WHO ARE YOU?

Who are  you? Most of us answer this question by responding with information about our jobs, careers, or relationships; for example, I work at XYZ, I’m a lawyer, teacher, nurse, I’m someone’s wife, husband, mom, dad, brother, sister, friend. To be sure, these are important descriptors of us, but let’s go deeper. Who are you? Who are you? Who are you at the core of your being? What motivates you? What are your values? Let’s go deeper. Whose are you? To whom do you belong? Whom do you serve?

Perhaps we haven’t thought about that last question too much. Our initial response might be, “I don’t belong to anybody! I don’t serve anybody! I belong to myself!” The Bible would tell us something very different, though. The Word of God tells us there are two kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The Word further tells us that we belong to one or the other. We serve one or the other. We either belong to God, or we belong to Satan. There is no third choice. We can’t be “neutral,” refusing to participate.

When God created Adam He gave him dominion over the earth. It was paradise, and God had given Adam authority to rule. When Adam disobeyed God, choosing to believe the serpent rather than God, Adam handed over his authority to rule over the earth to Satan. No longer paradise, now the earth belonged to Satan; it became a kingdom of darkness, and mankind was now its prisoner, its slave. Sin and death were now part of man’s experience. Adam’s sin nature was passed on to the next generation and the next and the next and so on. We were powerless, condemned, and held in the grip of sin.

Fortunately, God was not finished with us. He called out to Abraham and promised to make him the father of many nations. God also promised that out of Abraham’s seed would come a Savior who would save us from our sin. (See Matthew 1:21) Jesus is that Savior, taking our sins upon Himself, dying for them, so that we could be delivered from the power of sin.

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. Col. 1:13(NLT)

If you are a Christian, you are now living in the Kingdom of Jesus (also referred to as the Kingdom of heaven and the Kingdom of God). Jesus has rescued you from the kingdom of darkness, and Satan no longer has authority over you. You now serve King Jesus; He has redeemed you from the curse of the law of sin and death. From this vantage point, let’s ask the question again. Who are you? Here is how the Word of God would have you answer:

I have been bought with a price, and I belong to God. I Corinthians 6:19-20

I am a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20

I am forgiven of all of my sins and washed in the Blood of Jesus. Ephesians 1:7

I am in Christ; I am therefore a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17

I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. John 1:12; Ephesians 1:3-8

I am free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

I am united with the Lord; I am one with Him in spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17

I am free from any condemnation brought against me, and nothing in heaven or earth can ever separate me from the love God. Romans 8:38-39

I am greatly loved by God. Romans 1:7, Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4

These are just a few of the things God says you are, and I encourage you to accept them. This is information the enemy of our souls does not want us to have, because it set us free from his lies and deception.

THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION

 ·        Whose am I? Do I believe in my heart that Jesus took my sins upon Himself on the cross?
 ·         Do I declare that “Jesus is Lord” in my life?
 ·        Do I believe I am what God says I am?

      Next week: Who Am I in Christ?

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Have you believed? If not, choose to believe what the Bible says: God loves you; Jesus took your sins upon Himself on the cross, dying for them; God raised Jesus from the dead. If you believe it, then profess it, confess it, declare it out loud. Jesus has already done the heavy work; all we are asked to do is believe and receive what He has done for us. Satan offers death. Jesus offers abundant life now and eternal life when we leave our earthly bodies behind. Choose life!

“…The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:8-10, NIV  

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 Have a great week!

 

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Syandra