As Christians, our identity is found in Jesus Christ. We are adopted children of God, co-heirs with Christ, temples of the Holy Spirit, citizens of heaven, and members of Christ’s body (Romans 8:15-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19; Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 2:9-10). This incredible identity should transform every aspect of how we live.
First, we should live with gratefulness and praise, recognizing that we have received an undeserved inheritance. Though we were dead in our sins, God in His great love made us alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:5). As adopted children of the King, we have access to every spiritual blessing and the power of the Holy Spirit working within us (Ephesians 1:3; Romans 8:11). This extravagant grace should prompt heartfelt thanks and joyful worship as we contemplate the privileges we now have in Christ.
Second, our identity calls us to live as faithful stewards of all God has given us. As members of Christ’s body, we have each been gifted by the Holy Spirit to build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Knowing that we are merely managers of the time, talents, and treasures God has entrusted to us, we should ask the Lord how He wants us to invest what is ultimately His for the growth of His kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Peter 4:10).
Third, we should live as citizens of heaven, set apart from the world. Though we remain physically present in this fallen world, our loyalty and affection are now tied to the kingdom of God which cannot be shaken (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 12:28). We are called to live by kingdom principles and values rather than being conformed to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). Our lives should give evidence that we are subjects of a greater King.
Fourth, knowing we are temples of God’s Spirit should compel us to pursue holiness and avoid sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The Spirit empowers us to flee youthful lusts and present our bodies as instruments of righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22; Romans 6:13). We glorify God by maintaining moral purity and avoiding activities that dishonor our bodies and grieve the Spirit.
Fifth, we should live as dearly loved children, resting in the Father’s unlimited grace. Though discipline and training are part of growing as God’s children, nothing can separate us from His steadfast love (Hebrews 12:5-11; Romans 8:38-39). Even when we stumble and fall short, we can come boldly to God’s throne of grace to receive mercy, help, and forgiveness (Hebrews 4:16). Our identity is secure in Christ.
Sixth, knowing we are united to Christ and fellow members of His body should prompt us to pursue unity, fellowship, and service. Following Jesus’ example, we lay down our lives for one another, bearing each other’s burdens and meeting practical needs (John 13:34-35; Galatians 6:2; James 2:14-17). Our spiritual gifts are meant to build up others, not promote ourselves (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
Finally, our identity fuels an eternal perspective and hope. As sojourners on earth with citizenship in heaven, we can endure trials and persecution, keeping our eyes fixed on the glory to come (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 8:18). Christ has secured our inheritance which can never perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:3-5). Therefore we can live with patient endurance and confidence, knowing this world is not our home.
In summary, knowing who we are in Christ transforms how we live. We are his beloved children, set apart for his purposes to build his kingdom. This gives meaning to our lives and empowers us to pursue holiness, fellowship, stewardship, unity, and hope. Our identity reaches into every aspect of how we live as followers of Jesus.
Living in light of our identity in Christ begins with knowing who we are in him through studying the Scriptures. Regularly meditating on the incredible privileges Scripture says are ours as believers fuels gratitude and the desire to walk worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1). Keeping our union with Christ central is the key to living boldly as the dearly loved children of God.
As we grow in understanding our identity, the Spirit conforms us increasingly to the image of Jesus. We live not out of obligation or duty, but out of the overflow of knowing how loved we are by the Father and all he has done for us. Understanding the grace and love that changed us from enemies of God to adopted children transforms how we live each day.
Our identity also gives us security to endure trials and resist temptation. Because our worth is rooted in being accepted in the Beloved, we are free from striving to prove ourselves or find meaning through worldly pursuits. Our status as citizens of heaven frees us from fear about earthly troubles or situations. Knowing who we are empowers us to live as the people God created us to be.
However, living from our identity in Christ requires intentionally renewing our minds to supersede worldly thinking. The values of earthly kingdoms contradict the upside-down values of God’s kingdom. To live as kingdom citizens we must retrain our minds daily through Bible study, prayer, meditation, and biblical community (Romans 12:2). The Spirit renews us to align with our identity.
Our identity also calls us to walk in an ongoing posture of repentance. Though our standing before God is secure in Christ, in daily experience we still struggle with sin. As we become aware of sins, we bring them to Jesus in repentance and faith, receiving cleansing and forgiveness (1 John 1:9). We live each day in light of our identity but dependent on the Spirit’s empowering grace.
In summary, grasping our true identity transforms how we live. We steward our lives for God’s kingdom purposes rather than earthly ambitions. Our values, priorities, and lifestyles align with our standing as God’s cherished children. We live with security in our worth and calling in Christ. Our identity empowers us to pursue deeper intimacy with Christ daily through prayer and studying the Word.
Living from our identity brings freedom, security, meaning, and power to follow Jesus above all else. It centers us in God’s inexhaustible grace shown to us in Christ. It aligns our lives with our eternal destiny as citizens of heaven. Understanding who we are in Jesus provides the lens through which we make daily decisions on how to live for God’s glory.