For every human, self-identity is extremely important. Dr. Stephen Phinney posted an excellent essay on this subject, "My Flesh | My Identity" I highly recommend that you read the essay. It is essential to be informed and educated about our self-identity as the identity of the flesh can be manipulated, and taken from us. Our spiritual self-identity cannot be taken from us, unless we are talked out of it or are deceived about who you Truly are.
The Physical Realm
YOU do not exist in isolation, in a vacuum. We are all well acquainted with our existence in the physical realm - or are we? We must delve into the spiritual realm to find out the Truth of this physical realm. What we experience with our 5 senses isn't always The Truth!
As we learn in Luke 4:5 - 6, we actually live in a monarchy, a demonic kingdom which is ruled by the god of this word, the devil. He rules the physical realm, but he doesn't own it. About our lives in this realm, Jesus said:
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
So, we live in a realm which has been terminally defeated. Although we will experience "tribulation" in this realm, in Christ we have peace and we share in His Victory!
Citizens of The Kingdom of God
What about our existence TODAY, right now, in the spiritual realm?
Colossians 1:13 He (God) has delivered us (past tense) from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
Today, RIGHT NOW we are CITIZENS in The Kingdom of his son, Jesus Christ, the King! We have been rescued from a defeated, broken kingdom, ruled by the devil, into the eternal kingdom of God, ruled by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
What is our position, right now, in the Kingdom of God? This is revealed in Ephesians 2:
Ephesians 2:6 and raised us up with him (Christ) and seated us with him (Christ) in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
More details are given in Ephesians 1:
Ephesians 1:19–21
[19] and what is the immeasurable greatness of his (God) power toward us who believe, according to the working of his (God) great might [20] that he worked in Christ when he (God) raised him from the dead and seated him at his (God) right hand in the heavenly places, [21] far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
Christ is seated at God's right hand, above all other rule and authority! We are seated WITH HIM. By way of the accomplishments of Jesus Christ, God has already done all this for US, no waiting required!
(There are times that Jesus Stands for us and with us. See Acts 7:55, 23:11)
Our Identity With Jesus Christ
Acts 8:3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
Acts 9:4–5
[4] And falling to the ground, he (Saul) heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” [5] And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
We are identified with Jesus Christ, and indeed, he acknowledges us! How can this be?
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are (right now, today!) the body of Christ and individually members of it.
This works in a similar manner to your own physical body. Is your hand "you"? No! Are "you" your hand? No! Yet, if I knocked on your door, you could ask "who is knocking at the door?". Your hand is identified with you. It is a member of your body, yet it is not "you".
Our Function in the Physical Realm
As testified in Hebrews 11:13 - 16, we are "strangers and exiles on the earth". Is it little wonder then, how difficult it is for us to "fit in" with this hostile realm which does not know our Lord and Savior! So, as foreigners in this demonic kingdom of the world, what exactly is our function?
2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors (emissaries) for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
We ARE (right now, no waiting) ambassadors, emissaries, agents of the Kingdom of God! This function is performed according to the will of the King of the Kingdom of God. Our authority to function is not to accomplish our own will, but the will of the King who we represent. As Agents, we have the authorization and authority to bring to pass the will of God in the senses realm, as we are directed and instructed via the gift of holy spirit.
Conclusion
Now you know the Truth about the physical realm, the Truth about who you are, your citizenship, and your functioning in the physical realm. Your identity with Jesus Christ will not and cannot change! Your feelings about the Truth does not establish or negate the Truth!
As it says in 1 Corinthians 6:19b, 20
[19b] …You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (ESV)
We owe everything to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
One of the worst things that we can do during these times...is forget who we are and to Whom we belong. This is LIFE CHANGING!
Well done !
Well done, Keith. This is a must-read and keeper. Identity in Christ is everything.
Good word Keith.