Who We are In Christ
Self-Paced Lesson:
Our identity in Christ begins with understanding that we are created in God's image and designed to reflect His character. Ephesians 2:19
LOVED, CHOSEN, FORGIVEN, AND REDEEMED
You Are Loved
In Christ, you are deeply and unconditionally loved by God. This love is not based on anything you have done or could do; it is rooted in God's character and His purpose for you. He created you intentionally and uniquely, designed with purpose and significance. God’s love is everlasting, consistent, and fully embraces who you are.
- Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God’s love does not wait for us to be perfect but is freely given, even when we fall short.
- 1 John 3:1 - "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" His love makes us His children, cherished and fully accepted.
- John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse is a powerful reminder of the depth of God’s love for us, sacrificing His Son for our salvation.
You Are Chosen
In Christ, you are chosen by God, set apart as His own. This selection is not based on your abilities, achievements, or qualifications but solely on God’s love and purpose for you. Being chosen means you are fully accepted, deeply loved, and part of His family. God intentionally sought you out, desiring a relationship with you and inviting you into His kingdom.
- 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." This verse highlights that you are chosen for a purpose: to live in His light and reflect His love to others.
- John 15:16 - "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." Jesus chose you with a specific purpose in mind, that you might bear lasting fruit and experience the joy of walking closely with Him.
- 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 He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will." Before you were born, God already had a plan for you. He chose you to be part of His family, adopted as His child, and loved unconditionally.
You Are Forgiven
In Christ, you are fully forgiven. This forgiveness is not something you could earn or achieve on your own; it is a gift from God, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus. Because of His love, God no longer sees you through the lens of your sins or past mistakes. Instead, He sees you as washed clean and made new.
- John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." God's forgiveness is promised to those who turn to Him, no matter their past.
- Ephesians 1:7 - "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." This verse highlights that forgiveness is rooted in God’s grace, offered freely through the blood of Christ.
- Psalm 103:12 - "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." God’s forgiveness is complete and absolute, separating our sins from us entirely.
- Colossians 1:13-14 - "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Through Christ, we are transferred from darkness to light, freed and forgiven.
You Are Redeemed
Being redeemed in Christ means that we are not defined by our past mistakes or sins. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has freed us from the power of sin and death, buying us back from what once controlled us. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus paid the price that sets us free, making us His own.
In God's eyes, we are no longer seen as our old selves or as products of our past failures. Instead, we are seen as new creations, restored and made whole. Redemption gives us a fresh start, allowing us to live in freedom, not bound by shame or guilt. When God looks at us, He sees the righteousness of Christ. Our redeemed identity invites us to let go of the past and walk in the newness of life that Jesus offers, embracing our role as children of God.
- Ephesians 1:7 - "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."
- Colossians 1:13-14 - "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
- 1 Peter 1:18-19 - "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."
- Galatians 3:13 - "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'"
In Christ, We are:
- Loved and chosen by God, uniquely created with purpose.
- Forgiven and redeemed; Jesus' sacrifice has freed us from sin, allowing us to live as God's children.
- Adopted into God’s family, giving us a permanent place in His household.