3 Truths About Christians' Identity in Christ

 Pexels

People sometimes find themselves losing their joy, feeling empty and devoid of purpose, or losing complete control of their lives. But that is only because they have forgotten their identity in Jesus Christ.

The only way people can wrestle with whatever depression they're struggling with is to solidify their identity in Christ, according to Rosilind Jukic, a Pacific Northwest missionary living in Croatia, in an article she wrote for Charisma News.

To help people fight depression, Jukic provided three truths about people's identity in Christ.

First, Jukic revealed that God has no ideal.

"The whole idea that there is an ideal physical image is not only a lie, it is a strategy of Satan to keep us in a cycle of striving for what God never intended and depressed because we cannot attain it. God created you the way you are for a purpose, and a part of recognising your identity in Him is learning to love and accept yourself as He created you," she wrote.

Next, Jukic said people's past is an event and it does not equate to their identity. True, people might have done some horrible things in the past. But just because they used to be criminals, or abortion practitioners, or homosexuals does not mean they will always be defined by their sins.

"When Christ forgives our sins, a miraculous thing takes place. There is a theological term for it: Justification. Justification is a five-syllable word that literally means 'just as if you've never sinned,'" she explained. "Just as Christ forgave us to such a degree, so His grace can enable us to forgive others in this same way."

Lastly, Jukic said people's ethnicity, economic status and careers do not define them. It might describe their birth and situation, but their identity in Christ no longer excuses them for certain behaviours.

"Sure, you may be of Irish descent, but that doesn't mean that you have no control over your temper. You are now a daughter of God! That is now your heritage, and the fruit of the Spirit should be growing in your life!" she said.

News
Young people increasingly open to faith and God, research finds
Young people increasingly open to faith and God, research finds

"The time is now. It is urgent," said lead researcher Laura Hancock.

Israeli shelling hits Gaza’s only Catholic Church, killing three and wounding 10
Israeli shelling hits Gaza’s only Catholic Church, killing three and wounding 10

In a rare move, the Israeli Foreign Ministry posted an apology on social media.

Fresh attacks on Christians in Syria after deadly church bombing
Fresh attacks on Christians in Syria after deadly church bombing

Can anyone bring peace and order in Syria?

UK government targets 10 countries to protect believers – but have they made the right choices?
UK government targets 10 countries to protect believers – but have they made the right choices?

As Christians face increasing numbers of attacks across the world, the British Foreign Office is to target 10 countries in a bid to get them to improve their record on protecting freedom of religion or belief (FoRB).