Christian identity, a distinct and unparalleled existence, is not a universal privilege but a selective inclusion in God’s eternal salvation. It stands apart from any other identity, making it a unique and exclusive experience. God, in His wisdom, chooses those He places in Christ.

What is Christian Identity?

Christian Identity, while significant, is not a complex concept. It’s a profound and unique connection with God, a gift bestowed upon us through His grace. This, combined with unwavering faith in Christ as His only Son, sets a believer apart from those who defy God.

Those living during Jesus’s reign on earth first witness His existence from God. This happened when Christ received baptism from John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-15). Then, immediately after emerging from the water, the heavens opened, and God’s Spirit hovered over Him (Matthew 3:16).

Afterwards, God said:

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17, NKJV

Could you imagine witnessing God’s presence in such a mighty way?

From that point onward, Jesus unearthed His deity to fulfill God’s eternal salvation plan. After His Ascension back into heaven, He unleashed the Holy Spirit to continue edifying His followers (John 16:5-16).

Once God places us in Christ, we gain insight into our sinful nature. As a result of acknowledging our sins, repentance surfaces, and God cleanses our hearts (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).

With this in mind, Christian identification is a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s a conviction leading to the undeniable understanding that Jesus died on the cross to forgive sin. There isn’t any other way to God because Christ’s bloodshed is God’s new covenant with humanity (Luke 22:20).

The essence of Christianity begins with love. This love comes from God (John 3:16) and is manifested in Christ (John 14:21). Indeed, our heavenly Father holds love as His two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40).

In today’s world, people living outside God’s kingdom fill themselves with hate, unforgiveness, and self-righteous condemnation. They quickly disown (cancel culture) others for past or present transgressions. Instead of loving them through forgiveness, they deem themselves as the judge, unaware of their inequities (Matthew 7:3).  

Divine affection is best exemplified when we love those who are our adversaries. Jesus commands us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). Christ promises us that when we love in this way, our identity shifts from self-centeredness to one of His disciples (John 13:34-35).

One of the most extraordinary acts of loving others is forgiving them for hurting us. Christ shows us God’s outlook on forgiving others.

Jesus said:

 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15, NIV

As shown above, forgiving others is a significant part of Christian Identity. Jesus clarifies that God commands us not to hold hostility toward our neighbors, but this doesn’t mean we won’t struggle to forgive others.

No, Christ points out that God first forgave us, and now we must show this same action to those who inflict us with hurtful intentions. A point often overlooked is that we don’t have the spiritual strength to love in this way. Only Christ has this incredible ability to provide us with this kind of unconditional love.

Jesus told us this:

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30, NKJV

As can be seen, relying on Jesus will ease our hurt from others. Christ’s gentleness, coupled with His love, allows us the courage to let go of the pain caused by inequity. The more I cast my burdens onto Him, the more I desire to forgive. I no longer see the need to hold onto resentment.

Conclusion

Given these points, Christian Identity abides in Christ, resulting in love and forgiving others. These are only two markings of a saved soul. God’s gift of the Holy Spirit lets us know He is with us. The fruit of His Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) contains nine distinct characteristics of a Christian. Each of them shows others our oneness with Christ.

How do you identify as a Christian?