Change is coming, whether we like it or not. Sometimes when life’s changes come our identity gets shaken. But our identity is not in our latest circumstances, it should be rooted in Christ. Who am I in Christ? What does the Bible say about our identity in Christ? How do we embrace change and stand deeply rooted in Christ, when all we want to do is stay in our status quo? Let’s talk about change and our identity in Christ!
Something has been happening lately, and it has been leaving me unraveled, scared, and a bit crazy. Change. I’m left with thoughts scrambling through my head as I struggle with the change and as my identity and self-worth seem to be attacked. But are they? Is my self-worth and identity being attacked, or am I letting myself get swept away in the worries of this world?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
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You see the last three months have been some of the worst of my life. Even as I write this, my stomach tightens in a knot as I let myself think about everything that has happened. Sure, I would love to type everything down and let the pages of the wide open web bleed my words of frightening and challenging circumstances, but it truthfully wouldn’t be appropriate. Every facet of life has been challenged from family, parenting, kids, my marriage, my job, our finances, our home, our stability, our investments, our priorities, our faith…everything. Sadly I’m not exaggerating. The only thing we have left intact is our health
Here’s the truth that I’m trying my hardest not to talk about.
I’m not okay.
Not being okay, is simply a reason to dive deeper into being deeply rooted in Christ. It’s a reason to explore the phase and realization that ‘who I am in Christ’ does not change with the newest trends, circumstances, or life challenges.
Sometimes God stretches us in ways that we do not anticipate. A career change, a possible c-section, additional children, moving, new cars, financial stresses, new routines, marital unfaithfulness, and our minds and hearts seem to be spinning out of control. How to stay rooted in the truth of our identity in Christ is not an easy task when these days come.
I think most women and mothers out there know that feeling. As women, we are hard-wired to care about the world we are infused into. We care about our marriages, we care about our families, we care about other people’s families, and we care deeply about how we live our lives.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
I’ll be honest, I don’t like where God is currently leading. I’d much rather have control and pursue the things that I want. Like some crazy control psychopath, I have a sinful wish to control the circumstances I wish to change. That desire is rooted in something just as sinful called fear.
What Does the Bible Say About Our Identity in Christ?
What does the Bible say about our identity in Christ? When our life’s foundations are shaken, take these 10 Bible verses about identity and remember who the Bible (God!) says you are! These verses answer the question of ‘who am I in Christ?’ I have included a free printable version below in PDF form that you can print and use throughout your day to remind you of these truths.
Truly Loved (Colossians 3:12)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
This verse starts by reminding believers of their identity. They are chosen by God, set apart for His purposes. This highlights the special relationship believers have with God through Christ. Believers are not only chosen but also set apart as holy and deeply loved by God. This emphasizes the unconditional nature of God’s love and the call to reflect this love in their lives.
This verse is a reminder that our identity in Christ should shape our behavior and interactions. It’s not just about what we believe, but how we live out those beliefs in our everyday lives—showing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience towards others, reflecting the character of Christ Himself.
Children of God (John 1:12)
John 1:12 is a profound verse that delves into our identity as believers in Christ. It says:
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
John 1:12
The verse highlights that our identity as a child of God begins with receiving and believing in Jesus. It’s not merely acknowledging Him intellectually but accepting Him personally, embracing His teachings, and entrusting our lives to Him.
John 1:12 emphasizes the significance of faith in Christ as the doorway to a new identity. It assures believers that through their faith and acceptance of Christ, they are no longer estranged from God but have become part of His family, with all the rights and blessings that come with this new identity as children of God.
New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
The phrase “in Christ” signifies a profound union with Him. It’s not merely a change in behavior or status but a complete transformation of our being. Believers are considered new creations—something entirely new is birthed within them through their connection with Christ.
In essence, 2 Corinthians 5:17 assures believers that through their relationship with Christ, they experience a complete overhaul of their identity. They are no longer bound by their former selves but are made new—restored, reconciled, and empowered to live by their new nature in Christ. This transformation marks a shift in how they see themselves and how they engage with the world around them, all stemming from their identity firmly rooted in Christ.
Chosen and Adopted (Ephesians 1:4-5)
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[a] predestined us for adoption to sonship[b] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
Ephesians 1:4-5
Ephesians 1:4-5 sheds light on our identity in Christ and the incredible grace of God.
Our identity is intertwined with spiritual blessings, as detailed in Ephesians 1:3. These blessings are not dependent on external things but are rooted in the richness of His grace, showered upon us as heirs of God’s kingdom.
Ephesians 1:4-5 showcases the richness of our identity in Christ. It assures believers of their chosenness, their transformation into holiness, and their adoption into God’s family. This identity is firmly rooted in God’s eternal plan and His unfathomable love, emphasizing our worth and value as His cherished children.
