Perspective

In a world that constantly pressures us to define ourselves by achievements, possessions, appearance, or social acceptance, Scripture reveals a profoundly different foundation for identity. The source of true identity isn’t found in outward circumstances or personal accomplishments but in an internal, spiritual reality established by God Himself. As Paul affirms, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), showing that our true identity isn’t determined by external factors but through our spiritual position in Christ.

This relationship transforms how we see ourselves, for as Paul declares, “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed(ing) away; behold, all things are become(ing) new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our identity in Christ represents the most fundamental spiritual truth about who we really are, transcending temporary circumstances, feelings and worldly labels.

To understand this identity, we must rely not on human wisdom or psychology but on God’s revelation, for “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). The truth about who we are in Christ can only be grasped through spiritual understanding, as we compare “spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13).

Being Made in God’s Image: The Process of Spiritual Formation

Our identity journey begins with God’s ongoing purpose to conform us to His image. When God declared, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26), He was establishing a continuous process rather than an instantaneous creation. The Hebrew word used here suggests an ongoing action of “making” or “fashioning,” revealing that bearing God’s image is not merely our starting point but our destination as we undergo progressive transformation.

Scripture confirms this progressive work throughout the Bible. David understood this when he declared, “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15), showing that bearing God’s likeness is something to be realized fully in the future. Paul reinforces this understanding when he writes that believers are “being renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:10), emphasizing the ongoing nature of this transformation.

This process of being conformed to God’s image represents the essential basis of human identity and worth, revealing that our value comes not from what we have already attained but from the godly purpose being worked out in us. As Paul explains, we are “predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29), showing that conformity to Christ’s image is God’s ultimate purpose for mankind, “for the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20).

Chosen, Adopted, and Redeemed: Our New Identity in Christ

Building on this foundation, Paul reveals the profound transformation of identity that occurs when we are united with Christ. In Ephesians 1, he unveils multiple dimensions of this new identity:

We are Chosen in Christ: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). Our identity isn’t self-determined but divinely chosen. This election occurred “before the foundation of the world,” revealing that God’s purpose for us predates not only our birth but creation itself.

We are Adopted as God’s Children: “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” (Ephesians 1:5). Through Christ, we receive a new family identity – no longer spiritual orphans but children of God with full family rights. John marvels at this transformation: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1).

We are Redeemed and Forgiven: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Our identity is freed from sin’s enslavement through Christ’s redemptive work. This freedom changes who we fundamentally are, as Paul explains: “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:18).

We are Sealed with the Holy Spirit: “In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13). The Spirit’s presence confirms our new identity, as Paul declares: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). This sealing isn’t just external proof but an internal testimony of belonging.

These aspects of identity aren’t earned through human effort but freely given by God’s grace, for “by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). This means our identity doesn’t fluctuate based on performance but remains secure in God’s unchanging purpose, as He “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11).

A Royal Priesthood: Called to Represent God

Peter adds another crucial dimension to our identity in Christ when he declares: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). This verse reveals four interconnected aspects of believers’ identity that parallel Israel’s calling in Exodus 19:5-6.

As a “royal priesthood,” we’re identified both as kings and priests – those who have privileged access to God and authority to represent Him to others. This priestly identity means we can “come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16) while also serving as mediators who “offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

Being a “holy nation” emphasizes our collective identity as God’s set-apart people, governed by His principles rather than worldly values. This holiness isn’t primarily about behavior but about belonging – we’re holy because we belong to the Holy One, for “he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (Ephesians 1:4).

As a “peculiar people” or “people for God’s own possession” (ESV), we belong exclusively to God as His special treasure. This ownership identity means we’re not our own but are “bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20), which transforms how we view our lives, bodies, and purposes.

This identity carries purpose – we’re called to “shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Our identity isn’t merely for personal benefit but for representing God to the world, declaring His excellence through both words and lives that reflect His character.

Crucified with Christ: Death and Resurrection Identity

Perhaps the most radical aspect of identity in Christ appears in Paul’s personal testimony: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). This verse reveals the paradoxical death-and-resurrection nature of Christian identity.

The phrase “I am crucified with Christ” reveals that through spiritual union with Christ, we as believers have died to our old identities. This death is comprehensive, affecting our relationship to sin: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:6), to the law: “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ” (Romans 7:4), and to the world: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).

Yet this crucifixion isn’t the end of identity but its transformation, for Paul continues: “nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Our life becomes Christ’s life expressed through us – not merely imitation but indwelling. This indwelling constitutes the essence of Christian identity: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Our identity becomes so united with Christ that Paul can declare “your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

This resurrection identity means we don’t merely try to follow Christ’s example but experience His life working through us, for “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20, ESV). This indwelling life produces what we could never achieve through self-effort, for as Jesus declared, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

Temple of the Holy Spirit: God’s Dwelling Place

Another profound dimension of our identity emerges in Paul’s declaration: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). This temple identity reveals that we’ve become God’s dwelling place – vessels that contain His presence.

The implications are staggering – the same God who once dwelt in the Jerusalem temple now makes His home in human hearts. This fulfills God’s ancient promise: “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16, quoting Leviticus 26:12). Our bodies become sacred space where God’s presence dwells.

This indwelling isn’t occasional or temporary but permanent, for Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit “dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:17). The Spirit’s permanent residence transforms our self-understanding, for our bodies are no longer merely personal property but “the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

This indwelling guarantees divine guidance, for “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things” (John 14:26). The Spirit’s teaching transforms our understanding, enabling us to perceive spiritual truths that natural thinking cannot grasp.

Walking in Your True Identity: From Understanding to Experience

Understanding these truths intellectually differs from experiencing them as living realities. Paul prayed for believers to comprehend their identity through spiritual revelation: “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18). This knowledge requires divine illumination, not merely cognitive grasp.

Walking in our true identity means first believing what God says about us rather than what our feelings, past experiences, or others’ opinions suggest. This requires ongoing renewal of our thinking, for Paul instructs: “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Our thoughts must align with God’s truth about who we are.

This renewal happens as we immerse ourselves in Scripture, for “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). God’s Word reveals our true identity and corrects false self-perceptions.

Walking in our identity also means rejecting counterfeit identities based on performance, comparison, or past failures. These false identities contradict what God declares is true, yet they often feel more real because of their familiarity. True identity requires trusting God’s declaration over our perceptions, for we must “trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

The process involves daily choosing to reckon ourselves “to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11). This reckoning means counting God’s truth about our identity as more real than contradictory experiences or feelings.

Conclusion: Living from Identity, Not for Identity

The world teaches us to achieve an identity through accomplishments, relationships, or possessions. God’s approach is radically different – He gives identity as a gift to be received, not a prize to be earned. We don’t work toward an identity; we work from the identity already established in Christ.

This gift-identity transforms our motivation. We no longer serve God to gain His approval but because we already have it. We don’t perform to become something but because we already are something in Christ. This liberation from performance-based identity brings the freedom to live authentically as God’s beloved children.

When we understand and embrace our true identity in Christ, we find stability amid life’s changes and challenges. While circumstances, feelings, relationships, and abilities may fluctuate, who we are in Christ remains secure because it rests not on our performance but on His unchanging work and character.

The message of identity in Christ isn’t self-improvement but self-replacement – not becoming a better version of ourselves but becoming who God already declares us to be. As Paul summarizes: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed(ing) away; behold, all things are become(ing) new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This new identity transforms everything – how we see ourselves, others, circumstances, and God Himself. When we grasp who we truly are in Christ, we begin to live from the reality that our “life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), expressing outwardly the identity already established inwardly through God’s sovereign work, for “he worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11).