What Does the Bible Say About Identity in Christ — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, 2 Corinthians 5:17, sits inside 2 Corinthians 5. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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