Redeemed and Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Ephesians 1:7
Ephesians 1:7 emphasizes that our identity in Christ is fundamentally tied to our redemption and forgiveness, both made possible by His sacrificial death. This verse reassures believers of their standing before God—not as condemned or guilty but as redeemed and forgiven individuals, embraced by the lavishness of God’s grace. It’s a reminder that our identity is firmly established in the work of Christ, reflecting the richness of God’s love and mercy toward us.
Ephesians 1:11 goes on to emphasize that our identity is part of the purpose of God’s will. We are shaped to reflect the likeness of God, called to be the light of the world, manifesting the kingdom of God in our lives.
When we are redeemed we should be producing ‘much fruit’ (John 15:4-5). The Apostle Paul often highlights the transformative power of this identity in Christ. Through faith, believers are not only reconciled with God but are also empowered to bear “much fruit.” This imagery, borrowed from Jesus’ own teachings, conveys the idea of a life marked by spiritual abundance and productivity. The fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are evidence of a life deeply rooted in Christ. We are to bear fruit when our identity is rooted in Jesus.
Co-Heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:17
Romans 8:17 illustrates that our identity in Christ isn’t just a status or position but a deep relationship that brings us into the family of God. When we come into God’s family we are a ‘new self’. It emphasizes our inheritance as heirs of God’s kingdom and the privilege of sharing in Christ’s glory, all of which is intricately connected to our union with Him. This verse invites believers to embrace their identity as co-heirs with Christ, understanding the shared journey of suffering and the ultimate hope of glory that awaits them in Him.
God’s Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
Our identity in Christ isn’t passive; it’s a call to action. We’re not just bystanders in our faith journey but active participants. We’re empowered and equipped by God to live out our identity by engaging in the good works He has ordained for us. This verse underscores the beauty and purpose of our identity in Christ, inviting us to embrace our role as God’s handiwork, created for meaningful contributions in His kingdom.
You have always been God’s masterpiece. He knit you together in your mother’s womb and you were not mistaken. When we become God’s children we also receive the gift of God and his salvation through his son. You have now also been created to do good works for Jesus in the kingdom of God. You have received the riches of his grace, now share it with others!
Called to Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:15-16
Our identity in Christ isn’t just a label; it’s a call to live out a transformed life. It urges believers to embody holiness, aligning their thoughts and actions with God’s character. Our identity in Christ isn’t static; it’s a dynamic journey of conforming to His likeness and living out the reality of our relationship with God in every aspect of our lives.
A Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
1 Peter 2:9 beautifully illustrates our multifaceted identity in Christ. It highlights our chosenness, elevated status as a royal priesthood, commitment to holiness, and the unique position we hold as God’s special possession. This verse echoes the transformative reality of our relationship with God, calling us out of darkness and into His marvelous light, where our identity is firmly established and empowered to proclaim His praises to the world.
Part of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27)
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
1 Corinthians 12:27
1 Corinthians 12:27 highlights the interconnectedness and significance of each believer in the larger context of the body of Christ. It accentuates our shared identity as parts of a unified whole, emphasizing both the unity and diversity within the body of believers. This verse underscores the importance of embracing our unique contributions while recognizing our integral role in the collective identity of the body of Christ.
When Anxiety Strikes our Identity
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 12:25
Proverbs tells us that an anxious heart weighs us down. I had to go look up the word ‘heaviness’ or ‘weight’ to see what it meant in the original Hebrew. The word translates to the Hebrew word D’agah (deh-aw-gaw) and it exists 6 other times in the Old Testament. D’agah translates to feelings of fear, anxiousness, or anxious care.
I’m pretty good at anxious care. Just this morning I anxiously got up at 4 am, rolled over, and felt my unborn baby kick me hard. It reminded me of my son who was sleeping in the other room. If I didn’t get up right now and start working, I wouldn’t get my hours in for the day. I anxiously got up.
The morning progressed much the same. I anxiously called my boss and had a hard conversation about stepping aside from teaching for a year at the best school I have ever taught at. Anxiously, I cared for my son as he threw his cup across the room and I tried to close my ‘work at home’ duties for the day. Anxiously I carried my son around as I hurriedly checked off my to-do items for the day.
My to-do list and morning routine might have been checked off, but was any of it fruitful?
There is a book that has aided me greatly over the years. Kimberly Wagner writes about the power of a soft warrior through her book Fierce Women. In the book, she explains two types of fierce women. The first is a fierce woman who demands power. She is fierce, passionate, beautiful, and will tear the walls down to accomplish what she wants. Meeting the world head-on, nothing will stop her. She is fierce, but it is not a beautiful fierceness.
The second is still a fierce woman, but there are some real differences. Instead of using her fierceness to tear down in the process of accomplishing what she wants, she instead builds up. She is soft, generous, passionate, secure, loving; and yet she still is a powerhouse of strength and integrity. Her fierceness is beautiful because it is rooted in her Savior Jesus.
A fierce, strong, beautiful woman cannot co-exist with an anxious heart.
But why?
Because anxiety is not rooted in our Savior. Who am I in Christ? You are a child of God! Root ourselves in our savior and unashamedly reject anxiety.
