#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Have you ever felt like you’re just not good enough? Like your past mistakes define who you are? It’s easy to get caught up in our shortcomings and forget who we really are in the eyes of God. But what if I told you that your identity in Christ is far more powerful than any doubt or fear you might have?
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
Our identity in Christ is not a mere concept; it’s a transformative reality. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians, we are a new creation, and this newness isn’t just a change in behavior or a fresh start; it’s a complete identity overhaul. Here’s what some apologists have to say:
- Tim Keller speaks to this in his book “The Prodigal God,” where he explains the parable of the Prodigal Son: “The gospel is that I am so sinful that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads us into the radical new life of forgiveness and the power to live differently.”
- J. Warner Wallace in his book “Person of Interest” notes, “When Jesus came to earth, He didn’t come to simply offer us forgiveness; He came to offer us a new identity, a new family, and a new mission.”
This insight ties back to our key verse, reminding us that when we accept Christ, we’re not just forgiven; we’re transformed. We become part of God’s family, with a purpose that no one can take away.
Encouragement & Application:
It’s okay to have doubts about who you are, but remember, those doubts are an opportunity to deepen your understanding of your identity in Christ. Here are some practical steps:
- Read and Reflect: Dive into Scriptures that speak of your identity in Christ, like Ephesians 1:3-14, where Paul lists the spiritual blessings we have in Christ.
- Seek Community: Find a mentor or join a group where you can discuss these truths and grow together.
- Live Out Your Identity: Every day, remind yourself of who you are in Christ, and let that truth guide your actions, decisions, and interactions.
Reflection Questions:
- What part of your identity in Christ do you find most challenging to believe or live out?
- How can understanding your new identity in Christ change the way you view your past, present, and future?
- What practical steps can you take today to remind yourself of your true identity?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the incredible gift of a new identity in Christ. Help me to truly grasp what it means to be forgiven, to be your temple, your child, and your ambassador. When doubts arise, remind me of your truth, and give me the courage to live out this identity each day. Guide me in my journey of faith, and help me to see myself as you see me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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