Who Does God Say You Are? Understanding Your Identity in Christ
- Coree McGinty
- Nov 29, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 14
In a world that constantly tells us who we should be—through social media, cultural standards, and even well-meaning family expectations—it’s easy to get caught up in defining our identity by external measures. We often find ourselves striving for approval based on what we look like, what we’ve accomplished, or how others perceive us. But when it comes to our true identity, the most important question we must ask is: Who Does God Say You Are? And Understanding your identity in Christ.
Understanding Your Identity in Christ: Who does God say I am?
As a pastoral minister, one of the most transformative things I see in the lives of believers is the shift that happens when they begin to understand and embrace their identity in Christ. This understanding is not about what we achieve or how the world defines us; it’s about recognizing who we are through God’s eyes, and what God says about us. Today, I want to take a closer look at what the Bible says about our identity in Christ and why it matters for our daily lives.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
The first foundational truth we must grasp is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This verse is a powerful reminder that our value and identity are not based on the world’s standards of beauty or success. We don’t need to measure up to society's impossible ideals because God, our Creator, has already deemed us worthy.
In a world that places so much emphasis on outward appearance, it’s important to understand that God values us for who we are—our hearts, our minds, and our spirits. The word "fearfully" in this verse speaks to the reverence and care with which God made us. He didn’t create us by accident or without intention. Each one of us is a masterpiece of His creation, with unique qualities and purposes that reflect His glory.
When we begin to see ourselves as God sees us—fearfully and wonderfully made—it can shift the way we view our worth. Our identity is not based on our physical appearance or societal approval but on the fact that we are created with dignity, love, and divine purpose.
A New Creation in Christ
Another powerful truth that Scripture teaches us is that, in Christ, we are made new. In 2 Corinthians

5:17, Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This is one of the most liberating aspects of our identity in Christ. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes, our shame, or our old identity. We are transformed into a new creation.
This transformation is not about just improving our behavior or appearance; it’s about a radical change in our spiritual nature. We are given a new heart, a new mind, and a new way of seeing the world. The weight of past sin and brokenness is lifted, and we are empowered to live with a fresh sense of purpose and hope.
This means that your past doesn’t define you. Whatever mistakes, regrets, or hurts you carry, they are not the final word on who you are. When you are in Christ, you are a new creation. Your identity is not based on your old life but on the new life you have in Him. You are forgiven, redeemed, and made new through the grace of God.
God’s Unique Purpose for You
Another key aspect of our identity in Christ is the understanding that God has a unique purpose for each of us. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This verse reveals that you are not just an accident or a random collection of talents and abilities. You are God’s handiwork, intentionally created with a purpose.
God has a specific calling and plan for your life—one that is uniquely yours. This doesn’t mean that we all have to be pastors, missionaries, or public figures to fulfill God’s purpose. Your purpose might be in the home, in the workplace, or in your community. Whatever sphere of influence God has placed you in, He has a calling for you to fulfill.
When we understand that God has created us with purpose, it gives us the confidence to live boldly and with intention. You don’t need to compare yourself to others or measure your success by the world’s standards. Instead, you can rest in the knowledge that God has equipped you to carry out the work He has prepared for you, and that your worth is found in fulfilling His plan for your life.
Why It Matters: True Self-Worth Comes from God
The reason understanding your identity in Christ matters so deeply is that it directly impacts your self-worth. We live in a world where people often place their value in things that are temporary—accomplishments, appearance, relationships, or financial success. But the truth is, these things are fleeting and can leave us feeling empty, uncertain, and anxious.
When we find our identity in Christ, however, we discover that our worth is not dependent on what we do or how others see us. Our worth is based on the unchanging truth that we are loved by God, created by Him for a purpose, and redeemed through the sacrifice of His Son. As Romans 8:16-17 reminds us, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ...”
When we embrace this identity—one rooted in God's love and grace—it frees us from the need to seek validation or approval from anyone other than God. We don’t need to compare ourselves to others or chase after worldly success. We can confidently say, “I am loved, I am forgiven, and I have a purpose in Christ.” This understanding of our true worth gives us peace, security, and the courage to live authentically, without the need for worldly validation.
Living Out Your Identity in Christ
Understanding your identity in Christ is the first step, but living out that identity is where the transformation happens. When we know who we are in Christ, it affects the way we approach life, make decisions, and interact with others. We begin to live with purpose, joy, and freedom—knowing that we are part of God’s plan for the world.
As you go through your day, remember that your identity is not based on how much you accomplish, how you look, or what others think of you. It’s rooted in the fact that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving Creator, you are a new creation in Christ, and you have a unique purpose to fulfill in His kingdom.

Conclusion: Who Does God Say You Are?
You are loved, you are chosen, and you are a new creation in Christ. Your worth is not tied to the ever-changing standards of the world. It is anchored in the unchanging love and truth of God. When you understand and embrace your identity in Christ, it frees you to live confidently, without fear or comparison. You are exactly who God says you are, and that is more than enough.
C. McGinty
#IdentityInChrist #WhoDoesGodSayYouAre #NewCreationInChrist #FearfullyAndWonderfullyMade #PurposeInChrist #ChristianSelfIdentity #BiblicalIdentity #SelfWorthInChrist #GodsPlanForYourLife #LivingWithPurpose #ChristianConfidence #GodsTruth #FindingIdentityInChrist #ChristianWomen #ChristCenteredLife #GodsUniquePurpose #PurposeDrivenLife
Comments