A biblical exploration of who God says you are and how understanding your identity in Christ can transform your life.
I’ve written a great deal on this topic, because it has been so life changing for me. I am pretty open about putting my worth in so many other places than in who Jesus says I am. I have put my identity in what I do. How well I succeeded in life. I have placed my identity in romantic relationships. I also found a ton of identity in how I look, the number on the scale and how others viewed me. Each one of those spaces I set my identity in left me feeling confused, lost, directionless, and even with low self-esteem.
The list of places you’ve left your identity may look different for you. Your faith journey may be in a different place too. And that’s ok, but if you trust Jesus to handle the sin in your life this list is for you. There’s nothing like being known by your Creator. Finding your identity in Christ means that you cannot be shaken. That identity will never change. There’s a security that you will not find in other places. Trust me, friend, because I have been there.
Your identity in Christ is a profound and life-changing truth that transcends all earthly measures of worth. When you accept Christ, you become a new creation – fully loved, completely forgiven, and eternally valued not for what you do, but for whose you are. No longer do you need to find your worth in achievements, relationships, appearance, or others’ opinions. Instead, you can rest in the unchanging reality that you are God’s beloved child, created with purpose and redeemed at the highest price through Jesus’s sacrifice. This identity is unshakeable, permanent, and forms the foundation for living with confidence, peace, and joy, knowing that your worth is securely anchored in God’s infinite love for you.
God’s love for me is complete, perfect, and unconditional.
I John 4:10 – “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”
This powerful verse reveals the true nature of God’s love – it’s not dependent on our actions or feelings toward Him. Instead, God took the initiative to love us first, demonstrating this love through the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. This is a radical departure from human love, which is often conditional or reciprocal. God’s love preceded our awareness of Him, our faith in Him, or our ability to love Him back. The verse emphasizes that real love isn’t about what we do for God, but about what He has already done for us through Christ. This sacrificial love addresses our deepest need – salvation from our sins – showing that God’s love is both profoundly personal and eternally purposeful.
I am God’s beloved, and His gifts flow abundantly into my life.
Ephesians 1:3-7 – “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.”
This passage from Ephesians beautifully illustrates the lavish nature of God’s grace and blessings toward believers. It emphasizes that even before creation, God had a plan to make us His own through Christ. The text reveals several profound truths: we are chosen, predestined for adoption, and completely forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice. The phrase “glorious grace” suggests the magnificent and generous nature of God’s favor toward us, while “poured out” creates an image of abundance – God’s blessings aren’t given sparingly but flow freely and generously. The passage also highlights the incredible price paid for our redemption through Christ’s blood, demonstrating both God’s immense love and the tremendous value He places on each believer. This reveals that our worth isn’t earned but is inherent in God’s choice to love and redeem us at such a great cost.
Through faith in Christ, I am adopted into God’s family.
John 1:12 – “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
This powerful verse reveals our incredible adoption into God’s family through faith in Christ. The word “right” or “power” (in some translations) emphasizes that this is a legally binding adoption – we aren’t merely called God’s children as a metaphor, but are genuinely and permanently made part of His family. This adoption comes through two key actions: receiving Christ and believing in His name. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and trust in who He truly is, we experience a profound identity transformation. We move from being separated from God to becoming His children, with all the privileges and intimate relationship that comes with being part of God’s family. This verse beautifully captures how our identity in Christ isn’t earned through good works or religious devotion, but is received as a gift through faith.
Jesus calls me his friend and God specifically chose me.
John 15:15-16 – “I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.”
This passage reveals a profound shift in how Jesus relates to His followers – elevating them from servants to friends. This isn’t just a casual friendship, but an intimate relationship built on trust and shared knowledge. Jesus demonstrates this by sharing divine truth with His disciples, treating them as confidants rather than subordinates. The verse also emphasizes God’s initiative in this friendship – we didn’t earn or choose this relationship first; He chose us. This choice wasn’t random but purposeful, with the intention that we would “produce lasting fruit.” This reveals that godly friendship has both intimacy and purpose – we are chosen both for relationship and for mission. The promise that the Father will give whatever we ask in Jesus’ name shows the privileges and power available through this friendship with Christ. This transforms our understanding of prayer from mere petition to intimate conversation between friends.
God’s Spirit lives within me.
I Corinthians 6:19 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”
This powerful verse emphasizes the profound truth that believers’ bodies are sacred dwelling places of the Holy Spirit. The metaphor of a temple elevates our understanding of our physical bodies from mere vessels to holy sanctuaries where God’s Spirit resides. The phrase “you are not your own” reminds us that through Christ’s redemption, we have been bought at a price and now belong completely to God. This truth transforms how we view ourselves and our bodies – not as autonomous beings free to live however we choose, but as sacred vessels entrusted with carrying God’s presence. This understanding should influence how we care for our bodies, the choices we make, and how we use our physical selves to honor God. It’s a reminder that our identity is intrinsically connected to being bearers of God’s Spirit, giving us both tremendous dignity and responsibility.