One-Year Bible Reading Plan!
Want to dive deeper into your faith this year? Increase your relationship with Jesus? Understand the Bible more? Then the one-year Bible reading plan is for you! We will work our way chronologically through the Bible starting in January and finishing in December.
Don’t worry! You don’t have to start in January, you can start at any point of the year!
What Does it mean to Find our Identity in Christ?
My son has a beautiful book called The Storybook Bible. I honestly think it’s been more helpful for me than for him. As a children’s bible, it is beautifully written and illustrated. Yet what is so unique is that with every story it points back to the gospel. It points back to being deeply rooted in Christ.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.John 14:27
As believers in Jesus Christ, we no longer live in the ways of this world. Christ is the one who lives in us. We have the choice to put on the clothes of Christ, hike up our boots, and rest firmly in the foundation of HIS promises.
Our true identity, as revealed through God’s Word, unveils a beautiful transformation—a transition from our old self to a new identity in Christ. We are not merely individuals; we are children of God, part of a holy nation, and a royal priesthood, shaped in the image of God Himself.
In Christ, we discover our new identity—a profound realization that we are no longer confined to our old selves but are embraced as sons and daughters of the Almighty. Created in His own image, we are designed to reflect His character, His love, and His holiness. This new identity is marked by God’s great love, a love that calls us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.
As children of God, our true identity emerges—a transformation that reshapes our lives, our perspectives, and our purpose. We are part of a holy nation, set apart for God’s purposes, and a royal priesthood, granted direct access to God through Christ. This identity echoes God’s intentionality in creating us in His image, with an inherent capacity to love, serve, and reflect His glory.
Through the lens of God’s Word, we uncover our truest selves—cherished, redeemed, and empowered by the great love of our Creator. Our identity in Christ transcends our own image of ourselves; it’s a reflection of God’s divine plan and His relentless pursuit of a relationship with us. This true identity is a testament to the transformative power of God’s Word, revealing our purpose, our value, and our eternal significance in Him.
Does that mean that our anxious thoughts or feelings will just vanish? We live in a sinful world where burdens are a daily part of our sanctification. But stick with me for a moment, our sanctification is beautiful. We daily struggle, fight, and skirmish, not for glory in this world, but for the paradise that is awaiting us in the beautiful arms of our savior.
Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:13
Tips for Keeping Our Identity in Christ
Keeping our identity in Christ is an ongoing journey of faith as we discover the purpose of his will. It involves anchoring ourselves in the unshakable truth that we are beloved children of God, redeemed and transformed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This steadfast identity serves as a compass in the midst of life’s challenges, guiding our decisions, shaping our character, and instilling a sense of purpose rooted in divine love. To maintain this identity, we lean on prayer, Scripture, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, fostering a deep and unyielding connection to the source of our truest self.
Here are three tips to keep in mind as we root our identity in Christ.
Stay Deeply Rooted in Christ’s Word
The first thing we need to do to stay deeply rooted in Christ is to read his Word. How else are we to know His sovereign will if we are not saturating ourselves with His Words?
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:!2 NIV
Stay Deeply Rooted in God’s Love
Did you know that God’s love is better than anything imaginable? I don’t know if I can even fathom the depths and might of God’s love.
In the tapestry of God’s love, staying deeply rooted is an ongoing process. It requires intentional connection through prayer, reflection, and a commitment to living in alignment with the purpose of His will. As fellow heirs with Christ, believers are invited to explore the vast depths of God’s love, drawing strength from the roots that intertwine with the eternal and unchanging nature of the divine.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 36:7 NIV
Stay Deeply Rooted in Godly Submission
One of the last ways to stay rooted in Christ is through something that we as humans usually do not like. However, when we learn Godly submission we will find great freedom that will overshadow us with God’s love and mercy.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 ESV
Who Am I in Christ?
Who you are in Christ is not dependent on stability or circumstances.
I’m honestly not a fan of cliché sayings, they just make me roll my eyes at how committed we get to verbiage. However, in seasons of transition, as we pray for God’s leading and peace, I find this one helpful.
Do not doubt in the darkness what God has revealed in the light.
How do we keep our identity in Christ? The answer is simple yet not easy. Wait on God, hope in him, pray in his Word, preach the Gospel, and stand secure in his promises.
As followers of Christ, believers are granted a new name, marked by grace, redemption, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This identity is not contingent on the former manner of life, the physical appearance, or the temporal allure of an easy way. It is a reality rooted in the eternal truths of God, transcending time and circumstance.
What does the Bible say about our identity in Christ? Our identity in Christ is a testament to the transformative power of God’s truth, breaking the chains of the former manner of life and ushering believers into a new existence. It is a personal relationship with the divine, a liberation from the curse of the law, and a participation in the eternal life of God’s people. This identity is not just a label but a living reality, a new name bestowed upon us as part of the body of Christ, reflecting the beauty and grace of our personal relationship with the Father.
Don’t Forget to Pin for Later
