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1 Ferguson, S.B. In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life. Ligonier Ministries, 2007.
Approved by faculty for the College of Theology on March 6, 2024
1 Ferguson, S.B. In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life. Ligonier Ministries, 2007.
Approved by faculty for the College of Theology on March 6, 2024
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Throughout the beautiful pages of God's Word, our true identity is vividly painted: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are," (1 John 3:1, ESV). Despite this profound clarity, as chosen children of God, we often find ourselves entangled in the web of others' opinions. It's a glaring testimony of our forgetful nature.
The rhythm that we continually find in both the Old and New Testament Scriptures is remember, remember, remember because we need to be reminded (Deut. 8:18, Isa. 46:9, John 12:16, and John 14:26). Reminding ourselves that our identity in Christ surpasses the judgments of others becomes a sacred practice we must repeatedly engage in and consistently embrace.
As new creations, believers are charged to challenge the fleeting standards of success and appearance that society imposes. By reflecting on the transformative journey of a biblical figure like Paul, whose identity underwent a radical shift, we witness the power of God's transformative touch (2 Corinthians 3:18).
According to Sinclair B. Ferguson, “union with our Lord depends on His grace. Of course, we are actively and personally united to Christ by faith (John 14:12). But faith itself is rooted in the activity of God. It is the Father who, as the divine Gardner, has grafted us into Christ. It is Christ, by His Word, who has cleansed us to fit us for union with Himself (John 15:3).”1 The willingness to bear the weight of suffering, to walk the thorny path of empathy and compassion, becomes a living testimony of our divine lineage. It is a sacred covenant, etched in the heart, binding us to the legacy of the savior who bore the ultimate suffering for the sake of love.
The Christian journey begins with the Scriptures, which declare the believer's identity as children of God. In Romans 8:16-17, the Apostle Paul highlights a profound truth, revealing the Holy Spirit's transformative power in a Christian's life. At the core of this spiritual journey lies the witness of the Spirit, the divine assurance that transcends the boundaries of the earthly realm. The witness of the Spirit becomes a gentle whisper, a sacred affirmation resonating within our spirit, affirming that we are God's beloved child. It is an intimate communion, an eternal bond forged in the crucible of faith.
Yet, this sacred kinship extends beyond mere inheritance. God's children, adopted through his grace, are also heirs of his promises. The promises, like precious gems, illuminate the path ahead, guiding the faithful through the intricate journey of life. Each promise is a beacon of hope, a testament to the benevolence of a loving creator. Delving even deeper into the transformative power of understanding one's identity in Christ, the Apostle Paul proclaims, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come,” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV).
In conclusion, the witness of the Spirit, the inheritance of promises, and the willingness to endure suffering weave together a tapestry of faith. Remember, it is a story of profound connection, where the Spirits’ whisper guides, promises illuminate, and the crucible of suffering refines. In embracing these spiritual truths, the believer discovers their identity as God's child and the sublime calling to emulate Christ's sacrificial life and love. Remember that societal norms do not define your identity because you are rooted in God's unchanging love, plan and purpose.
Remember to rest in the words of Psalm 18:2, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold,” (Psalm 18:2, ESV). Anchor yourself in God's unshakeable love, for in love, we find strength, purpose, and unwavering confidence in him.
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Throughout this journey, purpose and identity become inseparable companions, walking hand in hand through the peaks and valleys of life (Matthew 16:24). God’s Word invites us to see that, just as the potter molds the clay with purpose in mind (Isaiah 64:8), God shapes our identity through the mosaic of joyous and challenging experiences. In our willingness to embrace God’s unfolding purpose, even when the path is veiled in shadows of insecurity, we discover the radiant light of our identity as children of the king.
As the narrative unfolds, the essence of true discipleship becomes clear – not merely following Christ in moments of ease but with a steadfast commitment to walk the path he walked, enduring suffering for the sake of a greater purpose (2 Timothy 2:3). In this journey, purpose and identity find their ultimate fulfillment, and the narrative becomes a living testament to the transformative power of embracing God's purpose for our identity (Romans 8:28).
However, the narrative takes an even deeper turn, delving into the essence of true discipleship. It unfolds against the backdrop of willingness — a readiness to follow in the footsteps of Christ, even in the face of suffering (Jeremiah 29:11). For in the crucible of adversity, a profound truth emerges — a willingness to endure trials becomes a distinctive mark of God's children (Proverbs 3:5-6). Purpose and identity are woven together by the divine hand of God. Scripture serves as the guiding light, illuminating the path to understanding and embracing God's purpose for our identity. As we embark on this spiritual journey, the narrative takes a profound turn, diving into the very essence of true discipleship.
Scripture resonates with stories of those who, with unwavering faith, embraced the purpose set forth by God, even during trials. The narrative unfolds like a sacred scroll, where characters like Job, Joseph and the apostles stand as testimonies to the intertwining of purpose and identity. Their stories become echoes in the vast cathedral of faith, resonating with the truth that enduring trials is not merely a test but a testament to our identity as bearers of God's purpose.
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