Identity in the Father

Identity is often defined by what we do, rather than who we are. And who we are is who we are related to. Our identity, as defined in the Bible is as adopted children of God: heirs to his Kingdom.

Need references? look no further.

I am the Creator and you are my creation. I breathed into your nostrils the breath of life (Gen 2:7). I created you in my own image (Gen 1:27). My eyes saw your unformed substance (Ps 139) I knit you together in your mother’s womb (Ps 139) I know the number of hairs on your head, and before a word is on your tongue I know it (Matt 10:30)You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

You are more valuable than many sparrows (Matt 10:31). I have given you dominion over all sheep and oxen and all beasts of the field and birds of the heavens and fish of the sea (Ps 8:6 – 8; Gen 1:26, 28). I have crowned you with glory and honor as the pinnacle and final act of the six days of creation (Ps 8:5; Gen 1:26).

However, from the very beginning, you exchanged the truth about me for a lie. You worshiped and served created things rather than me, the Creator (Rom 1:25). You have sinned and fallen short of my glory (Rom 3:23). Just as I said to Adam and Eve, the penalty for your sin is death (Gen 2:17). And in your sin, you were spiritually dead (Eph 2:1). You were children of wrath, living as enemies to me (Eph 2:3; Rom 5:10). You turned aside from me. You became corrupt. There is none who does good, not even one (Ps 14:2 – 3). What you deserve is my righteous judgment (Ps 7:11)

And yet, in my great love, I gave my unique Son, that all those who believe in him will not perish but have everlasting life (Jn 3:16). While you were still sinners, Christ died for you. While you were still hostile toward me, you were reconciled to me by the death of my Son (Rom 5:8, 10). Sin doesn’t have the last word. Grace does (Rom 5:20).

Now everyone who calls on the name of Jesus will be saved (Rom 10:13). You who have believed are born again (1 Pet 1:3). I have adopted you (Eph 1:5). You are children of God, heirs of God (1 John 3:2; Rom 8:16 – 17). You are no longer orphans. You belong to me (John 14:18; 1 Cor 6:19). And I love you as a perfect Father (1 John 3:1; Luke 15:20 – 24).

In my eyes, you are a brand new creation. The old has passed away; the new has come (2 Cor 5:17). Sin is no longer your master, for you died to sin and are now alive to me (Rom 6:11; Eph 2:4).

You are finally free from the slavery of sin and death. There is now no condemnation for you (Rom 8:1 – 2). All your sins are forgiven (1 Jn 1:9). All your unrighteousness has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus (1 Jn 1:7, 9). You are now righteous in my sight with the very righteousness of my perfect Son (Rom 4:5).

You’ve been saved by grace (Eph 2:8). You’ve been justified by faith (Rom 5:1). You are utterly secure in me; nothing will be able to separate you from my love in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:39). No one is able to snatch you out of my hand (John 10:29). And I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb 13:5).

You not only have a new Father, but also a new family of brothers and sisters (Luke 8:21). You are now part of the people of God (1 Peter 2:9). And together the life you now live is by faith in my Son.

Therefore, walk in a manner worthy of your calling (Eph 4:1). You are no longer darkness, but light in my Son. Walk as children of light (Eph 5:8). You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill (Matt 5:14). I have called you (2 Peter 1:3). I have chosen you (Rev 17:14). You are now a saint, a servant, a steward, and a soldier (Rom 1:7; Acts 26:16; 1 Peter 4:10; 2 Timothy 2:3). You are a witness and a worker (Acts 1:8; Eph 2:10). Through Jesus you are victorious (1 Cor 15:57). You have a glorious future (Rom 8:18). You are a citizen of heaven (Phil 3:20). You are an ambassador for my Son (2 Cor 5:20).

– Desiring God