Your/Our Identity in Christ: Finding Who We Are in Who He is

Who are you?

Depending on how deep you want to go, that can be a really hard question to answer. What words would you use to describe yourself to someone who genuinely wants to get to know you better? Would it be a good talk or stressful?

The world has a lot of suggestions for the types of words we could use to share about who we are. We sometimes identify ourselves by our fandoms (Swiftie, Potterhead). Many people online identify strongly by political parties (Republican, Democrat). Nowadays, many are quick to define themselves by their sexual or gender identity (Gay, Bi, Straight; Trans, Non-Binary, Gender Fluid, etc.). When I was growing up, that was less common. Instead, everyone wanted to know your zodiac sign for some reason. And of course, we have our religious affiliations (Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian… but also what type of Christian—Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, non-denominational, etc.).

None of these terms, by themselves, can be a full explanation of who a person is. These often give us only a small part of the picture. What I hope this book will do is challenge you to see that these words the world uses to identify you are not the most important part of your identity. If you are a Christian, who you are in Christ is what is most important. God’s word has SO much to say about this, and all of it, quite honestly, is stinking awesome! I’d love to see someone after reading this book change their bio to “I’m a sheep of the Good Shepherd” or “I’m a part of the Body of Christ.” That should lead to some great talks.

FOREWORD

“Who am I?” This generation of young adults faces an identity crisis like no previous generation. Culture shouts at them to get their identity from material comforts, status, experiences, gender, and sexuality. Hyper-individualism makes matters even worse. While relationships with family, community, and God offer a valuable source of identity, young adults are told to “look inside themselves,” “discover their own truth,” and “find their authentic self.” Identity is a buffet with infinite choices. These messages are magnified on the internet and social media and have created the most anxious, depressed, and aimless generation in American history.

Thankfully, the remedy is finding identity in Christ! In my twenty-five years of ministry to college-age students, the most crucial task in discipleship is helping students understand who they are IN JESUS. Time and time again, young adults have been delivered from sin, set free from deception, and given significant purpose after a glimpse of their status as children of God.

That’s why I’m grateful for this simple yet profound work by my friend, David Sanchez. David brings the skill and wisdom of a Biblical scholar and ethicist but writes in a way that is totally accessible to any adult or teen. David unpacks deep truths from scripture and makes them relatable to real life. This book not only walks through nine powerful Biblical images that frame our identity in Christ, but also provides practical application of these truths, empowering readers to apply these teachings in their daily lives. These nine images are thoughtfully chosen: we are sheep, a new creation, adopted, the light of the world, the body of Christ, his priests, the bride of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and vessels for honor. Scattered throughout are real and powerful testimonies from people who learn to overcome struggles by finding their ultimate identity in Christ. David’s style is easy, enjoyable, and inspiring to read.

This book is not just a resource, it is a beacon of hope. It will help countless people understand and appreciate who they are in Christ, transforming their lives in profound ways. It is a resource needed at a time like this. I wholeheartedly endorse it and encourage you to dive into its contents! Meditate on each chapter. Look up Bible verses in their context and do further study. Ask God to transform your view of yourself. May this book empower you “... together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:18)

Gary Stidham Director of Training Texas Baptist Student Ministry