Identity in Christ
Day 17 of the Jesus Fast Devotional
Identity in Christ
Uran Wang at Unsplash
Many believer’s struggle in the early years of their faith. Mainly because when they first come into a relationship with their Lord and Saviour they may battle with their identity. This is a very dangerous place to be in and the enemy can use this to his advantage. We truly must understand what Christ did on the cross for us so we know our identity. The Bible says that he has accepted us, so that we might glorify him (Roman 15:7). Even if everyone rejects you, you have been accepted and chosen by God to bear fruit (John 15:16).
You are HIS child because you believe in him (John 1:12). If you are his, no matter who tries to come against you they will fail (Romans 8:31) Lately, I have seen many famous boxers trending on social media. When they enter a pre-match show down, both or one of the opponents will claim a different belief. The opponent who mocked Jesus, is later put to complete shame when they are defeated. On another occasion, the opposing boxer converted to Christianity and believed in Jesus Christ. Jesus has being glorified! God can also do this for you too being his child. You will always be vindicated even if you have to weather a little or big storm to get there, he will put your enemies to shame. For his name sake. Hallelujah!
We are FREE! (Galatians 4:7) because of what Christ did on the cross for us we are no longer a slave to sin, the only penalty we faced is paid in full and the power broken. You may hear the whispers of the devil saying you'll always struggle and battle with lust or addictions. This is a lie from the pits of hell, Jesus has already given us the victory we just need to claim it and walk in it.
You are Forgiven (1 John1:9). This can be a hard one for many people to not only do they have to forgive themselves but others as well. I read some powerful statements made on unforgiveness. The most influential person in your life is the one you refuse to forgive. Another is relating it to drinking poison yet expecting that other person to die, meaning it can eat away and kill you, effecting your whole life and also opening unnecessary doors for the enemy to get a stronghold. There is power in forgiveness. None of us are perfect, only Jesus is. This doesn’t mean we have to accept ungodly behaviours, but we do have a choice to forgive. Matthew 6:14-15 says ”For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses.“
You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) in Christ, every day is a new day we get to grow in our spirit man. We must die to ourselves. It is no longer our life but his (Galatians 2:20). You may have people from the past, friends or family members claiming they know you by your old self, expecting you to behave and respond how you once did. But you are a new person that has died and been reborn again in Christ and now walks in newness, daily. Don’t allow anyone else to define who you are, Jesus Christ has given you back the pen to rewrite your story so go and make it a bestseller.
There are over 30 verses in the scripture that can define your identity in Christ, continue to seek and speak these truths and more over your life and believe them. For he has a plan for you which are good to give you future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Amen!
Daily manna to meditate on……
”Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.“2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB
”I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.“ Galatians 2:20 NASB
”and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.“ 1 Corinthians 3:23 NLT
”For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”“ Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
Food for thought…….
Do you know your FULL identity in Christ? Allow him to tell you today through his word.