Most of us can remember bad behavior we’ve displayed in a particular situation, and wondered if those actions define who we are. It’s unnerving to consider getting ensnared in our mistakes and being unable to change from the person we don’t want to be. Thankfully, when we rely on God to transform us, it is possible to change for the better. Transformation begins with knowing who we really are in Christ.

Unlike what the world tells us, we’re not what we do; we’re what God says we are, regardless of our past. When we get born again, we receive new identities in Christ. Anyone in Christ is a new creature; old things have passed away and all things are new. Paul, a former sinner, completely believed in the new identity he received after his personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

As “Saul,” he had done plenty wrong; he routinely made havoc of the church and put believers in prison. However, as a new creation in Christ, “Paul” could truthfully say he had wronged, corrupted, or defrauded no man. Because his past was gone, he was able to declare that he was pure from the blood of all men.

Despite what he had done before, Paul received grace. This unearned, undeserved favor from God caused him to change his mind concerning who he was, which in turn led to a change in behavior. For us, this means that no matter what we’ve done, accepting Christ frees us from having to continue associating with our old selves; that’s just not who we are anymore. We’ve gone from sinners to saints.

When we’re in Christ, His identity becomes our identity. We’re holy because He’s holy; as He is, so are we in this world. Holiness isn’t a conduct; holiness is a person, and His name is Jesus. When we’re sure of our identity in Him, our transformation is inevitable.  

Prayer:

God, now that we’re under grace, we no longer have to work to be holy or righteous in Your eyes. This frees us from carrying guilt over our past mistakes and lets us be who You created us to be. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

2 Corinthians 5:17

Acts 8:3

2 Corinthians 7:2

Acts 20:26

Ephesians 2:19

1 Peter 1:16

1 Corinthians 1:30, NLT