What God Says About Me: Finding My Identity And Purpose In Christ
Have you ever wondered exactly how God sees you? What does the Bible say about your identity, value, and purpose in Christ? In a world full of misconceptions about who we are, discovering what God says about you can be life-changing.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: God sees you as His beloved child, created in His image, forgiven and made new in Christ, and called to live for Him and share His love with others.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore numerous verses and passages throughout Scripture to understand all that God says about who you are and why you matter to Him. We will look at how being made in the image of God shapes your identity, the incredible value Christ’s sacrifice gives to you, and how knowing you are loved and accepted fuels living out your God-given purpose.
Made in God’s Image
We are made in the image of God, bearing His likeness and reflecting His glory (Genesis 1:26-27). As image-bearers of our Creator, we have inherent dignity, value, and worth. Though marred by sin, God’s image in us gives us a unique capacity for relationship with Him and others.
Bearing the Imago Dei
The Latin term imago Dei refers to the image of God in humanity. All human beings, regardless of gender, ethnicity, status, or ability, reflect God’s image. We see glimpses of God’s attributes in our own personality, intellect, creativity, and relationships.
Being made in God’s image distinguishes us from the rest of creation (Psalm 8:3-8). It means we are more than just highly evolved animals – we are spiritual beings created to find our identity and purpose in relationship with our Maker.
Crowned with Glory and Honor
The Bible says God has crowned human beings with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5). We were created a little lower than God and angels, but through Christ, God has highly exalted humankind (Hebrews 2:7-9, Psalm 8:4-5).
As those bearing God’s image, we have a royal heritage as sons and daughters of the King. We belong to the Creator of the universe who lovingly fashioned each of us and delights in us (Zephaniah 3:17).
Known and Lovable
Our identity is not based on how we look, what we do, or what others think about us. We find our true identity in Christ. God knew us and loved us before we were even conceived (Jeremiah 1:5). He knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).
We are His workmanship, created to do good works He prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). We are dearly loved children of God (1 John 3:1). When we understand how deeply known and cherished we are by our Creator, it transforms how we see ourselves and relate to others.
Forgiven and Redeemed in Christ
Washed Clean from Sin
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are washed clean from our sins. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins so that we could be forgiven (Ephesians 1:7). God removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
He remembers our transgressions no more (Hebrews 8:12). What an amazing gift of grace! We don’t have to carry the heavy burden of guilt and shame anymore. We are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1). God sees us as righteous because of what Christ has done, even though we are still sinners.
As 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We can come to God with a repentant heart, knowing that He is ready to forgive.
United with Christ
Not only are we washed clean of our sins through Jesus’ sacrifice, but we are also united with Christ. When we put our faith in Him, we become one spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17). We are adopted into God’s family as His children (Romans 8:15-17).
Jesus referred to this close relationship between Himself and believers when He described Himself as the vine and believers as the branches attached to Him (John 15:5). Just as a branch depends on the vine for its life and nourishment, we depend on Jesus for our new life in Him.
Through the Holy Spirit living in us, we have intimate fellowship with God. We are connected to the resurrected life of Jesus Himself. What an amazing privilege to be united with the Son of God!
Given a New Identity
When we are saved, we are given a new identity in Christ. We go from being enemies of God to becoming children of God (Romans 5:10, John 1:12). We are no longer seen as sinners but as saints. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” God sees us as a new person. He looks at us through the lens of Jesus’ perfect righteousness rather than our sinfulness. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes and failures. Instead, we have a new future and hope in Christ.
As Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Everything has changed for us now that we belong to Jesus. We have a new status, new purpose, new power through the Spirit, and a secure future with Him forever.
Our identity is now rooted in being loved, valued, and accepted by God because of what Christ did for us.
Some key statistics on identity in Christ:
- A 2021 survey by the Barna Group found that 61% of practicing Christians strongly agreed they have a clear sense of purpose in life, compared to 43% of non-practicing Christians and 36% of non-Christians.
- In a 2019 LifeWay Research study, 94% of evangelical Christians said their identity is in Jesus Christ rather than their career, family, interests, or nationality.
- According to data from the Pew Research Center in 2018, 73% of U.S. Christians say their faith is very or somewhat important to their identity.
These studies show that placing one’s identity in Jesus Christ correlates with a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life. Knowing who we are in Christ gives believers a secure foundation for living out their God-given calling.
