Monday, 5/4 | Identity

Identity | Galatians 2:20

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

In one of the Bat-Man films, before leaping into the unknown and saving Gotham City, Bat-Man tells a friend of his, “it’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” Now, I am one of the biggest Bat-Man fans out there and in all of my love, I must disagree with the caped crusader for two reasons. First, this philosophy is contrary to the teaching of scripture. Second, it is this kind of philosophy that has helped to develop an identity crisis since Adam and Eve. 

The beauty of Galatians 2:20 is that the Christian’s identity begins with who Jesus is, what He has done, and who He says the Christian is. In other words, the work of the gospel teaches us that it is actually “who we are first that determines what we do.” Our identity determines our activity and the Apostle Paul is reminding us that identity in this passage.

In his book “Dear Son,” author and pastor Dave Bruskas explains that one of the first identities a child has is that of a son or a daughter. However, the identity of sonship is only affirmed by how the father loves their child. In the same way, our sonship is affirmed and shaped by the Father’s love for us in sending His son to die for sinners (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10). 

In a day where the cultural gospel lures and entices both non-believer and believers alike, we must be reminded that it is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone that we are who we are. While we are a forgetful people, it is all the more reason to anchor ourselves in the truth of the gospel. Where the world preaches and teaches “believe in yourself!” the gospel of Jesus Christ proclaims and practices “deny yourself.” The Apostle Paul in Galatians 2:20 reminds the Christian that who you are has been determined by God’s grace for you.