Identity in Truth: In Christ, You Are…
As Christian women, it is not only important for us to know our purpose, why we exist, but also to understand our identity, in other words, who we are.
We live in a world that constantly tries to define us, even as believers. We are often defined by what we do, what we achieve, what we own, or how others perceive us. Yet this was never how it was meant to be. Our identity was never designed to rest on temporary or shifting things like achievements or titles; it was always meant to be found in who God, our Creator, says we are. Unfortunately, as with many other things, our true identity has become distorted.
Purpose flows from identity. So, if we are to live a purposeful life, our identity must be firmly rooted in truth. In other words, we must know who we are in Christ. This begins with understanding what identity truly is, how it became distorted, and how Christ restores it. Only then can we begin to live from the unshakable truth of who God says we are.
At its simplest, identity answers the question: who am I?
It shapes how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we live our lives.
In Genesis 1–3, at the very beginning of creation, before sin entered the world, God establishes humanity’s identity as firm and secure in Him. Genesis 1:27 tells us that God created mankind “in His own image.” This is the Bible’s first identity statement, revealing who humanity was created to be: image-bearers of God, the most supreme Being.
This declaration is what set humanity apart from every other part of creation. We were not simply created to exist or function, but created with a deeper sense of being. We were formed with inherent and undeniable worth, carrying God-given value from the very beginning. To be made in God’s image meant that humanity was created to reflect Him, represent Him, and live in relationship with Him. Our identity was rooted in God Himself, secure, intentional, and unshaken.
Additionally, Adam and Eve’s identity was not rooted in performance or productivity. Before they ever worked the ground or fulfilled any assignment, they were already known, loved, significant, and accepted. They did not need to do anything to earn this. Their identity flowed from who they belonged to, not from what they did. They knew who they were because they knew God.
When sin entered the world, it didn’t just affect behaviour; it affected identity too.
Sin separated humanity from God, and in that separation, we no longer knew who we belonged to. As a result, our sense of being became distorted. Yet the innate desire to be known, loved, significant, secure, and accepted remained. Because our relationship with God was broken by sin, He was no longer able to meet these needs in the way He did in the beginning, and we were left empty.
From that moment on, humanity began building identity on external things such as careers, titles, beauty, and reputation in an attempt to feel whole. We began striving to feel significant and successful, seeking approval to feel accepted, and doing whatever we could to feel secure. But this was never how it was meant to be.
The truth is that while these things may feel like solid foundations on which to build our identity, they are fragile and unstable. Careers can change, success can fade, approval can be withdrawn, beauty can diminish, and circumstances can shift without warning. When identity is built on things that can be lost, it leaves us vulnerable to insecurity, fear, and constant striving, and it prevents us from walking in alignment with who God has created and called us to be.
That is why our identity must be found in Christ alone. Unlike everything else, He is a firm and unchanging foundation, the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The great hope of the gospel is that, through Christ, God restores what was broken through the fall.
Through Christ, we are:
- Made alive - we are no longer spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:4–5).
- Set free from sin - we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6–7).
- Forgiven and redeemed - we are no longer condemned (Colossians 1:13–14).
And most importantly, reconciled to God. The veil has been torn, the wall of sin has been destroyed, and we are no longer a far from Him (2 Corinthians 5:18–19).
Through Christ, our relationship with God is restored, and with it, our identity.
Firstly, we can once again stand firm in the truth that we are image-bearers of God. We carry inherent worth and value that cannot and should not be shaken. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells within us. There is no greater source of significance than that.
Secondly, living from our identity in Christ means we no longer have to base our identity on things of the world, but rather the things of The Word. Scripture tells us that in Christ, we are chosen, secure, called, forgiven, redeemed, and blessed. Not because of anything we've done, but because of everything He's done.
In Christ, we are once again invited to live from identity rather than striving for it. We are not trying to earn God’s love or approval, or anyone else’s for that matter. We live from a place of already being loved and accepted. When we stand firm in our identity in Christ, our worth is no longer fragile or conditional. It is secure because it is rooted in God’s unchanging truth. From this place, we are free to walk boldly in who God has created and called us to be.
Understanding our identity in Christ is not just a one-time revelation, it’s a truth we must return to daily. In a world that constantly tries to redefine us, we need intentional reminders of who God says we are. That’s why I created the I AM collection, a range of notebooks and highlighters designed to reaffirm your identity in Christ every time you use them. They’re simple tools, but powerful reminders, helping you anchor your heart in truth as you read, write, pray, and reflect. If you’re looking for practical ways to stay rooted in who God has called you to be, I invite you to take a look in the shop.