A majority of self-identified Christians say that believing in God and praying on a regular basis is significant to what Christianity means to them. Correspondingly, most Christians state that honesty, pardon, and appreciation are fundamental parts of Christian Identity. On the other hand, most Christians view good works such as helping the needy and spending time with family as the essential aspects of Christian behavior and provides a visible indication that is present within Christians. There exists a relation between the two elements as identity is not only found in the physical features but also emphasized in an individual’s behavior.
In Paul’s address to the church of Corinth, he spoke of the saints presenting lawsuits to each other before nonbelievers to resolve the issues at hand. Paul subsequently expressed that as a result of their conduct, they deceive and maltreat each other. Paul then reprimands the Corinth churches saying, the unrighteous will not become heir to God’s Kingdom. They ought not to be deceived that neither fornicators, nor devotees, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor bisexual, nor burglars, nor the jealous, nor drunkards, nor merrymakers, nor frauds will not accede to God’s Kingdom (Campbell 2010). After identifying groups that may not inherit God’s Kingdom, the Corinthian church was reminded that some fell into that category. In other words, they previously took his identity and conducted themselves in such a means that they would have debarred their inheritance from God’s Kingdom. However, they received an entirely new identity as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice and the Holy Spirit.
Paul mentions the Holy Spirit as he addresses the Corinth churches. The Holy Spirit consecrated them for use by the master. In addition, it is in relation to an individual being a new creation in the image of Christ. Portraying a new identity is associated with being a new creation. The new identity bears new fondness, fresh principles, and new deeds.
Additionally, this actuality is also not reliant on a person’s feelings. If a person has received the Holy Spirit of God, they are considered a new being, and due to the new reality, they ought to express the new behavior and affections, in spite of not feeling or sensing. A Christian that struggles with identity can be reminded that he or she performs the good works of Christ as a result of realizing their identity has been presented as a gift by Christ.
The behavior of a Christian is related to his or her new identity, as well as God’s work in a Christian to make their identity similar to Christ in terms of thoughts, determination, passions, and behavior. A Christian may remain self-assured understanding that one’s identity is not based on how they define themselves in their previous life but is acquired in the Holy Spirit and Christ. Christians receive a new identity through Christ and His Work that includes sending of the Holy Spirit. The identity is not because of the efforts and works of Christians but the sovereignty of God and His good work. A Christian is to continue behaving in accordance with the new identity progressively. The Christian anticipates that one day their distinctiveness in Christ will be appreciated in its completeness when Christ emerges and congregates, those that are the new creation to Himself to be forever adored.
Reference
Campbell, W. S. (2010). Paul and the creation of Christian identity (Vol. 322). A&C Black.