Isn't it amazing that God, the dignified Designer of the universe, loves and knows you to the core of your being? It's a truth that's as electrifying as it is rejuvenating. Can I let you in on a piece of truth that's revolutionized the way I view myself? John 1:12 says that God, in His loving nature, has given us the right "to become children of God." Wow. Not only is this verse very heartwarming, but it gives profound insight into our identity in Christ.
When you were born your parents gave you a name as a means of identification. Your name is one of the most defining characteristics of your identity. Unless you change it, your name sticks with you for your entire life because it's one of the most fundamental aspects of your existence. Without an identity, your existence would be devoid of meaning, thus rendering your efforts to walk in purpose ineffective.
Okay, I'm sure you realize that having an identity is important. But merely having and identity isn't good enough... What happens when your identity is left undiscovered?
When you don't know who you are, you'll allow anyone and anything to define you, which is extremely dangerous. When you don't know who you are in Christ, you'll look to the world to define you: money, popularity, relationships, men, women, success, failure -- they will all have a say in establishing your identity if you don't allow Christ to do it.
So, then: Who does Christ say you are? Let's look to the Word to find out.
John 1:2 says that when you accept Christ as your savior through the glorious gift of salvation, he gives you "the right to become a child of God." You have become a child of the living God! Isn't that spectacular? Let's delve a little deeper...
2 Corinthians 5:17 says that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away" and you have been renewed. At this point, God no longer sees you as you once were and neither should you! Okay, let's go one step further...
Isaiah 43:1 says "the Lord... he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name." Emphasis on the word "called" because it is a crucial aspect of what makes this verse so profound.
The word "called" is used here as a means of summoning someone. But I also believe that it is used to establish identity for the recipient of the message -- you. From that perspective, we see that Christ created you, formed you, redeemed you, and has called you by name for a greater purpose. He has given you a precious identity.
Not only are you the child of a God that has made you new, but you also belong to Him. You are His beloved (Deuteronomy 33:12), you are made in His image (Genesis 1:27), and you have been set on this Earth to do good for His glory (Ephesians 2:10).
There are so many more scriptures about your identity in Christ -- I invite you to explore them for yourself! Check out 1 Peter 2:9, John 15:15, Romans 8:1, Ephesians 4:24, and Galatians 2:20.
Take delight in the fact that God has called you unto Him, that He has called you His own! You are a precious child of the King -- never forget that.