A Brief Look at Identity

Several years ago I came across a fantastic list (from Greg Boyd) that outlines some of the Scriptural descriptions of our new identity in Christ.  I’ve gone through this list many times over the years, and again just recently, which got me to thinking, “maybe a brief look at identity could be useful to my readers.”

Webster’s (Dictionary) defines identity as “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.”

While this is a good starting point, I would add a couple things.  First, I would add that identity is what defines your limitations, and second, I would add that our identity is essentially our “definition”.  (*A definition is a statement of the exact meaning of a word; the degree of distinctness in outline of an object)

Now that we’ve simplified and condensed the subject of identity, lets complicate and expand it for a moment by looking at the three main classes of identity: Occupational, Relational and Ontological.

First is our Occupational identity.  This is how we are known by what we do.  Not surprisingly, this includes our occupation and work, but it also includes our hobbies and other actions.  You may be a doctor who likes to surf, or an engineer that plays in a basketball league, and coaches at an elementary school.  

One caution I would offer is not to find your sole identity in what you do.  God doesn’t love you because of all the good things you do, and He doesn’t love you any less for all the bad things you do.  It’s good to take pride in what we do, and to do good things of course (Eph. 2:10), but we should do these things as a result of who we are, not as a way of discovering or defining who we are.

Next is our Relational identity.  This is how we are known by who we know, who we’re related to, or who we are associated with.  You may be the “brother of ___”, the “wife of ___”, the “drummer for ___”, a “Democrat” “Republican” “Christian” “Muslim” or something else.  

As before, I would caution against finding your identity solely in who you know, are related to, or associate with.  While it is good to remember your context and spending quality time with your Tribe (to borrow from Seth Godin), it is possible place too much attention (or blame) on the association.  

I’ve seen people blame their bad habits on their family (“my dad had a short temper, so I have a short temper”), or assume a virtue of the Tribe as their own (“I’m a Christian because my parents/grandparents are Christians”).  It is important for us to recognize and appreciate our relational identity, but to also take personal responsibility for our actions and decisions.

That bring us to our Ontological identity.  This is what we often think of as our “true identity”.  It’s who we are “beneath the surface.”  This includes our personality, strengths, weaknesses, sacred pathways, passions, values, and so on.  A lot of this is shaped by our experiences in the first two areas (Occupational and Relational), but not all.

God has created each one of us with a specific purpose and plan in mind, and has designed us with the unique aptitude and potential to live these out fully.  Scripture has much to say about our identity as the “very good” climax of Creation – loved by God whether just or unjust.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made (See Psalm 139:13-16), known and intended before we were even born.  

And beyond all of this, we are given a “new” “restored” identity in Christ (to those who receive Salvation and the Gift of the Holy Spirit).  I’ll include a copy of the list I mentioned at the beginning (“Who You are in Christ”), and as you review and reflect on each statement (and the corresponding Scripture verses) I encourage you to think about these two questions:

1. How do I see myself, and what limitations has that established in my life?
2. What is the definition of me?  (a couple examples would include “man of God” or “redeemed and beloved of the Most High”)

WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST

• All that is part of your “old self,” all that is sinful and contrary to God, has been crucified (Rom. 6:2-11; Gal. 2:20).
• You are completely forgiven, sanctified, made “forever perfect” before God and hence completely reconciled to God (Gal. 2:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; Heb. 10:14; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; Eph. 1:4, 7-8, 2:13, 4:32; Col. 2:13-14).
• You are made new and given Christ’s eternal resurrected life    (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:5-6, 10; Col. 2:13, 3:1; 1 Pet. 1:3-5).
• You are indwelt with the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of God Almighty (2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 3:17; Col. 1:27)  
• You are redeemed and set free from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13, 5:1; Col. 2:13ff).
• You are seated “in heavenly places” and share in the eternal inheritance Christ purchased for you (Eph. 1:3-11, 2:6, 3:6).
• You are “hidden in Christ,” and “united with Christ” (Col. 3:3; Rom. 6:5; Phil. 2:1-2).
• You are made a participant in the eternal love, which flows within the triune Godhead (John 17:20-24, 2 Pet. 1:4).
• God the Father completely redefines your state of being.  Whereas once you were “in Adam” and were “by nature an object of wrath” (Rom. 5:15-19; 1 Cor. 15:22; Eph. 2:3), now you are “in Christ” and are an object of His eternal and unconditional love.
• The Father has chosen you and made you “holy and blameless in His sight” (Eph. 1:3-6).  He loves you and lavishes on you “the riches of His grace” as He relates to you as you are “in the One He loves,” Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:6).  Thus, the relationship God has with you is now defined by the eternal loving relationship He has with His own eternal Son!