We all desperately need assurance that we are accepted and loved, not based on what others think or say; not based on the expectations of others or ourselves; not based on our performance. We were created imago dei—in the image of God! Our amazing Creator God, formed us and breathed life into us. He gave us a purpose to fulfill in the garden. But then we read in Genesis 3 of the fall. Sin entered the world and brought consequences—not only to Adam and Eve—but continuing consequences we are still experiencing in our lives today. The fall affected our relationship with God, our relationship with others, and our identity. As a result, we experienced a loss of our sense of belonging, purpose, and worth. The only place we will find assurance, acceptance, purpose, and worth restored is in the unfailing love of Christ Jesus by the grace of our merciful and faithful God.
I love the definition in the original language of Scripture for the word grace.
grace – God’s unmerited favor; God’s divine influence on my heart and soul that is then reflected in my life.
In Christ, we find our true identity restored as God originally intended before the fall. It is an identity where our value and acceptance is received, not achieved. God’s grace allows us to live secure, confident, and free because of who we are IN Christ Jesus!
Below you’ll find a PDF of Scriptures outlining who you are in Christ Jesus. I encourage you to download and begin reading and praying through this list. I find when I’m discouraged; when I feel overwhelmed by my sin; when I am burdened and stressed; when I am tempted to doubt God’s love and His presence, reading what He has to say about who I am in Christ Jesus not only renews my mind but lifts my spirits and restores my soul.
God’s Word is living and active! God’s Word corrects, teaches, encourages, renews and restores.
Remember—you can trust and rest in who your Creator God says you are!
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! —1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Rejoicing in Him!
