So far in this series, we’ve uncovered the source of our identity, exposed how it gets distorted, and named the counterfeit identities we often chase. But now it’s time to rebuild—on the truth.
This post is about the shift from striving to standing firm. It’s about embracing the reality that if you’re in Christ, you are not who the world says you are. You’re not your past, your performance, or your pain.
You are who God says you are.
And that changes everything.
True Identity: Becoming Who God Says You Are
You’ve probably asked yourself this question:
“What does God really see when He looks at me?”
If you’ve been chasing identity in pleasure, performance, or even religion, the answer might surprise you. God doesn’t see you the way the world does—or even the way you see yourself.
He sees the real you.
The one He created.
The one He redeemed.
Let’s talk about what that actually means.
New Creation. New Identity.
When you put your faith in Christ, your identity doesn’t get upgraded—it gets rebuilt.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
This isn’t behavior change. This is identity transformation.
You are no longer defined by your past, your sin, your achievements, or your failures.
You are a new creation—because you are now in Christ.
Union with Christ: The Heart of Who You Are
One of the most important (but often overlooked) truths in the New Testament is this:
You are united with Jesus. That means:
1. You Were Crucified with Him
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
(Galatians 2:20)
Your old self—the one controlled by sin, shame, and fear—was nailed to the cross.
2. You Were Raised with Him
You now participate in the resurrection life of Jesus. Your identity is rooted in His righteousness, not your record.
3. You Are In Him—and He Is In You
This is more than metaphor. It’s mutual indwelling. His life becomes your life. His strength becomes your strength. His identity becomes yours.
You’re Not Just Forgiven. You’re Adopted.
Forgiveness deals with your past.
Adoption secures your future.
“The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
(Romans 8:15)
In Christ, you aren’t just a servant or a sinner saved by grace.
You are a son. A child. A rightful heir.
That means:
🛡️ Security – You can’t lose what God has given.
❤️ Intimacy – You can cry out to Him as “Father.”
👑 Inheritance – You have full rights in God’s family.
What God Sees When He Looks at You
Read Ephesians 1:3–14, and here’s what you’ll find. In Christ, you are:
- Chosen before the foundation of the world
- Adopted as a child of God
- Redeemed through Christ’s blood
- Forgiven of every sin
- Sealed with the Holy Spirit
- Blessed with every spiritual blessing
- Secure in your eternal inheritance
That’s your identity. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Stop Striving. Start Living.
You don’t need to earn this.
You just need to receive it.
You don’t need to “find yourself.”
You need to find Jesus—and you’ll find yourself in Him.
As Dallas Willard once said:
“Discipleship means becoming who Jesus would be if He were you.”
Reflection Question
What does it mean to you that God doesn’t just forgive you—but adopts you, defines you, and delights in you?
"From Prison to Pulpit: The Divine Set Up Journey of Author Shawn O'Neill" 
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