What it Means to Really Know Who I am in Christ
Before I came to know Jesus, I thought I knew who I was.
When describing myself I would say things like…
I’m a rule-following, studious, energetic, girl who loves to lead.
And those things are still true about me.
But they aren’t who I am.
On more than one occasion, I have found myself defining who I am based on my personality, skills, situations, and even on what others say about me.
The problem with letting external things define us, is that our identity will constantly change.
Depending on what we are feeling or what we perceive to be true at the time will become our basis for who we are.
Doubt, insecurity, and fear will begin to creep in.
But we don’t have to live this way.
When we come to know Jesus, we can be sure of who we are. Not only does He change our hearts and dwell within us, but He gives us His Word to tell us who we are.
What it Means to Really Know Who I am in Christ
We can’t clearly know who we are without knowing who Jesus is. Made in the image of God, we reflect who He is and we have all that His Son died to give us.
Let’s take a look at who Jesus says He is:
7 I AM statements of Jesus that Prove Who He is
“I AM the Bread of life” (John 6:35)
As the Bread of life, Jesus provides everything that we need. As we abide in Him and feed on the Word, we are filled; body, soul and spirit.
“I AM the Light of the world” (John 9:5)
As the Light of the world, Jesus displays hope in the hearts of those who have a relationship with Him. Even when the world gets darker and darker, His light shines through us brighter and brighter.
“I AM the Door of the sheep” (John 10:7)
As the Door of the sheep, Jesus gives us a way to enter into the Kingdom. He is the doorway to eternal life with the Father.
“I AM the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11)
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus takes care of us. Nothing gets passed Him. The Good Shepherd always watches over His sheep.
“I AM the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25)
As the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus brings us freedom. Because of His sacrifice on the cross, we have freedom from anything that would try to keep us in bondage.
“I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)
As the Way, the Truth and the Life, Jesus is our access to the Father. We can now come boldly before the throne of grace and commune with Him whenever we like. Our lives are secure in Him for eternity.
“I AM the the True Vine and my Father is the Vinedresser” (John 15:1)
As the True Vine, Jesus divinely gives us His strength to walk out a flourishing life. As we stay connected to Him, we are able to walk in all the fruits of the Spirit.
Knowing who He is gives us the confidence to boldly confess who His Word says we are. Here are 7 confessions that I like to declare every day about who I am in Christ:
7 I am Statements to Confess Who I am in Christ
I am more than a conqueror in Christ (Romans 8:37)
In Christ, I am more than able to overcome any obstacle that comes my way. It is not by my power, but by His Mighty Hand that I am victorious.
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21)
There is nothing I can do to earn my righteousness. It is not my deeds that make me right with God, but Jesus’ sacrifice that produced righteousness on my behalf. Through Him, I am pure in the eyes of God.
I am the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13)
All things work together for my good because I am called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Regardless of how situations may look for me in the natural, I will come out ahead and God will use them for my good. I can be confident in Him and His ability to take care of me.
I am far from oppression and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14)
No weapon formed against me will prosper! Jesus died that I may be set free. I don’t have to live under oppression and fear has no hold over me, because Jesus hasn’t given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
I am a daughter of the Most High (John 1:12)
When I accepted Jesus as my Lord, I was accepted into the family of God. I am now a daughter of the Most High. He protects me, guides me, teaches me and takes care of me.
I am covered by the Blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7)
When Jesus died on the cross, His precious blood was poured out for me. That blood is a covering that keeps me safe and washes me from all my sins. I am made whole by His blood.
Cathy McIntosh wrote a wonderful post called How God Defines our Value. She presents the real war we experience in finding our identity but encourages us in who God says we are. She states:
This is a difficult post to write.
There’s humiliation in admitting the temptation to estimate my own personal value.
I know the truth in my head: Our value stems from our position as children of the loving, almighty God—the Lord of the universe and Creator of all things. I know that.
Sadly, my heart doesn’t always feel it. Somewhere in my life, I learned to believe that my value is derived from things I produce, my grades, my success, my pay.
Friend, if you are struggling with knowing who you are in Christ, I highly encourage you to begin confessing these scriptures every day. I’ve included a printable sheet with all the confessions for you to keep close in those times when you begin to question your identity.
**Simply click the picture below to download.
So true, Alisa! We are so much more than the words we hang on to that we imagine can prop us up and define us.
Blessings to you!
This is so encouraging! I’ve recently been feeling so burdened by my sins that Jesus died for, but I can’t live in sorrow for my sins. I can seek forgiveness and then live in freedom!
This was so good and just what I needed today! I need those “I am” statements posted right by my mirror so I can be reminded of the daily. Thank you for the great word!
Encouraging and biblical truth to stand on, Alisa! Thanks so much for this well-researched, practical and inspiring post!
Thanks, Beth!