Identity must be formed “in Christ.”
The theological understanding of the Christian being “in Christ” is one, if not the most, critical understanding to what it means to be a Christian (cf. Gal. 3:26–29; Rom. 8:1; Eph. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1). The sad truth is that everyone is born "In Adam" (I Corinthians 15:22) and is only re-born into Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit through hearing and believing the gospel (I Corinthians 15:22; Galatians 3:2-5)." Once the sinner goes from being "In Adam" to "In Christ" their old life is gone and everything is made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is some serious varsity big shot incredible good news. From the point of conversion to the time Christ returns or the believer goes to be with Christ they MUST view themselves as God views them - "In Christ." One man put it like this:
"Who they are “in Christ” must be the planet around which all their thoughts and actions orbit. This is more than just a metaphor, it has to do with how Christians view themselves—as undeserving sinners who enjoy the gracious provisions and righteousness of Christ in order to have full acceptance with God the Father. Gospel-centered counseling and discipleship is critical to establish early.
When their thought-life is practiced “in Christ” it brings hope and change to thoughts, desires and behaviors. They think and act in new ways abandoning sinful patterns and putting on new patterns of life. It is especially effective to faithfully teach the principles of Romans 6:1–14 while recalling the earlier context of Romans 1:24–27. How Christians view themselves and their position in Christ will greatly affect their change and growth in sanctification. This thought and all of its theological richness is vital to understand if a person is going to possess the perseverance to defeat sin on a daily basis." - John Street
I know how vital this is to understand because how a person views themselves is normally how they will live and act. My parent's have some good friends at their church whose son went to College and decided to get his tongue pierced. Maybe he was chewing on breakfast when dad noticed a glimmer in his mouth and asked him about it. Then the dad responded by reminding his son that those with his last name don't wear tongue rings. What was going on there? The dad didn't want his son to get his tongue pierced because he thought it reflected negatively on the family name. His identity as a "Smith" would be tainted by the pierced tongue.That story is meant to highlight one of the main biblical reasons the Christian must hate and fight against his sin through the power of the indwelling Spirit. To act in sinful ways is to contradict the new nature God has given us "In Christ." It is to be wearing a tongue ring against the will of the Father. This was how Paul taught believers in order to help them grow (See I Corinthians 6:9-20; Colossians 3; Ephesians 4; I Thessalonians 4). Next time you are tempted in any way, before giving into it, remember who you are in Christ, pray for the help of the indwelling Spirit and act consistent with your new nature. As you do this you will grow increasingly into the likeness of Jesus Christ and God the Father is and always will be pleased first and foremost with His Son.
Some resources that have been beneficial to me in this area are the following books:
Life in Christ - A Guide to Daily Living - John Stott
Who am I? The Christian Hunger for Self-Identity - Robert Thomas
Identity - Who Your are in Christ - Eric Geiger
Visit www.gracebaptist.org/sermons/sermons-2009.htm and listen to the sermon called What God Expects of His Children
That should be enough to get you started. Please act on these things. They are vital to your joy and growth in Christ and will enable you to truly be a blessing to those around you.
