“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)  

This past Sunday, during my sermon on overcoming guilt and shame, I discussed the importance of finding our identity and self-worth in who God says we are. I am fairly certain that we have all been the victims of individuals who have shamed us at some point in our lives and told us terrible things about us (or done terrible things to us) that have shaped the way we see ourselves. And for many of us, we are our own worst enemies, berating and belittling ourselves in ways that we would never do to another person. But the more we come to believe the things that God says about us, the more we can reject the insults, scorn the shame, and walk in the humble confidence that comes from knowing who we are in Christ. And who does He say that we are? Read below:

Who I Am in Christ

I AM ACCEPTED...

John 1:12                               I am God's child.

John 15:15                             As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1                            I have been justified (declared righteous).

1 Corinthians 6:17                   I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20              I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.

1 Corinthians 12:27                 I am a member of Christ's body.

Ephesians 1:3-8                      I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.

Colossians 1:13-14                  I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.

Colossians 2:9-10                    I am complete in Christ.

Hebrews 4:14-16                     I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

I AM SECURE...

Romans 8:1-2                          I am free from condemnation.

Romans 8:28                           I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.

Romans 8:31-39                      I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22              I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.

Colossians 3:1-4                      I am hidden with Christ in God.

Philippians 1:6                         I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.

Philippians 3:20                       I am a citizen of heaven.

2 Timothy 1:7                          I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.

1 John 5:18                             I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I AM SIGNIFICANT...

John 15:5                                I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.

John 15:16                              I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.

1 Corinthians 3:16                   I am God's temple.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21              I am a minister of reconciliation for God.

Ephesians 2:6                          I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.

Ephesians 2:10                        I am God's workmanship.

Ephesians 3:12                        I may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Philippians 4:13                       I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Do you believe this? These passages communicate the truth about who you are when you have placed your life and your identity in God’s hands. May you have the faith to walk in that truth today.