HOW TO KNOW YOUR TRUE SELF
In the beginning, when God made Adam, He gave him dominion and power to rule the whole earth. As a result, Adam was in control of everything in the garden.
GENESIS 1 verses 26 to 28. (AMPC.) God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. (God, our Father, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, all agreed to create you and me, every one of us in His image, after their likeness. And they commission us to have complete authority over every other thing that is not human.) So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. (The man and the woman are all made in the image of God. It means they have the same spirit, which is the spirit of God. That is to say, there is no man spirit, and there is no woman spirit. We all have one spirit, no superiority over one another. (We are all equal in the presence of God, but on earth, in the function of the marriage institution, there is an administration. We are not talking about marriage today but Identity, our origin) And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth. [God empowers both the man and the woman to succeed, to be wealthy and healthy, and no one is to be enslaved but to function in the capacity of God our Father, the creator.] In the eyes of God, we are an exact duplicate copy of Him, His extension to manifest Him on earth. Praise God. Repeat these words after me. I refuse to be intimidated by any devil, for I know who I am. My origin comes from God. I am not a sinner but a saint. Praise God. GENESIS 1 verses 26 to 28 (emphasis added)
Through disobedience, Adam failed and sinned against the loving God. Adam then had to face the result of his disobedience by becoming a slave to the one he yields to {Satan} and a servant to this world’s elementary things. Instead of being the controller, Adam became controlled.
CITIZENS OF THE NEW KINGDOM
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (John 17:16).
Some say that having received the life of Christ, you still have your old nature. That’s not true, according to the Scriptures. You don’t have two natures; you have only one, and it’s the nature of God. The question, however, is, “Where do you live? With what consciousness do you function?” As Christians, we live simultaneously in two worlds. Once you’re born again, you’re alive to God; you’re awakened to God’s fatherhood and the reality of the Kingdom of God.
You must realize you’re a new creation, born of the Word and Spirit of the Lord. Therefore, even though you’re in this world, you’re not of the world. When the Lord Jesus said, “I’m from above,” the Jews sneered at Him. They knew He was born physically in Nazareth, yet He told them, “I’m from above.” They were offended by Him because they didn’t understand spiritual realities.
Jesus told the truth about His origin and Identity. Like Him, you’re from above. You have the same life and nature as Him. That is who you are now, not who you’re “trying” or “growing” to be. When a woman gives birth, the baby doesn’t become more human as he grows.
No matter how tiny the baby is at birth or if he doesn’t walk immediately, can’t sit, eat, and talk, he’s still ultimately human. It’s the same with you; you’re one hundred percent divine. You’re of God; you come from Him. Your origin is in Him. You’re not of this world! That is the reality.
YIELDING TO GOD’S VIEWS
Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God [Jerusalem]. Psalms 87:3.
The Scriptures have many beautiful and glorious descriptions of the new creation. It’s one of the reasons you must study the Bible to know more about the magnificent things spoken and written of you in the Word. What name has God called you? Answer that name, for you’ll cheat yourself if you don’t.
In Genesis 17:5, God spoke to Abram and said, “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.” “Abram” meant exalted father, but God had a different plan for him and called him the “father of many nations.”
Abraham immediately adjusted to his new reality and Identity, introducing himself by his new name. Some must have made fun of Abraham when he changed his name. Recall also that Sarah, his wife, was barren, another hopeless case.
But Abraham was fully persuaded by God’s Word and called himself what God had called him. In the same way, you have to learn to agree with God and His Word. Accept your new Identity and reality in Christ. He’s called you holy, righteous, prosperous, victorious, more than a conqueror, etc. So walk in agreement with God, with His description and perception of you.
When Paul wanted to address the Christians in Ephesus, he referred to them as saints and the faithful (Ephesians 1:1), Which is your description. If you aren’t a saint, you’re not born again because saints are those born again. In Colossians 1:22, He calls you holy, unblameable, and unreproveable. Accept and walk in the light of these truths, and you’ll be productive in your faith walk of righteousness.
NOT ASHAMED TO BE A CHRISTIAN
Whosoever, therefore, shall be ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. – Mark 8:38
Hebrews 2:11 describes our oneness with Jesus Christ, for which reason He isn’t ashamed to call us «brethren»— that is, His brothers and sisters. Like the Lord Jesus, Paul wasn’t ashamed of His Identity with God’s people either.
In Acts 20:32, for example, he called the believers in the Church at Ephesus brethren, which refers to the brotherhood, fellow citizens with the saints, and the household of God. Being born of the Spirit, we’re heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Yet, sadly, some Christians are ashamed to be identified with other believers.
When you refer to them as brother or sister so and so, they quickly rebuff it and say, “Just call me by name; don’t add “brother” or “sister” to it.” Never be that way. Your association with Jesus Christ and His Church is the greatest, most honorable, and most inspiring Identity you could ever have. So Celebrate it at every opportunity. Seize every moment to glorify Jesus Christ.
