Perhaps in part due to my upbringing and the “legalism” taught me during my formative Christian years, I spent most of my life with a paralyzing fear of God’s wrath. I struggled, failing to measure up in my own eyes. Overwhelmed by guilt, shame and fear; I could not believe that God truly loved me; despite His having saved me by Grace. Caught in the midst of a severe identity Crisis; I became paralyzed. Yet, God patiently and gently revealed His unconditional love for me over time. Furthermore, He guided me each step of the way to gain a full understanding of my identity in Christ Jesus.
One amazing part of embracing the truth of my identity in Christ, understanding Grace and the unmerited power of Christ in me; the less I sinned. I sin less when I quite trying to gain God’s pleasure and realize I already have it through Christ Jesus. In Christ, I am God’s chosen, redeemed, Beloved Child; heir of the kingdom, servant by choice, warrior mighty in His Strength, declared Saint, new creation, gifted by God, united with purpose, and enlightened by His Word of truth. Understanding this destroys my pride; because, I realize I can do none of this on my own. Furthermore, at the same time; this knowledge raises within me the power to march on through any trial or difficulty this world confronts me with. I march on with steadfast, abiding joy that fills me with strength to face every battle of life.
WHY AREN’T WE TOLD OUR TRUE IDENTITY IN CHRIST
Many preachers fear teaching the truth of our Grace Position; because they think people will take advantage of God’s kindness by accepting grace and running after sin. The truth is quite the opposite! Those who truly understand their position in Christ, cling closer to Him and desire to please Him; because of their love for Him. Anyone who would abuse God’s Grace, doesn’t really know God’s Grace. Those moments in which I failed God horribly, came during times when I strove to please Him by working very hard in my own strength; never fully understanding my position held firm in Christ Jesus.
Some would say this is the power of positive thinking! In a sense; maybe; only the power source does not come from my own mind. Rather, the power source begins with God IS and my being exists only in HIM, without whom I am nothing. Beginning with that premise, I draw closely, tightly into His bosom. No more can I rely on my strength to bring Him feeble gifts made with my own hand. David and Peter both learned that lesson through failure; and so, did I.
LESSONS OF GRACE
Over the years, I had learned the foundational truths of place and of purpose, as outlined earlier in this series. Yet, because I did not fully understand the riches that are mine in Christ; I struggled with performance. In fact, I found myself at times; struggling against sin, the same sin repeatedly. Not because I defiantly shook my fists against God or truly desired the sin over God. Instead, I repeatedly believed the lies whispering in my head; instead the truth of my position in Christ. I just did not know how to apply the treasures I had been given. Instead, because I did not realize my position in Christ; I was always working from my own effort, trying to please God to gain His pleasure.
Living in the premise of being a “sinner, saved by Grace” presented a definite identity crisis. As I focused on my being always a sinner. This statement, though true; takes my focus once more off Christ’s redeeming work within me and focuses my thoughts on me. Because of this, when a thought toward sin would rise in my heart; I would double down on reading scripture, listening to sermons, attending church, and praying even—arguing with myself about the desires. This proved useless; because, deep in my heart lay the problem. I thought I had to earn God’s love and I believed I wasn’t good enough for anyone to love. Deep inside there lay a fear of rejection as well as the root of pride.
FEAR OF REJECTION FROM PRIDE
Pride lays at the heart of one’s fear of rejection. Sound strange? The core element of fearing rejection is pride, wanting to be better, loved more, and admired by everyone you meet. Therefore, your antennas are always alert to possible rejection. When we fear rejection by God, our mind becomes obsessed with potential failures. Working harder to gain pleasure, we fall victim to the very sins we fight against. We, like Peter scream, “God, I would never betray you!” We mean it; yet, we forgot this truth. “My power is not in my proclaiming it. My power is in Christ!”
EPHESIANS 1:3-12
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
KNOWING MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST BY GRACE
Realizing my position in Christ as God’s Chosen, Beloved Child doesn’t cause me to be less concerned about sin’s consequences. Instead, I serve out of love not duty. Knowing His power indwells me, I stop fighting, so He can fight for me. I have found, I sin less when I abide in Christ; allowing the full sap to rise from the roots of my faith. When I struggle to gain His pleasure, ignoring the fact that I have His pleasure; then, I choke out the nourishing sap that He desires to feed me with. Again, it is an act of pride that desires to earn His favor; rather, than to enjoy His pleasure. Trying to justify His love for me; diminishes God’s glorious Grace.
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, if you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right? So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling. If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written: You can find a link at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.