Please enjoy this guest post on my website from Zeeva Usman about being rooted in Christ by knowing and living out our God-given identity in Christ.
Just as a tree needs deep roots to stand firm against the storms, we must root our lives in Christ. This means anchoring ourselves in His Word, engaging in prayer, and cultivating a personal relationship with Him. When we are deeply rooted in Christ, we will not be easily shaken by life’s trials or deceived by false teachings.
Putting Off the Old, Embracing the New
The Bible teaches that as believers, we are made new in Christ, but we must actively choose to live in that new God-given identity:
Ephesians 4:22-24 – “That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
Our old self is tied to sinful habits, but in Christ, we are given a new nature. However, this transformation requires an active choice—just like changing into new clothes, we must consciously “put on” the righteousness that God provides.
Victory in Spiritual Warfare
The mind is a battleground. Not every thought we have is from God. We must identify and reject lies that contradict God’s Word—such as fear, doubt, and condemnation—and replace them with His truth:
2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
Salvation is a new beginning, but transformation is an ongoing process. We are no longer defined by past failures or sins; we have a new God-given identity in Christ. Righteousness is not something we earn—it is a gift from Christ through faith. Our role is to walk in that righteousness, living according to God’s will and resisting sin.
Living in Our True God-Given Identity
Putting on the new man is a daily choice. We must actively reject old sinful habits and walk in obedience to Christ. Our thoughts shape our actions, so capturing negative, ungodly thoughts and replacing them with God’s truth is essential.
Our journey of faith is one of constant renewal, learning to embrace our true identity in Christ and walk in the fullness of His grace.
Our God-Given Identity in Christ
- We are not our past mistakes; we are new creations, washed clean by Jesus’ sacrifice.
- We walk in Christ’s righteousness, not our own. He has given us His holiness, and we must live in a way that reflects Him.
- The truth of our God-given status in Christ is so incredible that it may seem too good to be true—but it is absolutely real.
Satan, the “cut-off withering branch,” seeks to deceive, accusing and attacking our God-given identity in Christ. However, God’s Word assures us of our value, security, and authority as His children:
John 1:12 – “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
We are not merely servants or followers; we are God’s children, adopted into His family through Christ. Our status is not earned but granted by grace—a legal and spiritual transformation.
Romans 8:17 – “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.”
Satan wants to keep us ignorant of this truth, but God’s Word reminds us of our heavenly privileges.
Rejecting the Enemy’s Lies
Satan is the master of identity theft, whispering lies that we are not good enough, not forgiven, or unworthy of God’s love. He uses fear, condemnation, and guilt to separate us from the truth of who we are in Christ.
John 10:10 – “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Revelation 12:10 – “For the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”
The devil’s full-time job is accusing us, but God has already declared us righteous through Jesus. We must reject the lies and stand firm in the truth of our God-given identity.
Our Worth in Christ
Our worth is determined by the price paid for us—Jesus’ blood. If God did not withhold His Son to redeem us, then we must be precious in His sight.
1 Corinthians 6:20 – “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Isaiah 43:4 – “Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you.”
God calls us precious, honored, and loved—not forsaken or forgotten. Our value is rooted in God’s love and purpose, not our past failures.
Standing Firm in Our God-Given Identity
- We are children of God. Our identity is secure in Christ, and nothing can change that.
- Satan tries to deceive us. His goal is to steal our confidence, but we must stand on God’s Word.
- We are incredibly valuable to God. The highest price was paid for us—Jesus’ life—proving our worth.
- We must reject the enemy’s lies. God’s truth is greater than our doubts, failures, or feelings.
Salvation: A Divine Rescue Mission
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ was not just a response to human sin—it was a deliberate, costly, and loving rescue operation designed by the Father Himself. God did not merely create a religion for us; He established a new covenant that transforms us from lost sinners into His beloved children.
Lessons to Embrace
- Salvation was never about our performance—it was about God’s love for His image-bearers.
- The Father valued us enough to send His Son. His love is personal, intentional, and sacrificial.
- Salvation is not just forgiveness—it is a complete rebirth into a new God-given identity.
- We are not only forgiven but also blessed, chosen, and made holy in Christ.
- Our salvation is full and complete, covering every need—righteousness, healing, deliverance, and favor.
- Satan’s strategy is to deceive us into believing we are still unworthy and powerless.
- We must stop measuring our worth by our performance and fully receive God’s grace.
- Our failures do not define us—God’s grace and identity in Christ do.
- We are not orphans in faith; we are fully adopted, loved, and empowered by the Father.
- In Christ, we are not just redeemed—we are given authority over the enemy.
Our freedom in Christ is activated by believing and agreeing with His truth. The more we align with God’s Word, the more we walk in power, love, and transformation.
Final Thought
Our transformation depends on how much we renew our minds to accept and walk in our Christ-given identity. Agreement with God’s truth destroys the works of darkness and allows us to live as overcomers. Let’s stand firm in our identity and walk boldly in the abundant life Christ has given us!
