Your True Identity

Identity is an umbrella term used throughout the social sciences to describe an individual's comprehension of him or herself as a discrete, separate entity. Identity may be contrasted with the notion of self, therefore, it relates to self-image (a person's mental model of him or herself), self-esteem, and individuation. The question is, “As a Christian, do you really know you are – what your true identity is?”

Every one of us has been predetermined by God ‘to partake of His divine nature’ – ‘to participate or share in His attributes’. But as I’ve mentioned many times in the past, most of you need an identity bypass operation. You do not really know who you are in Christ – your true identity as a new creation. The truth is, we have all been set apart to be a peculiar people, in Whom we live and through whom He manifests Himself. Acts 17:28 states, “In Him we live and move and have our being!” The original Greek simply says, “In Him we live and move and ARE.” Your identity (who you really are) can only be found in Christ.

When we participate and share in God’s divine qualities, and experience His glorious presence, we receive the assurance that His uniqueness (that’s hidden in Christ) will be reflected and demonstrated through us. ”And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

This kind of active involvement and participation in Him causes us become the express image of Christ, exhibiting the divine nature to a lost and dying world. Others can see and know and understand who God is through who you are! But who are you?

YOU ARE…

[1] A totally new creation – “Old things are passed away; behold all things have become brand-new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Him your ‘new creation’ realities are truly manifest and experienced. You come to realise (all the more) that the old selfish nature is dead. That each person in Christ is not same as he was before coming to know Him. The divine nature is in fact your true nature! You cannot possess low esteem and you learn never to receive the devil’s lies concerning how you behaved before God changed you on the inside. In Him you are brand-new!

[2] The righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). In Him you see clearly the difference between producing or performing righteous acts and being wholly and completely righteous. The new creation understanding of the word “righteous” does not focus on man, but on God, and specifically on God's divine nature. The Greek word means ‘the character or quality of being right or just’. It denotes a divine characteristic of God and means essentially the same as His faithfulness or truthfulness because it’s totally consistent with His divine qualities.

Another definition of righteousness is: ‘that which is totally compatible with God's life and nature’ or ‘that which conforms perfectly with God's divine attributes’. Therefore, in Him you are totally consistent and compatible with God’s life, substance and nature!

[3] Free from condemnation - “For there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). In Him, you are assured that no one can ever find fault or direct blame at you. Therefore, the prison gates represented by guilt and condemnation are opened and your bondage has been replaced by true liberty. In Him you are free indeed!

[4] The redeemed of the Lord (Ephesians 1:7) In Him, any blemishes you have in your character have been rectified. Any faults and weaknesses you had are strengthened. In Him, all your negatives have been well compensated for. The Oxford English dictionary says, 'effectively counterbalanced’. You have been rescued to be rectified! In Him you are never dysfunctional!

[5] Healed and whole. - “He Himself took your infirmities and bore your sicknesses” (Matthew 8:17)… “By whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24). In Him you can experience the joy of abiding in divine health. This applies to the complete man – spirit, soul and body. Never again should the curse of sickness or disease be upon you (because He was hung on a tree and became a cures for you). In Him you are healed and whole!

[6] Free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). In Him, you have changed jurisdictions. The spiritual authorities that rule over your life are new. The law of sin and death that governed you has been replaced by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. In Him, you abide in a system of operation where the Spirit of God has control, and therefore, the blessed Holy Spirit directs your life and actions. In Him you are led and influenced by the Spirit of God!

[7] An overcomer in this life “Because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). In Him, the greater One causes you to triumph over every negative circumstance. In Him you are an overcomer in this life – no matter what!

[8] More than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). In Him, you don’t merely get by! In hardships you win more than an ordinary conquest because you have been empowered to achieve an abundant victory. In Him you are super victorious!

[9] Strong and successful (Philippians 4:13). In Him, you become strengthened and are equipped to do all things! Furthermore, you are able to enjoy your prosperity and successes. The blessings of the Lord makes you rich, and He adds no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22). In Him you are fortified with the ability to prosper and succeed in all matters of life, and with your accomplishments He adds no sorrow.

[10] Without need - blessed with all spiritual and natural blessings (Philippians 4:19 and Ephesians 1:3). In Him, all that you lack is supplied through His abundance and immeasurable riches. You are able to tap into His wealth and superabundance, and live a life out of the ordinary. In Him you are never left wanting!

“In Him you live and move and ARE!” What a vast storehouse of the divine nature there is available to you in Christ! In Him you have divine Life, Energy and Strength. In Him, all things are possible. In Him, you have a hope and a future – and the future is exceedingly good.

Chris Demetriou, 02/09/2007