My Identity is In Christ

Today’s reading is out of Ephesians 1:4-14. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.

When it comes to our identity, oftentimes we feel the pressure to identify ourselves through our jobs, financial status, grades, appearance, and what others think about us. We even introduce ourselves in this manner: “My name is __________, and I am a dentist, engineer, stay-at-home parent, etc.” The problem is–what happens to that identity when we experience failure? Or are unable to do that job anymore? How would we perceive our value and introduce ourselves differently?

Do you know how Jesus would introduce you? “Hey everyone, this is __________, and she is my child.” How powerful is that? Jesus doesn’t identify us by our job titles, nor our appearance, nor our accomplishments, nor our failures. He identifies us first and foremost as children of His kingdom. Our identity was never meant to come from what we do, but rather from who we are. Since we belong to Christ, our identity can be found entirely in Him. Let’s read again about what God says our identity is and reflect on how to live that out.

Ephesians 1:4-14 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Reflect

  1. According to the passage, what are some of the things that God does for us?
  2. What does it mean to you to be “adopted into God’s family?”
  3. Why do you believe God marks us with a seal and a promise? (V. 13)

Act

Write down the phrase “Accepted and not rejected” somewhere where you will see it regularly. Allow this to be a reminder of your identity in Christ.

Pray

Jesus, in Your great grace, You chose to accept me, adopt me, and forgive me. I will continue to thank You for that love daily. Today, I ask that You would remind me that I am accepted and not rejected, I’m set free and not in chains, I am adopted and not orphaned, and I am living in Your grace. I thank You for Your love, Your guidance, and Your forgiveness. Teach me how to love others as You love me. Amen.