2 Timothy 1:9 (AMP)
“He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling… not because of our works… but because of His own purpose and grace…”

Did you know your identity is no longer founded in what you look like, what you do, or where you are from? In Christ, you have been given a new identity — and a new purpose. The dictionary defines identity as “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.” While personality and behavior certainly reveal something about us, they are not the foundation of who we are. Your true identity is not found in performance. It is found in your new life in Christ.

Paul reminds Timothy that we were saved and called “not because of our works,” but because of God’s purpose and grace. That means your identity was established by Him — not earned by you. Yes, we are called to holiness. Yes, we are called to live consecrated lives — set apart, purposeful, reflective of Christ. But those changes are the result of identity, not the source of it.

Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ. As that happens, things change in our lives. But those changes are evidence of who we already are — not proof that we finally qualified. The Apostle John wrote:

“See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would be named and called the children of God! And so we are!” (1 John 3:1 AMP)

That phrase is powerful: “And so we are.”

Not “we might become.”
Not “if we perform well.”
Not “if we impress Him.”

We are His children. I do not have to try to impress God by doing good things or living the right way. The transformation in my life flows from a profound love and desire to please my Father — because He first loved me. John goes on to say:

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us…” (1 John 4:10 AMP)

Christ did what no one else could do — He gave us a new heart. And because of that, we can rest securely in the loving arms of God, knowing He will never leave us or forsake us. That is why it is so important to know who you are in Christ.

You are not striving for identity.
You are living from it.

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Ken