22 Feb The 7 IDENTITIES & REWARDS Of Being A Christian
What happens when a person becomes a Christian? Who is a true Christian? And what are the rewards of being a Christian?
The modern church attracts people for all kinds of reasons. Sadly, some who attend and serve in the church and think they’re Christians may not be Christians. And sometimes those who are Christians are not growing to spiritual maturity because they don’t know who they are in Christ.
How To Become A Christian?
- The Spirit convicts a person of their separation from God and eternal doom because of sin as they hear the gospel.
- They get to understand God’s love and how He gave His Son Jesus Christ to shed His blood and die on the cross.
- They repent. They are sorry for their sins, confess their sins before God and turn away from them. Christ’s blood washes away their sins.
- They commit their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ with their mouth and the Holy Spirit begins to dwell in them.
- They get baptized and begin depending on the grace, strength and power of God to love and obey Him in every aspect of their lives!
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
Now To The Seven Identities Of A Christian:
#1. You’re a SON or DAUGHTER in God’s family.
You’re loved and valuable in God’s sight. He says to you, “You’re the apple of my eye. I love you and have wonderful plans for your life.” Jeremiah 29:11.
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:15-18 NLT
The reward is sonship: you become part of the body of Christ and co-heir with Christ!
#2. You’re A STUDENT Who Pursues Knowledge Of God and Self.
You study, meditate and obey the Word of God.
Through God’s gift of salvation, Christ has given you a sound and clean mind. 1 Corinthians 2:16
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT
Reward: You acquire divine wisdom and start to become like your teacher Jesus Christ in your thinking, conversation and conduct.
#3. You’re A SERVANT In God’s Kingdom.
You use your natural talents, spiritual gifts and acquired skills to serve others.
Like Jesus who came to serve rather than to be served, you too are a solution to the problems of your family, church and community. You’re faithful in doing what your Master has entrusted to you. Matthew 25:23.
…Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28 NLT
Reward: Transformed lives through your service. And a reward in heaven.
#4. You’re A SOLDIER In God’s Army.
You fight god’s battles in the spirit. Ephesians 6:12.
Christ has given you power and authority over Satan and his demons. With God in you and by your side, you’re not afraid of Satan or people. You courageously fight the good fight of faith. Your task is to obey your Commanding Officer Jesus Christ.
Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 2 Timothy 2:4 NLT
Reward: Win victories for the kingdom of God on earth. Recognition and reward in heaven.
#5. You’re A STEWARD Who Manages God’s Resources.
You own nothing in this world. Your body, time, talents, money and gifts belong to God and you use them for His honour and glory. You’ll give accountability on judgment day. He’ll reward you according to your deeds. Matthew 16:27.
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luk 16:10 NLT
Reward: Opportunity to use your gifts and resources to serve and bless others on earth. The faithful will be entrusted with more responsibilities.
#6. You’re A SAINT Chosen and Set Apart By God To Live A Holy Life.
You’re the light and salt of the earth. You have learnt to put away the acts of sinful nature and you bear the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:19-26, Ephesians 1:4
So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 1 Peter 1:14-15
Reward: living a life of integrity and example on earth. In heaven, the saints will be dressed in white and given a crown.
#7. You’re A SOJOURNER Or Pilgrim On Earth.
Your citizenship and home is heaven. You’re an ambassador of God’s kingdom who carries out His assignments on earth until the day He calls you home. 2 Corinthians 5:20.
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. Philippians 3:20-21 NLT
Reward: Living a simple but impactful life on earth. Representing God’s kingdom. And grand reception in heaven and spend eternity with God.
That’s who you are as a Christian. Live in these identities daily.
Hirwa G. Israel is a child of God, married to Damalie and blessed with two girls. His life assignment is to teach and disciple Christians to maturity, and to equip and coach leaders to accomplish God’s purpose in their generation. He serves as the CEO of The Hud Group Uganda and team leader of Pass On Leadership Africa.
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