Discovering Our Identity in Christ

In a world that constantly pushes us to find our identity in things like careers, relationships, or achievements, it's easy to lose sight of who we truly are. These worldly identities may feel as if they create a solid foundation for our lives. But the truth is that they evolve and change over time—none is permanent. What is “identity,” and what happens if you lose it?

What is Identity? 

Identity refers to how we define ourselves—it’s our sense of who we are. Our identity includes the beliefs, values, roles, and characteristics that shape our self-perception. It also influences how we relate to the world around us. 

People often derive their identity from various sources, such as family, career, culture, or achievements. But for those who are in Christ, our identity is no longer tied to these worldly measures.

Instead, we are given a new and profound identity rooted in God’s eternal love and grace. Our identity is defined by what God says about us rather than by external factors or worldly measures. God sees us differently than the world. Our Christian identity is understanding who we are through our relationship with the Lord.

Understanding this identity transforms not only how we see ourselves but also how we live. So, what does it mean to have our identity in Christ?

Foundation of Our Identity in Christ

The foundation of our identity in Christ is rooted in Jesus's transformative work. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are no longer defined by our past, our sins, or worldly standards. Our old identity—tied to the things of this world—is gone. Instead, we are transformed into something entirely new. We become a new creation.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV 

This powerful truth reminds us that our identity is not self-made but given by God. When we come to Christ, He wipes away the past and creates something new within us. This new identity is based on who He is, not what we’ve done.

Our identity is built on the unchanging truth that we are loved, chosen, redeemed, and adopted into God’s family. Our worth and purpose are now anchored in God’s grace and plan for our lives.

Moreover, God is unchanging; He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Unlike other humans, God will never let you down. He is trustworthy and loves you with an unending love.

How Does God See Us? 

God sees us as His children through Christ. Our Lord went to great lengths to save us and make us His own through the ministry, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Only through Christ can we become children of the Living God. From the moment you come to Him, you become His child and much loved. 

Chosen and Loved by God

At the core of our identity is the reality that we are chosen and loved by God. This is not something we have earned or worked for—it is the gift of His grace. God, in His sovereign love, has adopted us into His family.

We can read about this in Ephesians 1:4-5 NKJV, which says, “...Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…”

God sees us as holy and blameless in His love. In Christ, our identity is secure. We are not defined by our worldly accomplishments or failures but by the unshakeable fact that we are chosen and loved by God Himself.

Redeemed and Forgiven

One of the most incredible aspects of our identity in Christ is that we are redeemed and forgiven. Before our redemption, our sins separated us from God. None of us is perfect or can come close to perfection without Jesus. But why is this important?

A holy God cannot bear sin—God is perfect in all ways. Before we are saved, there’s no way our Father can bear us—He is perfect, and we are completely sinful. However, God sent His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to bear the penalty for our sin—death. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are saved if we believe He is the Son of God. Sin no longer leaves a mark on us in God’s eyes. Instead, He sees us through Christ. From God’s position, we are no longer sinful beings.

Of course, we will still sin; however, God forgives our sins if we confess them and believe in His Son, Jesus. In Christ, we are rescued from the power of sin and brought into the light of His forgiveness.

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 

Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV 

We no longer carry the weight of sin, guilt, or shame. Our identity is one of freedom, as we are forgiven and set free by the blood of Jesus. This truth radically changes how we see ourselves and how we relate to God.

Adopted into the Kingdom

In Christ, we are not only loved and redeemed but also made heirs of God’s Kingdom. This means that our identity carries with it the promise of a future filled with hope. We are co-heirs with Christ, destined to share in His glory.

Romans 8:17 reminds us, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

As heirs to God’s Kingdom, we become part of God’s family. We are adopted as legitimate children of God! God is our Father, and He cherishes each of us. We bear His name as we become established as His children forever.

Being an heir of God’s Kingdom means we are part of something far greater than what this world has to offer. We no longer relate to the world through a worldly identity. Instead, our identity includes the assurance of eternal life and an imperishable glorious inheritance.

Living Out Our Identity

Understanding our identity in Christ should radically transform how we live. We are no longer living for ourselves but for Christ, who lives in us. This identity calls us to reflect His love, humility, and grace in all we do.

As Galatians 2:20 puts it, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Living out our identity means surrendering our lives to Him and allowing His Spirit to guide our actions and choices. It’s a daily decision to walk in faith, trusting that Christ’s power within us enables us to live according to His will. 

Walking in Freedom and Victory

Our identity in Christ isn’t just theoretical—it’s meant to be lived out in freedom and victory. Jesus didn’t just give us a new name; He gave us the power to overcome sin and the ability to walk in victory every day. We are no longer slaves to sin, fear, or guilt. In Christ, we can walk confidently, knowing that we are victorious because of what He has done.

Galatians 5:1 reminds us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

In Christ, we are empowered to live boldly, free from the chains of our past. Our identity allows us to move forward in confidence, knowing that the victory has already been won.

In Christ, we are given a new identity that shapes everything about us—how we view ourselves, relate to others, and live out our faith.

An important part of living out our identity in Christ is the ongoing renewal of our minds. The world  and its culture constantly try to pull us back into old ways of thinking—tempting us to define ourselves by appearances, achievements, or the opinions of others. But in Christ, we are called to renew our minds and embrace His truth about who we are.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

Romans 12:2 NKJV 

Renewing our minds allows us to shed worldly definitions of success, value, and identity. Instead, we live confidently in who Christ says we are. The transformation lets us align our lives with God’s will and purpose. 

As we embrace this identity, we find true purpose, hope, and joy in knowing that we are fully loved, forgiven, and called by God. Let this truth sink deep into your heart and guide you as you live out who you are in Christ.

Ambassadors of Christ

As we step into our identity in Christ, we realize that this identity comes with a purpose. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him in the world. This part of our identity invites us to actively live out our faith in ways that reflect Christ’s love and truth.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you, on Christ’s behalf be reconciled to God. 

2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV 

As ambassadors, we represent Jesus to those around us. Our identity is not something we hold privately—it is a calling to bring others into the life-changing reality of who Christ is.

Conclusion

Understanding our identity in Christ is a transformative journey that reshapes how we see ourselves and the world around us. As we embrace the truth that we are loved, chosen, redeemed, and empowered, we begin to live with new confidence and purpose. This identity isn't just about how we view ourselves—it's about how we reflect Christ's love and grace in our lives and toward others.

In a world that often tries to define us by our failures, successes, or societal standards, returning to the foundational truth of who we are in Him is crucial. We are God’s children, created for a unique purpose and called to walk in freedom and victory. Let this truth anchor your heart and guide your actions, knowing that your identity in Christ is secure and unshakeable.

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!