12th September 2025
A new identity
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
An identity crisis is defined as a period of uncertainty or confusion in a person’s life. This crisis occurs when a person’s sense of identity becomes insecure and unstable. An identity crisis usually occurs when there is a change in a person’s life. It can happen at any time to anyone.
According to Psychology Today magazine our identities encompass memories, experiences, relationships, and values. These components all help to create our identities and sense of self.
As human beings, identity serves some purposes that help us live and be well. Having a sense of identity lends itself to a sense of belonging. If we know how we define ourselves, it is easier to find communities and places where we feel like we belong. The Christian church is a community of believers in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church in Rome, saw it as a place where we are called to belong to Jesus Christ: ‘And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Romans 1:6-7). He goes on to claim that: ‘…God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.’ (Romans 11:29).
In calling us into a relationship with his beloved Son, God the Father has given us a brand new identity: we are a new creation. We no longer need to experience any identity crisis because we now have a new life in Jesus Christ. By his life, death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus has secured this new creation life, for us. Paul explains in another letter, ‘For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.’ (Colossians 3:3-4).
As new creations in Christ we have a glorious future awaiting us, where no-one will experience the traumas of an identity crisis. We will be with the One to whom we belong.
Prayer
Father God, thank you for the new creation life that you have blessed me with. Please enable me to live, experience, enjoy and share the new creation life that Jesus has secured for me. In His name I pray. Amen.
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Study by: Sherwin Scott About the author: |
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Local congregation:
Grace Communion in Lewes
The House of Friendship
208 High Street
Lewes
BN7 2NS
Meeting time:
Sunday 11:00 am
Local congregational contact:
Hilary Buck
Email: lewes@gracecom.church
Like us on www.facebook.com/Grace Communion Lewes
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church