I am a part of something bigger — God’s family.
I Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
This powerful verse emphasizes the interconnected nature of believers within the church – Christ’s body. The metaphor of a body beautifully illustrates how each Christian has a unique and essential role to play. Just as every part of a physical body has its specific function and purpose, each believer has been given distinct gifts, talents, and roles within the church community. This truth counters both feelings of superiority (“I don’t need others”) and inferiority (“I’m not important”). Instead, it affirms that every believer is vital to the healthy functioning of the whole body. This identity as a part of Christ’s body gives us both significance and responsibility – we matter tremendously to the overall health and effectiveness of the church, and we have a divine obligation to fulfill our role within it. This understanding should foster both humility and confidence, as we recognize our dependence on others while embracing our own irreplaceable role in God’s family.
God designates me as a saint.
I Corinthians 1:2 – “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.”
This verse from 1 Corinthians 1:2 reveals a profound truth about our identity in Christ – we are called “saints.” This designation isn’t based on our personal merit or achievements, but rather on our position in Christ Jesus. The term “sanctified” means to be set apart or made holy, indicating that through Christ, believers are specially designated for God’s purposes. Paul addresses this letter not just to the Corinthian church, but to all believers everywhere who call on Jesus’s name, showing that this sainthood is a universal identity for all Christians. This identity as saints isn’t earned through perfect behavior but is granted through our relationship with Christ, transforming how we view ourselves and our calling in God’s kingdom.
I am delivered, made new, redeemed and forgiven.
Colossians 1:13-14 – “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
This powerful passage reveals the complete transformation that occurs when we become believers. The metaphor of being “delivered” and “transferred” paints a picture of a dramatic rescue operation – we are literally moved from one realm (darkness) to another (Christ’s kingdom). The word “redemption” speaks to being bought back or ransomed, while “forgiveness of sins” points to the complete cleansing of our past wrongs. Together, these concepts emphasize our total liberation from sin’s power and our new citizenship in God’s kingdom through Christ’s work on our behalf.
I am whole.
Colossians 2:9-10 – “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”
This verse emphasizes two profound truths about our identity in Christ. First, it reveals that Jesus embodied the complete fullness of God in human form. Second, and remarkably, it declares that through our union with Christ, we too are made complete. The word “complete” here suggests that in Christ, we lack nothing essential for spiritual life and godliness. Our completeness isn’t based on our own achievements or qualities, but on our connection to Christ, who has authority over everything. This means we don’t need to seek wholeness or fulfillment from other sources – in Christ, we already have everything we need for spiritual completeness.
I am free from any and all condemnation.
Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
This foundational verse from Romans 8:1 declares a powerful truth about our identity in Christ – we are completely free from condemnation. The word “no” is absolute, meaning there is zero condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This isn’t a temporary state or partial freedom – it’s a permanent and complete liberation from guilt and judgment. This freedom isn’t based on our performance or worthiness, but solely on our position “in Christ Jesus.” When God looks at believers, He sees Christ’s righteousness rather than our sins. This truth provides immense psychological and spiritual freedom, allowing us to live in the joy of acceptance rather than the fear of judgment.
I am a brand new creation because I am in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This transformative verse reveals that when someone comes into relationship with Christ, they experience a complete spiritual metamorphosis. The phrase “new creation” indicates a fundamental change at the deepest level – not just an improvement or modification of the old self, but a totally new beginning. The declaration that “the old has gone, the new is here” emphasizes the completeness of this transformation. This isn’t a gradual process but an immediate spiritual reality – when we are “in Christ,” our old identity is replaced with a new one. This verse offers profound hope, showing that no matter our past, in Christ we can experience a completely fresh start.
I am grounded, empowered, and sealed by God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
This powerful passage reveals three key aspects of our identity in Christ. First, God “makes us stand firm” – our stability comes from Him, not our own efforts. Second, He has “anointed us” and “set his seal of ownership on us” – indicating both His choice of us and His claim on us as His own. Finally, He has given us His Spirit as a “deposit” or down payment, guaranteeing our future inheritance. These truths show that our relationship with God is secure, permanent, and backed by His own Spirit living within us.
God gives me strength, wisdom, and mental clarity instead of fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
The mind is extremely import to our daily lives and wellbeing. This powerful verse redefines our relationship with fear and reveals three divine gifts we have instead: power, love, and a sound mind (or self-discipline). The passage emphasizes that fear is not from God – rather, He equips us with spiritual strength to face challenges, the capacity to love others deeply, and mental clarity for wise decision-making. This verse is particularly comforting for those struggling with anxiety or fear, as it reminds us that God’s Spirit produces qualities that directly counter fear and uncertainty.
