John 3:1-9
Everyone is born physically alive, but not everyone is spiritually alive. Spiritual life results from receiving Jesus Christ.
“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 1:3)
“Yet to all who… believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12)
“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:6)
God’s Spirit makes you into a completely new spiritual creation with an entirely new identity. You are His reborn workmanship! The “Who I Am in Christ” affirmations (see Friday’s Daily Fill devotional for the Practice section for this week to read more about the “Who I Am in Christ” affirmations) confirm the attributes of a born-again Christian’s new identity.
Throughout your life, you have received messages about who you are. Some messages agree with your born-again identity. Some do not. Sadly, those messages have sometimes led you to see yourself as unacceptable, insecure, and insignificant. These negative views of identity often become who you think you are.
The good news is that, once you placed your faith in Jesus Christ, your identity changed radically to one who is accepted unconditionally, totally secure, and greatly significant. In Christ, your identity is redefined because of your relationship with Him. Your past no longer defines who you are.
You might be asking, “If I have a new life with a new identity in Christ, why do I still feel the effects of my past? What does God want me to do about these old ways of thinking?” God loves us so much that He has told us what to do:
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)
When you choose to believe everything that your new birth includes, you will increasingly put off your old self and put on your new self. Are you willing to “be made new in the attitude of your mind”? Start by reading the “Who I Am in Christ” affirmations. Ask God to show you what is preventing you from living like they are all true about you.
Sharon Chapman
EFCC Member