Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Romans 13:14, New International Version

 

What do we mean by "finding your identity in Christ" and why does your identity matter?

In practical terms, your identity in Christ is about living out the truth of who you are and who you can become in Christ. As you grow in your understanding of what it means to be "in Christ", you will possess everything "through Christ". This, of course, requires you to have a genuine relationship with Christ — for without Christ, the Christian life is simply impossible. 

Many believers, however, draw conclusions about whether they are "good” or “bad” Christians by their own performance and self-efforts. They either intentionally or unintentionally rely on their own ability to please God and try to earn His undeserved favour instead of living by grace through faith in Christ. This was never how God intended it to be. Such an approach will never yield for you the fruits of a true and life-giving Christian life.

Your identity in Christ is the basis of the normal Christian life. 

The Apostle Paul tells us to clothe ourselves with Christ and make no plans or room for any fleshy distractions that get in the way of your relationship with Christ. To be clothed with Christ is to supernaturally live out the revelation of your identity. In doing so in such a real and practical way, others will also be able to see that Christ is alive and living inside of us.

Identifying with your identity in Christ can bring lots of positive effects in your life and overall well-being. When you see yourself as God sees you, you are set free from every fear of condemnation and rejection. Moreover, you will stop worrying about the past or future—for once united in Christ, you are never separate from Christ. 

So, no matter how dark or difficult your past may be or how gloomy or bleak your future may seem, it is who you already are in Christ that really counts. In this undeniable truth, you can expect God to come through for you!