IDENTITY PT 2
The Reality of Being in Christ
Pastor John Offutt
May 4, 2025

1. What Does it Mean to Be “in Christ”?

In his letters in the New Testament, Paul uses the words “in Christ” or “in Him” over 100 times.


In Ephesians there are 40 references to “being in Christ” and having “Christ in you”.


Define “in” (Christ) = word used to describe the state or position of one thing in relation to another.


Biblical Principle: When you are in Christ, all that is true of Him becomes what is true of you.

2. A New Identity Requires New Birth

Ephesians 2:1-2 (CSB)
John 3:3 (NASB 1995)
John 3:36 (CSB)

The new life of identity brings a changed position.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

We cannot consistently behave in ways that are inconsistent with the way we believe about ourselves.
Romans 6:12-14 (NLT)

Satan targets our identity.
Genesis 3:4 (NKJV)

3. Our New Identity Results in Becoming More Like Christ

Define saint = “holy” or “set apart.”

In the Bible, believers are called saints, holy ones and righteous ones more than 240 times.


Ephesians 4:1 “I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received.”


I Corinthians 1:2 **(NASB 1995)

The word translated as “sanctification” is part of the same word family as the word for “saint.”

Three Stages of Sanctification

a. Positional Sanctification (past) We are free from the penalty of sin– justification.
Romans. 5:1 (NET)


b. Progressive Sanctification (present) We are free from the power of sin. – spiritual maturity.
I Peter 1:14-16 (NET)


c. Ultimate Sanctification (future) We are free from the presence of sin– glorification.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (NET)


I Am Statements 5/4/25

I AM a child of God (He is MY God) Romans 8:16

I AM redeemed from the hand of the enemy Psalm 107:2 Psalm 111:9 Ephesians 1:7 Galatians 3:13

I AM forgiven Colossians 1:13-14 Psalm 32:1 Psalm 86:5 Mark 11:25

I AM saved by faith through grace Ephesians 2:8 Luke 7:50 Acts 16:31

I AM justified by faith Romans 5:1 Romans 4:5 Romans 3:28 Hebrews 2:4

I AM sanctified 1 Corinthians 6:11 Hebrews 2:11

I AM a new creature 2 Corinthians 5:17 Romans 6:6
Ephesians 2:10

I AM partaker (sharer) of His Divine Nature 2 Peter 1:4 Romans 1:20 1 Corinthians 2:16

I AM redeemed from the curse of the law Galatians 3:13

I AM delivered from the power of darkness Colossians 1:13