A Christian believer’s authentic identity in Christ Jesus is firmly rooted in the teachings of the Bible. The Bible reveals that those who place their faith in Jesus Christ are adopted into God’s family and become His children. This is evidenced in passages such as John 1:12-13 and Romans 8:16.
John 1:12-13 (NKJV) says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Romans 8:16 (NKJV) says, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God”
Furthermore, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, believers are redeemed and reconciled to God, with their sins forgiven, and they are made righteous in His sight. Ephesians 1:7 and 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21 support the redemption of Christian believers in Christ.
Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV) says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 & 21 (NKJV) declare: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new . . . For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
In Christ, believers also experience a transformation in their spiritual identity, reflecting the image of God. Galatians 2:20 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 illustrate how believers become new creations through their connection with Christ.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) declares: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Regarding spiritual authority based on the Bible, believers are granted authority through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, primarily exercised in spiritual matters. Luke 10:19 and Mark 16:15-18 exemplify this authority, which includes overcoming evil, preaching the Gospel, and fulfilling the Great Commission.
Luke 10:19 (NKJV) says, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Mark 16:15-18 (NKJV) narrates: And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
However, it is essential to emphasize that this spiritual authority is always subject to God’s will and should be exercised in alignment with His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Expanding on the concept of spiritual authority founded on the Bible, it is crucial to recognize three key areas:
AUTHORITY OVER THE ENEMY
Believers possess authority over the powers of darkness, allowing them to resist the devil’s schemes and overcome spiritual opposition, as emphasized in James 4:7 and Ephesians 6:11-12.
James 4:7 (NKJV) states, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Ephesians 6:11-12 (NKJV) says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
AUTHORITY TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL
Christians are commissioned to share the message of salvation in Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations, as emphasized in Matthew 28:19-20 and Romans 10:14-15.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) states, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Romans 10:14-15 (NKJV) declares: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
AUTHORITY IN PRAYER
Believers have the privilege of approaching God in prayer and exercising authority in their petitions and intercession, as emphasized in Matthew 21:22 and James 5:16.
Matthew 21:22 (NKJV) says, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
James 5:16 (NKJV) notes, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
It is important to remember that the exercise of spiritual authority should not be for personal gain or manipulation but for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the fulfillment of His purposes. Believers are called to walk in humility, wisdom, and submission to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them in the exercise of their authority.
One’s true identity in Christ and the spiritual authority bestowed upon believers are the result of God’s grace, love, and redemptive work. This transformative journey allows individuals to live out their God-given purpose, bear fruit in righteousness, and bring glory to their Creator, as emphasized in Colossians 2:5, where the apostle Paul commends the firm faith and commitment of the Colossian believers.
Colossians 2:5 (NKJV) declares: “For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.””
This faith is rooted in the teachings of the Gospel and stands against false teachings, worldly philosophies, legalism, and mysticism, as highlighted in Colossians chapter 2. Colossians 2:15 underscores the triumph of Christ over the powers of darkness, giving believers the authority to live victoriously in Him.
Colossians 2:15 (NKJV) narrates, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He [Jesus] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
This authority leads to freedom from bondage, power over spiritual forces, confidence, and the assurance of victory when exercised in accordance with God’s will, His Word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSION
Christian believers are called to offer their bodies as living sacrifices and cultivate their identity in Christ by transforming their thought patterns. This transformation is substantiated by scriptural references:
LIVING SACRIFICES
Christian believers are urged to offer their bodies as living sacrifices. This aligns with Romans 12:1, which states, “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
RENEWING THE MIND
To embrace their identity in Christ, believers must renew their minds. Romans 12:2 emphasizes this shift in mindset: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
TEARING DOWN STRONGHOLDS
Believers should actively demolish thought patterns and strongholds that exalt themselves above Christ. This is supported by 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
EMBRACING THEIR IDENTITY
Believers are encouraged to consciously embrace their identity as Kings and Priests unto Christ Jesus. This is rooted in Revelation 1:6, which reads, “and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
DYING TO ONESELF
Dying to oneself and surrendering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit is at the core of a Christian believer’s identity in Christ. Galatians 2:20 underscores this idea: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
In summary, Christian believers are encouraged to present themselves as living sacrifices, renew their minds, tear down strongholds, embrace their identity as Kings and Priests, and ultimately, die to themselves and yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. These principles are firmly grounded in the teachings of the Bible and are vital components of a believer’s identity in Christ.