Before we start talking about the identity of a believer, lets explain who a believer is! A believer is an individual who accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, acknowledges His sacrifice for the redemption of mankind’s sins, and trusts in His teachings as recorded in the Bible. They manifest their faith in daily living, maintaining a relationship with God, and seeking to emulate Christ’s love and compassion. As Romans 10:9 states, if you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. When you are saved, you have become a believer.
Now that you are a believer, you have some wonderful rights and privileges as revealed in your IDENTITY.
YOU ARE REDEEMED AND FORGIVEN
Ephesians 1:7; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17
We, as believers, are not defined by our past sins or mistakes because we have been redeemed and forgiven through Jesus Christ. This section explores the liberating concept of the identity of a believer in Christ, a direct result of God’s immense love and grace.
CHILDREN OF GOD
John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-17
Accepting Christ into our lives makes us the children of God. This spiritual birthright gives us direct access to our Heavenly Father and promises us an eternal inheritance.
BELIEVERS AS AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST
2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20
As Christians, we represent Christ on earth. As His ambassadors, we are to reflect His teachings, spread His Word and love like He loved us.
CHOSEN AND CALLED OUT
1 Peter 2:9; 2 Timothy 1:9
We are not just a crowd, we are chosen and called out. We have a purpose to fulfil – to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
TEMPLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20
We are the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. Thus, we must live holy and godly lives that reflect the holiness of our inhabiting Guest.
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SERVANTS AND FRIENDS OF CHRIST
John 15:15; Matthew 20:26-28
Our identity in Christ isn’t just one of royalty, but of servanthood. He also considers us His friends because everything He learnt from His Father, He made known to us.
CITIZENS OF HEAVEN
Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 13:14
Our identity extends beyond this earthly realm. As believers, our citizenship is in heaven. We are mere sojourners on earth, but our ultimate home is in heaven.
CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST
Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:7
Being children of God means that we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. We will share in His glory and also His sufferings. But the eternal reward is far more glorious.
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Matthew 5:14-16
As far as the scripture is concerned, followers of Christ are meant to illuminate the darkness of the world with their words and actions. As a believer you should guide others towards God, model good deeds and righteousness, and bring hope, much like a light piercing through the darkness.
KINGS AND PRIESTS
Rev 1:6
In the New Testament, Apostle Peter writes that believers are a chosen people, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Also, Revelation 1:6 states that God has made believers to be a kingdom and priests to serve him. This concept of identity of a believer emphasizes that Christians, through their faith in Christ, hold a special status and function within God’s kingdom. They are ‘kings’ because of the spiritual authority they carry, and ‘priests’ due to their ability to approach God directly and intercede for others.