Our Identity in Christ

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14

A life of enduring holiness (reflecting the mind and character of God) is possible only when we first are convinced of our identity in Christ. The Scriptures attribute these remarkable characteristics to the believer:

We are the salt of the earth.
We are children of God.
We are saints.
We have peace with God.
We are joint-heirs with Jesus.
We are free from condemnation.
We are justified by faith.
We are the temple of God.
We are ambassadors for Christ.
We are blessed with every spiritual blessing.
We are eternally secure in Christ.
We are citizens of heaven.
We are triumphant in Christ.
We are complete in Christ.
We are accepted in the beloved.

There are many other features that are already yours through faith in Christ. They are gifts from the Father - bestowed upon every disciple for effective service. Knowing who you are in Christ is the starting point for abundant living. You can live a holy life because you are holy in Christ.

Today agree with God concerning your new identity in Christ. “...the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). In light of who we are by God’s grace, let us walk in a manner worthy of our place.