Embracing Your Spiritual Identity in Christ
- Rev. Dr. N Patrick Marica
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Reverend Nick
What does it mean to be a Christian? At its heart, it’s about accepting a Savior who died not just for humanity, but for His bride—those who choose Him. As we explored in a recent session, this choice defines our spiritual identity, setting us apart in a fallen world ruled temporarily by Satan. Yet, as fleeting as a blade of grass in the grand scope of eternity (Job), our time here carries eternal weight. God has placed us in this existence to see the contrast—a world without His full dominion—so we can freely choose Him.
Scripture tells us, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). When Jesus died on the cross, He gave up His Spirit, and in a profound parallel, we too die to our old selves when we accept Him. The Holy Spirit takes residence within us, making us alive in a way the world cannot comprehend. This is no mere metaphor—it’s a transformation akin to flatlining on an operating table only to be revived instantaneously by His divine power. As Rev. Tim Keller once put it, “You are alive because the Spirit keeps you alive.” This is the foundation of our spiritual identity: we are spiritual creatures living a spiritual existence, placed in the natural realm to influence others by God’s perfect plan.
This identity carries a calling. We’re not here by accident—not in this life, this moment, or even this specific gathering. God chose our time, our parents, our purpose. We’re priests—not in the worldly sense with cassocks and collars, but in a deeper, biblical sense. We’re no less than royal emissaries! Like priests, we’re charged to live differently, to preach the gospel through our actions, and to influence others for Christ. How we carry ourselves—our reactions, thoughts, and demeanor—leaves a legacy. A road rage incident in Lynchburg, where one woman’s outburst contrasted with another’s grace, illustrates this vividly. Our influence, whether positive or negative, ripples beyond what we see.
The Bible reinforces this identity with transformative truths. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Greek, “new creation” implies something entirely unique—never existing before. You are a one-of-a-kind reflection of God’s glory, being renovated from the ground up, as Ephesians 4:22-24 urges us to put off the old self and embrace the new. A pastor’s admonition rings true: we don’t just need a fresh coat of paint; Jesus wants to tear down the old house and rebuild us anew.
This renovation bears fruit—eternal fruit. Ecclesiastes reminds us that earthly achievements fade, but a legacy of changed lives endures. We’re here to influence others for Jesus, to sow spiritual seeds that outlast us, impacting generations as Scripture promises (Exodus 20:6). Neuroscientists, or “neuroplasticians,” even affirm this biblical principle: the power of life and death lies in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Speak God’s truths over yourself—daily, intentionally—and in 60 days, watch your mind and heart align with your spiritual identity.
So, who are you in Christ? You’re God’s temple, united with Him, purchased by His blood, and anointed for His purpose. You’re a new creation, the righteousness of God, empowered to demolish evil and bear lasting fruit. You’re healed, forgiven, and destined for glory. This list isn’t wishful thinking—it’s your identity, proven by Scripture and activated by faith. As one speaker shared, reciting these truths rewires us, much like cognitive behavioral therapy reshapes thought patterns. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
Our mission flows from this identity: to submit to God out of love, commune with Him passionately, and influence others through blessing—not cursing. My old van with 630,000 miles still runs strong because it was blessed to reach 2 million. That’s the power of speaking life. We’re here to heal, disciple, and tear down Satan’s strongholds, all while being trained for heavenly tasks beyond imagination. Death is just a change of address; our true home awaits.
So let go of the old. See yourself as a priest, a spiritual being navigating the natural realm. Speak your identity aloud. Influence others not by accident, but by design. For in Christ, you are more than a conqueror—rebuilt, redeemed, and called to leave a legacy that echoes into eternity.
About Reverend Nick: Rev. Dr. Nick Marica is the Vice-Chancellor of Amherst Theological Seminary, and he has a D. Min. from Amherst Theological Seminary. He has his MA from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of the book: "The Walk Applied: Living the New Creation Life as a Citizen of God's Kingdom in a Secular World". He has also written "The Fasting and Prayer Handbook". Nick has been married to Kathy since 1985, and they are the proud parents of 3 children.
Contact Reverend Nick at:
Comments