Read: Ephesians 1:1-14

Identity is a big point of conversation these days.  In all of those conversations we must never forget who we are in Christ Jesus as his children.  In Ephesians 1 Paul proclaims that because we are in Christ we are many things. Redeemed, pardoned, lavished with grace, wise with knowledge, and filled with God’s good pleasure are just some of the definitions of who you are.

Often when we attend a new group or event we have the opportunity to introduce ourselves to others.  How do you usually introduce who you are? Most likely you start with your name, then maybe where you live, then maybe your job or career, how many children you have, what brought you to the group or event.  But do we ever start by saying “My name is… I am a follower of Jesus Christ and in Him I am redeemed, pardoned, lavished with grace…” and so on?

It might seem a bit awkward to start in that way but by the time you get to know those people they should definitely know that is a huge part of who you are. 1 Peter 2:9 is a wonderful verse that describes who we are.  It says, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  There in that verse is another description of who we are in Christ.  People called out of darkness and into the light of Jesus. Now that is good news to share. 

In her commentary on Ephesians Joyce Meyer writes this… “Many Christians spend their lives trying to get something that is already theirs in Christ.  They may try to be right with God through their own good works and behavior, yet they always end up disappointed because they always fail. However, when they see the glorious truth of the gospel and realize that because they are in Christ, God already views them as being in right standing with Him, then their struggle ceases and joy increases.”