Identity in Christ: I am a Child of God

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text: John 1:12; 1 John 3:1

1 John 3:1

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

(ESV)

If an alien were to visit our world right now, they would say that these people are on a mission of self-destruction due to their extreme hatred for each other.  The root cause of this hatred is identification with the philosophies and beliefs of a fallen world that blinds people to their identity as creations of God created with the purpose of serving Him.  The main consequence of the fall of humanity in the Garden was a loss of identity as children of God.  Thankfully, God has sent His Son Jesus to redeem our identity as a child of God by believing and receiving Jesus as our savior (John 1:12; John 3:16). 

This world looks at outward appearances like physical looks, accomplishments, education, talents, and abilities.  Focus on these things may bring temporary joy and happiness when things are going well in our lives, but this joy and happiness are only temporary for these things will eventually fail us.  There is always someone better looking with greater accomplishments, education, talents, and abilities than us.  However, Jesus does not look at outward appearances, accomplishments, education, talents, or abilities but what is in one’s heart (1 Peter 3:4). 

The challenge for each of us that believe in Jesus as our savior is to find our identity in who we are to Jesus and not what the world thinks of us.  Jesus reminded His Disciples that what we treasure in our hearts is where our treasure is (Matthew 6:21).  My prayer for all reading this is that they would search their hearts and rid themselves of earthly treasures and spend time with God in prayer, the study of the Bible, and meditation on Scripture to develop a new identity as a child of God. 

The anger and strife in our world have their roots in misplaced identity.  Instead of identifying with Christ, many in our world identify with a political philosophy that like anything other than Christ will lead to disappointment.  Those in the political establishment view President Trump as an outsider disrupting the political system from which they have derived power.  Those supporting Trump view him as a leader bringing needed transformation to the country and the political establishment as a force attempting to derail President Trump’s policies that are making America great again.  The result of this disappointment on both sides is anger and divisiveness. 

The identity of those choosing Jesus as their savior is a child of God.  Revelation 21:1-8 describes the future of humanity after the millennial reign of Christ as a New Jerusalem coming down to a recreated earth from heaven.  Just as it was in the Garden of Eden when God walked on Earth with Adam and Eve, God will once again dwell on earth with humanity.  Revelation 21:4 tells us that God will wipe away every tear, death will be no more, and that there will be no more mourning, crying, or pain. 

Jesus reminds us that our heart is in whatever we treasure (Matthew 6:21).  The question each person must ask is if they treasure the created things, people, and systems of the world for happiness and joy, or do they trust God with the promise of eternal and lasting joy and happiness.  The choice is obvious, the eternal joy and happiness of an identity as a child of God.  However, even a child of God struggles with the flesh and its love of created things as a means of achieving joy and happiness, something even the Apostle Paul struggled with (Romans 7:15).  Therefore every believer in Christ must practice the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, meditation on scripture, and fellowship with other children of God to keep a Christ-centered focus. 

However, those outside of the family of God who are cowardly and faithless because they have not made Jesus their savior have a future in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).  This is not God’s plan for anyone for God does not want anyone to perish but allows one to chose condemnation over eternal life and freedom from condemnation through Christ (John 3:16-18; 2 Peter 3:9).  If you are reading this and have never accepted Jesus as your savior, I invite you to do the most courageous and faithful act one can do and pray with me now to accept Jesus as your savior.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

You now have a new identity as a child of God (John 1:12; 3:1; Revelation 2:17).  I encourage you to become familiar with your new identity through prayer, study, and meditation on the Bible, and being with other children of God by finding a Church teaching the Bible that worships God.  Next Saturday we will look at our identity as a friend of Christ (John 15:13-15).