I am uniquely crafted by God to do amazing things.
Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
If you have ever enjoyed being creative in any way you can resonate with this verse in Ephesians and understand how God looks at us. This verse beautifully describes our identity as God’s masterpiece or “workmanship.” The Greek word used here is “poiema,” from which we get the word “poem,” suggesting we are God’s work of art. It emphasizes three key truths: 1) we are intentionally crafted by God, 2) we are created anew in Christ Jesus, and 3) we have a divine purpose – to do the good works God planned for us long ago. This shows that our lives have meaning and direction, with God thoughtfully preparing opportunities for us to fulfill His purposes through our unique design.
I am dead to my old life and alive and new in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 2:20- “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
This powerful verse from Galatians 2:20 describes the radical transformation that occurs in a believer’s life. It uses the metaphor of crucifixion to illustrate how our old self and way of life has died, and we now live a new life empowered by Christ’s presence within us. The phrase “Christ lives in me” emphasizes that this new life isn’t just about behavior modification, but about Christ Himself taking up residence in our lives. The statement about living “by faith in the Son of God” highlights that this new life is sustained by ongoing trust in Christ’s love and sacrifice. This verse beautifully captures the essence of Christian identity – no longer living independently, but in intimate union with Christ.
I am able to go straight to God with anything.
John 16:26-27- “In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”
This verse reveals the intimate access believers have to God the Father through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that Christians don’t need an intermediary – not even Jesus Himself – to approach God in prayer. The Father’s love for believers is direct and personal, based on their relationship with and faith in Jesus. This truth transforms our understanding of prayer from a formal ritual to an intimate conversation with a loving Father who desires direct communication with His children.
God chose me to bear fruit when I choose Him.
John. 15:16 – “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.”
This powerful verse emphasizes three key aspects of our identity in Christ: 1) God’s sovereign choice – He chose us before we chose Him, 2) our divine purpose – we are appointed specifically to produce lasting fruit, and 3) our privileged position in prayer – we can ask the Father for anything in Jesus’ name. The emphasis on God choosing us first highlights His initiative in our salvation and calling, while the appointment to bear fruit shows that we have a meaningful purpose in His kingdom. This verse beautifully combines divine sovereignty with human purpose and privilege.
I am joined with God and one spirit with Him.
I Corinthians 6:17 – “But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.”
This profound verse reveals the intimate spiritual union between believers and Christ. The word “joined” implies a permanent connection, while “becomes one spirit” suggests a deep spiritual unity. This isn’t just a superficial relationship or temporary alliance. It describes a fundamental spiritual reality where the believer’s spirit is united with God’s Spirit. This unity affects every aspect of our lives, showing that we’re not just following God from a distance, but are intimately connected to Him in our very being.
God will never leaves me.
Hebrews. 13:5 – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”
This verse delivers two powerful messages: First, it warns against materialism and the love of money, encouraging contentment with what we have. Second, and more profoundly, it reminds us of God’s unchanging promise to always be present with us. The phrase “never leave you nor forsake you” uses strong language in the original Greek, essentially meaning “never, never” will God abandon His people. This promise provides deep security and comfort, assuring believers that God’s presence is constant and His commitment is absolute, regardless of circumstances.
I am able to receive wisdom for anything I go through.
James 1:5 states “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
This verse emphasizes the incredible accessibility and generosity of God’s wisdom. It presents three key points: 1) we can directly ask God for wisdom when we need it, 2) God gives wisdom “generously” – meaning abundantly and freely, and 3) He gives it “without finding fault” – meaning He won’t criticize or shame us for asking. This promise is particularly comforting because it shows that God is eager to help us navigate life’s challenges by providing the wisdom we need, whenever we need it.
I am absolutely inseparable from the love of God.
Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This powerful passage from Romans 8:38-39 provides one of the most comprehensive and reassuring statements about God’s unchanging love. Paul lists every conceivable barrier – death, life, spiritual beings, time dimensions, powers, physical dimensions, and even anything else in all creation – and declares that none of these can separate believers from God’s love. The emphasis on both visible and invisible forces, present and future circumstances, demonstrates the absolute security of God’s love. This truth provides immense comfort and confidence, assuring believers that God’s love is not conditional or temporary but permanent and unshakeable.
These powerful truths about our identity in Christ are not just theological concepts, but life-changing realities that can transform how we see ourselves and navigate life’s challenges. When we fully embrace these truths, we begin to live from a place of security, confidence, and purpose. Our worth is no longer determined by our achievements, others’ opinions, or our past mistakes, but is firmly anchored in who God says we are. By meditating on and applying these truths daily, we can experience the freedom, peace, and abundant life that Christ promises to all who trust in Him.
Hannah is a radio/podcast host, blogger, and mental health therapist who loves Jesus and fashion. Her work revolves around betrayal trauma and the eldest daughter population.
