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How should disciples see identity?

How should disciples see identity?
Restoration Kingdom Living Christian Life

TL;DR:

Your identity as a believer is ultimately defined by who you are: you belong to Christ. In a world constantly telling you to figure out who you are, the gospel gives you a new identity as a child of God and a new creation in Christ.

what does the bible say?

The Bible shows that disciples of Christ find their identity in Him. The Old Testament lays the foundation for this by indicating that God creates human beings in His image (Genesis 1:27). Thus, even in the Old Testament, people of any nationality could become part of God's people when they accepted the true God (Isaiah 56:3-7). Ruth, a Moabite, exemplifies this. The New Testament affirms this truth. Through the Holy Spirit, disciples of Christ, such as John and Paul, taught that a believer's identity is in Christ, not in ethnicity, social standing, gender, or any other trait (John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:28). Disciples can be assured of their identity in Christ. But they should also be humbled, since that identity is possible only through God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

from the old testament

  • All human beings are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This means that we all have value as His image-bearers. This is something we receive from God irrespective of race, gender, nationality, social status, or other circumstances.
  • No matter where someone comes from, God accepts those who want a relationship with Him (Isaiah 56:3-7). Ruth is a perfect example of this (Ruth 1:16).

from the new testament

  • Paul notes that when we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, our identity becomes rooted in Christ: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
  • When we become new creations in Christ, other distinctions are less important than our commonality as believers: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
  • Those who accept Christ are children of God (John 1:12)—not because of what they have done, but because of what Christ has done (Ephesians 2:8-9).

implications for today

Mosaic art is beautiful—shining, multicolored tiles that come together to form a picture. Even more beautiful is the mosaic that forms the family of God. Christians come from different backgrounds—young and old, rich and poor, male and female, black and white (and beyond)—yet we're all united in Christ.

Society sometimes tries to break up that mosaic, emphasizing each separate tile. The world encourages "us" to be separate from "them." But that's not God's way. Christians should never allow any particular group identity to supersede their identity in Christ.

So whether we're from Boise or Bucharest, Tampa or Timbuktu, whether we are male or female, old or young, Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ.

understand

  • There are many things that can define our identity, but who you are matters most.
  • A disciple of Christ finds his or her identity in Christ.
  • A disciple's primary identity as a child of God should impact every aspect of life.

reflect

  • What shaped your identity before you accepted Christ, and what shapes it now?
  • What are some areas of your life that clearly show you to be a "new creation" in Christ?
  • How does your identity as a child of God shape how you live?

engage

  • How does the secular world treat identity differently than the Bible calls us to treat it?
  • How can believers support each other in rejecting the world's view of identity and embracing what God says?
  • Why might the Christian view of identity be a powerful testimony to unbelievers?

More Resources

Christian Life How should our identity in Christ affect the way we live?

How should our identity in Christ affect the way we live?

Our identity in Christ affects how we live, the priorities we have, the way we treat others, and so much more. Living out of our identity in Christ comes from knowing Him and the transformative work that the Holy Spirit does in our lives once we are saved.
New Testament How is a Christian a new creation? What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 mean?

How is a Christian a new creation? What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 mean?

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, a Christian becomes a "new creation" through God's Spirit, replacing their old sinful nature with a heart that desires God's ways. While the transformation is ongoing and imperfect, it assures us of the future restoration that God promises.
Humanity What does it mean that humanity is created in the image of God?

What does it mean that humanity is created in the image of God?

Humanity is created in the image of God, meaning we resemble and reflect God. This compels us to treat every person with dignity, and to take seriously the way we reflect God to the world.
Culture How are unity and uniformity different?

How are unity and uniformity different?

Unity is oneness of purpose and identity, while uniformity expects everyone to conform to the same standards for things like appearance, personality, and expression. Uniformity sees differences as a threat or a problem, but unity upholds and values differences together in God.