-Our True Identity
-Ephesians 1:3-8 (recommended reading)

When I hear a believer announce, "I'm just a sinner," I feel like saying, "That's what you used to be." A lot of folks cling to a view of themselves as a patched-up, slightly-better-than-before version of their old self. The Bible contradicts that opinion: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come" (2 Cor. 5:17). In fact, according to Scripture, we're dramatically different once we are complete in Christ.

The question is whether people will trust in what they feel or believe what God says about them. His Word calls us saints (Rom. 1:7), disciples (Matt. 28:19), and fellow heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:17). If your opinion is that you are "just a sinner," then you cannot fully experience and enjoy your identity in Christ.

Believing what God says about our new self is a choice. Satan certainly conspires to convince believers that God's Word doesn't apply to them. He knows that people held captive by spiritual poverty back away from opportunities to share the gospel and serve the Lord's kingdom. It's much easier to spiritually bankrupt someone who already thinks of him- or herself as "just a sinner" than it is to conquer a disciple who knows God is his loving Father.

Our true identity is defined not by our past actions but by the Savior's. Jesus purchased our lives with His blood and brought us into relationship with God the Father, who adopted us as beloved children. We have every reason to hold our heads high, stand firm, and courageously proclaim the gospel.

--In Touch
-----
starDo you know God? Revelation 3:20 reveals that God is always with us, knocking on the door of our heart, waiting to be invited in. By dying on the cross and rising from the grave, He became the Bridge between eternal life and us. Say, 'YES' to the Savior and receive the gift of salvation. You can use the following prayer or your own words:

"Lord Jesus, I believe You are truly the Son of God. I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed. Please forgive all my wrongdoing, and let me live in relationship with You from now on. I receive You as my personal Savior, accepting the work You accomplished once and for all on the cross. Thank you for saving me. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. Amen." prayer ~~
---------
We will gladly send you our free 'All Things Are New' kit to help you take the next step in your relationship with God. Contact our Customer Care department at 800-789-1473, or visit <www.intouch.org> for more information./ JESUS LOVES YOU!

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14:6]