Recall the priceless words of the Lord Jesus in Mark 8. If you’re ashamed to let the world—your friends, family members, colleagues, etc.—know that you’re born again and a member of the household of faith, the Master will also be ashamed to acknowledge you before the Father and the angels.
Irrespective of anyone’s perception of Christianity, we have the most dignified Identity; don’t take it lightly! What could be more sublime than being an associate of God-kind? Always be excited that you’re a Christian. Be unapologetic in declaring your unwavering allegiance to Christ, His Church, and other believers. Nothing should make you dissociate yourself from Christ or repudiate your oneness with Him! Even the fiercest threats or persecution from the adversary shouldn’t get you to crouch.
CONFESSING YOUR CHRISTIANITY
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels (Luke 9:26).
The first step of Identity is openly declaring that you’re a Christian. But some people already have trouble letting everyone know they are identified with Christ. They don’t want anyone to know who they are. Such people are those who wouldn’t be bold enough to announce to their friends and family members that they have received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
Some have refused to tell their colleagues or friends for fear of rejection. But, if you’re ashamed to let your friends, family, or colleagues know that you’re born again, you can’t live a victorious Christian life that way. Jesus said He would also be ashamed to acknowledge you before God the Father and the angels. I’m sure you don’t want that.
Therefore, announce to them and say, “Look here, everybody, I’m born again.” That’s the first step to victory. If you desire to enjoy the benefits of salvation and be committed to Christ, you must be bold about your Identity in Him. Your first declaration of who you are produces a new identity.
Also, when you declare who you are before men, the power of God is released through you into your world, creating the right atmosphere around you that will enhance your spiritual growth. Remember, whatever you announce with your mouth is what people will call you. For me, it’s a thing of honor and joy to be identified with Jesus. Irrespective of what anyone thinks, Christians have the most sublime Identity. I always walk tall wherever I am, eager to let those around me know I believe in Jesus Christ.
KNOWING YOUR TRUE SELF EMPOWERS YOU
Stand firm, and you will win life. Luke 21:19.
The words above are the words of Jesus, and He’s telling us to always be in control no matter what is going on at the moment; He is assuring us that if we can stand firm on the Word, we will win. Standing strong, irrespective of the challenge, is an attitude of victory. Nothing shakes us when we are confident in the Lord, in His ability and power at work in and through us.
Perhaps we suddenly received news that our spouse, child, or loved one had been rushed to the hospital for an emergency. Instead of being rattled, be in charge and control. We shouldn’t start pacing the floor, edgy about the situation; we should relax and be in control!
We should never panic or be overwhelmed with fear when facing dire circumstances or opposition; we must maintain our composure and use our authority in Christ. Pray in rest, for He’s brought us into His rest. We must be wise enough to take hold of God’s Word, know who we are and our authority in Christ, and then issue commands. Tame the situation.
Our challenges are “bread” for us; they’re the springboard to our next and higher level of glory. That’s why the Bible says, “Count it all joy when you go through divers tests” (James 1:2). 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 calls the adversities you face “light afflictions,” transient and short-lived troubles-they produce for you far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
There’s nothing in this world that should get us ruffled or agitated. Meditate on those words of Jesus in John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. You have tribulation, trials, distress, and frustration in the world, but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
PUT ON YOUR NEW YOU
Ephesians 4:24. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Even when Satan stole God’s Identity in us through Adam, we got it back, and we have a new identity in Christ. Glory!
In Romans 5:12. Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
Adam sold his birthright, and that single act affects everyone, not because of what we did. What we call sin today is the manifestation of its nature that we inherited from Adam, but the good news is that God, being so kind, Lovely, and Gracious, sent Christ to re-instate us better than the life of Adam in Genesis 1:26 to 28. Our new birth in Christ is of the incorruptible seed.
Halleluja!
God is a good God all the time. So, we should not use our worst experiences today to redefine God. See, no matter how far we might have fallen from the track, God already knows that will happen, so He already has a plan for you.
We have to stop, as time is not on our side. But before we stop, let us look at some scriptures of Christ’s accomplishments.
There is a lot to talk about regarding our Identity. The truth is that we struggle in our relationship with God because of our fallen image of ourselves. If you want to benefit from what God has in store for you, then you must focus on your new nature irrespective of your everyday wrong actions.
Be conscious of who God said He had made you. You become what you focus on. Stop focusing on sin by thinking about what to do or what you might have done wrong.
If God judges or relates with us on a sin level, no Christians will ever make heaven because we all think of sin in our minds every second. That we don’t act doesn’t mean we haven’t sinned if we truly follow the definition of sin.
1 Peter 2:24. “He himself bore (carried) our sins” ( singular SIN. The nature of sin which is the nature of Adam) in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ( right standing with God) “by his wounds you have been healed.”
2 Corinthians 5:21. For our sake, He (God) made Him (Christ) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ( Made right with God through Christ)
Romans 5:18. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
Our redemption was accomplished two thousand years ago, and all of that redemption’s benefits became available for all who believe. As a result, we have been freed from the power of sin and its consciousness and all its manifestations, including sickness.
