Identity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we make sense of the world around us.

But what is identity, exactly?

And what does it even mean to have an identity in Christ?

The scriptures are full of truth about who we are and what it means to be a child of God. So let’s dive right in to what it means to have an identity in Christ.

You might also like: Discovering your God-given purpose starts with knowing your identity.

What is identity?

Identity can be defined as “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.” However, I find that is a rather simplistic definition for a rather complex concept.

Each of us have a unique set of characteristics, traits, beliefs and values that define who we are. Identity can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as our upbringing, cultural background, education, experiences, and personal choices. It is shaped and formed throughout our lives and changes over time.

Identity plays a crucial role in how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. It is what makes us unique and distinguishes us from others. Our identity affects our behavior, attitudes, and interactions with others. It is also closely related to our self-esteem and self-worth, as our sense of identity can contribute to feelings of belonging and purpose.

In other words, understanding our identity fuels our senses of belonging and purpose.

Read more: Dear Christian, Stay Curious.

What does it mean to have our Identity in Christ?

The world teaches us that we find our identity within roles or status, or alternatively, that if we look hard enough, we will find our identity from within ourselves. However, the Bible reveals that God is the one who defines our identity.

If we go right back to the beginning, before sin entered the world, we see in Genesis, that Adam and Eve experienced their true identity in its purest form. All their sense of self-worth, purpose and meaning coming directly from the mouth of God. It was from this place of true identity, they were able to have an intimate relationship with God.

However, sin entered the world (Romans 5:12), separated us from God and ruined humanity’s sense of identity. Intimacy with God was no longer the same. But God, in His rich mercy, loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 2:4-5).

By grace, Jesus took the punishment for our sins so that He could restore our separation from God, and we could boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place (Hebrews 10:18-19). Therefore, when we put our faith in Jesus, we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is by God’s love and grace that he has restored our identity, and made us new!

Read more: What does it mean to be fully loved and known by God?

Our Identity as a Child of God

For Christians, having our identity in Christ means that we find our sense of self-worth, purpose, and value in Jesus. This means that our identity is not defined by our accomplishments, status, possessions, or any other external factors, but rather by our position as beloved children of God. Through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God’s family (Ephesians 1:5) and given a new identity as a child of God (John 1:12-13).

This identity is rooted in God’s love for us and is unchanging, even when we face difficult circumstances or struggle with sin. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we become more like Him, reflecting His love and character to the world around us.

So to put it simply, your identity in Christ is who God says you are.

Discovering who God says you are, is one of the most beautiful and life-giving things you could learn about yourself. Because he created you on purpose, for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11).

The world’s attempt to offer you a meaning and purpose, will never satisfy. Because God is the one that created and called you for a divine and beautiful purpose.

If you want to discover the beauty of who God has created and called you to be, and are ready to live in the fullness of life that Jesus offers us, check out Daughters of the King: Unveiling Identity.

16 Scriptures about your Identity in Christ

Below are 16 Bible verses on identity in Christ, to help you discover your true identity as a child of God.

1. You are a child of God.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 

John 1:12-13

2. You are fully known by God.

My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:15-16

3. You are fully loved by God.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

1 John 4:16

4. You are called by name.

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Isaiah 43:1

5. God has plans and a future for you.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

6. God has made you righteous.

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

Romans 3:22

7. You are no longer a slave to sin.

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

Romans 6:6

8. You are a masterpiece.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:10

Read more: 20 Meaningful Bible Verses about Purpose

9. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? 

1 Corinthians 6:19

10. You are chosen, holy and blameless before God.

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Ephesians 1:4

11. God provides for all your needs.

 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

12. You are chosen.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you.

1 Thessalonians 1:4

13. He will establish and guard you against the enemy.

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

14. You are one with other believers in the body.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27

15. God lavishes his love on us and calls us His children.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 John 3:1

16. You are a friend of God.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

John 15:15

Want to Learn to Live in the Fullness of Your Identity in Christ?

If you want to uncover the beauty of who God has created and called you to be, and are ready to live in the fullness of life that Jesus gives us, why not check out Daughters of the King: Unveiling Identity.

It is a five part, intensive series for women who long to discover and boldly walk in the beauty and fullness of their true identity as a daughter of the King. Because, dear friend, you are God’s masterpiece.
It is time to get real about the transformative truth of who God is and who he has called you to be. Because, knowing your true identity as a daughter of the King, well, it changes everything.