Who Are You, Christian?

As children of God, we are called to glorify our Heavenly Father. 1 Peter 2:9 reveals our identity as children of God or Christians, and also our purpose as believers or sons and daughters of God.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1Peter 2:9)

IDENTITY:

Spirit-baptised believers are chosen, kings & priests, holy and strangers (to this world).Whom did God choose?But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)How are we a royal priesthood?And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5,6)Are we called to live holy?Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:13-16)How are we strangers?Israel were strangers in the land of Egypt, and GOd's mighty arm delivered them (Acts 13:17). Israel represents the New Testament believers, living in the world (Egypt).Jesus prayed, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (John‬ ‭17:16‬)Ephesians 2:19 reveals, believers are strangers in the world, but are fellow-citizens with the saints, and household of God.

PURPOSE:

We are called to shew forth the praises of God who has rescued us from a terrible darkness into His marvellous light. The darkness was truly a horrible one. Evidenced in the transformation of the heart in a believer as he leaves his old, worldly ways to live for Jesus in every area of his life.When we realise our identity in Christ, and seek Jesus alone, His purpose is actioned in our lives through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 instructs us to walk in the leading of the Holy Spirit to fulfil God's will in our lives, helping us bring forth the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23)Purpose is established by Counsel - Proverbs 20:18.Counsel is received from the Holy Spirit - John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13 & 1 John 2:20 to cite a few. We also receive counsel from spiritual elders.When we are convicted, accept, and believe Jesus as our personal Saviour, a new life awaits us. A life that was previously unknown. That's why we have a new identity, as a new creation. The word of God (Bible) is the new book of instructions to live by. Separated from the philosophies and psychology of the world.Without truly knowing our identity and purpose of life, we will keep struggling as Christians. Meditate on the Word of God, day and night, everyday. Then, dear Christian, you will be like the tree planted by the riverside (Psalms 1:2,3).