The Lord Jesus said in John 8:32 that when we know the truth, it will set us free. Knowing the truth about who we are in God is so powerful and freeing that it will enable us to live the life that God wants us to live.
Are you in Christ? Here are some truths about your identity in Him that you should put to heart and believe in.
1. You're a Totally New Creation Devoid of Your Past Sin
Many of us fall prey to the idea that our sins can never be forgiven. Many of us agree that for our sins to be forgiven, we have to make some sort of atonement. The Bible indeed tells us that blood must be shed or else there will be no forgiveness of sins (see Hebrews 9:22).
But another truth that we must see is that blood was already shed once and for all so that our sins could be forgiven – the blood of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:28 tells us that, "Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people." By His blood we are assured forgiveness of our sins.
But what if you don't feel forgiven because you remember your past sins?
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
We are assured that in Christ, we aren't just forgiven: we're made brand-new. God has no more remembrance of our sins that He has already forgiven (see Hebrews 10:17-18).
You're brand new. Stop bashing yourself for your past sins.
2. Your Life Now Has a Purpose: To Live for Christ Who Died for You
Many Christians stop at "Jesus died for you," failing to proceed to the second part of the statement which says, "So you must live for Him." Paul beautifully said this short and simple but powerful truth in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, saying:
"Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them."
Friend, Christ didn't give us a new life so that we could spend it on our pleasures. He gave us a new life so that we would live for Him. If you are in Christ, living for Him is the only way to live. (see John 14:6)
3. You're a Child of God
Tell yourself, "I am a child of God in Christ." Many of us find it hard to believe this, but it's true.
Galatians 3:26 says, "For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." Because we believe in the finished work of Christ, we're God's children – His beloved children.
Romans 8:15 tells us, "So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father."
"Abba" is a word that means "Daddy," usually used to address dear fathers. God is our loving Father, and we are His beloved children.