Beloved Child of God
Adopted into God’s Family
When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Bible tells us that we are adopted into the family of God (Ephesians 1:5). We no longer walk in darkness alone, but become children of light and co-heirs of God’s kingdom.
God becomes our Father, and fellow believers become our brothers and sisters in the faith (Romans 12:5).
As children of God, we have a new identity defined by divine love and purpose. God rejoices over us with singing as a loving Father (Zephaniah 3:17). We are now members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19). This means having access to all the riches, guidance, and comfort of being part of His family.
Assured of God’s Love
One of the greatest blessings of being God’s adopted child is receiving assurance of His unfailing love for us. Even when we stumble and sin, God promises to never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). His love is patient, forgiving, and protective (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
As our loving Father, God tenderly holds our lives in His hands (Isaiah 49:16). He catches every tear that falls from our eyes (Psalm 56:8). We can find refuge, shelter, and comfort in His everlasting arms that are always open to embrace us (Deuteronomy 33:27).
God’s steadfast love gives us security and significance.
Research shows that children who feel unconditionally loved and accepted by their parents tend to thrive emotionally and spiritually.Studies indicate that growing up with the assurance of God’s unfailing love similarly helps believers gain emotional resilience, self-worth, purpose, and peace.
Heirs with Christ
Not only are believers adopted into God’s household, but we are also named co-heirs with Christ Himself (Romans 8:17). This means we spiritually inherit all the blessings, promises, and authority that Jesus has as God’s Son. We become stewards of His kingdom purposes here on earth.
The Bible says that believers are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). Therefore, we share legal access to His spiritual riches and position at God’s right hand. As co-heirs with Christ, we partner with Him in advancing God’s will “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
What an astounding privilege to be joint heirs of creation itself with Jesus (Hebrews 1:2)! Our spiritual inheritance in Christ is full of incomparable wealth, responsibility, and potential. We are beloved children of God destined to shine as brilliant lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:15).
Gifted and Called to God’s Purpose
Equipped with Spiritual Gifts
As children of God, we are all endowed with unique spiritual gifts meant to equip us for the work He has called us to. These gifts, given by the Holy Spirit, allow us to serve God and others in extraordinary ways as we fulfill our divine purpose (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Whether it be teaching, encouragement, generosity, leadership, or any of the other gifts described in Scripture, we must steward these gifts well for God’s glory.
Understanding our spiritual giftings is key to living out our identity and calling. As we grow in Christ, we can discover our gifts through serving, community feedback, spiritual assessments, and prayer.
Moreover, we must cultivate these gifts through practice, study, and reliance on the Spirit’s empowerment. Just as an athlete trains their physical abilities, so we must also train in using our spiritual gifts. When our gifts are developed and activated, we will bear incredible fruit for the Kingdom!
Entrusted with a Mission
In addition to spiritual gifts, God entrusts each of us with a unique mission and purpose here on earth (Ephesians 2:10). Our fundamental mission is to glorify God with our lives and make disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
However, God also leads us into specific forms of service, ministry, and good works that match our personalities, passions, and experiences. We each have a personalized “assignment” from the Lord.
Discovering our personal God-given mission requires prayerful seeking, study of Scripture, and wise counsel from mentors. As we tune our hearts to hear His voice, God will reveal our purpose step-by-step.
He will also open doors of opportunity and equip us for every good work He has prepared (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The exciting journey of identifying and living out our mission fuels our passion and gives our lives eternal significance!
Empowered to Bear Fruit
Fulfilling our purpose in Christ requires supernatural power – which God eagerly supplies! Jesus declared, “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Yet as we abide in Him, He enables us to bear abundant and lasting spiritual fruit in our lives.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to use our spiritual gifts effectively (1 Corinthians 12:11). He grows Christlike virtues in our character – the “fruit of the Spirit” like love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). And He gives us power to be bold witnesses for Jesus (Acts 1:8).
As we walk closely with God each day in prayer and obedience, we have access to divine strength for every aspect of our purpose and calling. With His endless power working through us, we can live out our identity as His children and shine brightly for Christ in the world!
Conclusion
When we explore the breadth and depth of Scripture, we see the astounding truth: we are dearly loved children of God, treasured, redeemed, and called. Whatever lies the world or enemy throws at you, what God says rings clear – you are His, created in His image, and filled with His purpose.
May this deep understanding take root in your heart and change how you see yourself and live your life. You are so precious, valued, and needed in God’s Kingdom. Be transformed and live fully in your identity in Christ!
