What Does the Bible Say About Identity in Christ?
What Does the Bible Say About Identity in Christ? In Christ, believers receive a completely new identity — children of God, saints, co-heirs with Christ, and new creations.
Key verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
In Christ, believers receive a completely new identity — children of God, saints, co-heirs with Christ, and new creations.
In Christ, believers receive a completely new identity — children of God, saints, co-heirs with Christ, and new creations.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, 'If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.' Galatians 2:20 says, 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.' Believers are called children of God (John 1:12), the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), chosen and royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), and more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). Ephesians 2:10 says, 'We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.' This identity is not earned by performance but received by grace through faith. Understanding who we are in Christ transforms self-image, combats shame, and motivates holy living — not from duty but from the security of knowing whose we are.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people."
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Grace in the Bible?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — His free gift of salvation and blessing that we cannot earn through our own efforts.
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ, separating them from sin and developing holiness in their character.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Identity?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Doctrine of Election?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is Covenant Theology?
Theology & Doctrine
Bible Verses About Identity in Christ
10 curated KJV verses
Psalm 139:14 — Meaning & Devotional
Identity
1 Peter 2:9 — Meaning & Devotional
Identity
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 2 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 2 Corinthians on day 330 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Identity in Christ?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.