Finding My Identity in Christ: What Ephesians Taught Me
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me two simple yet profound questions: "How do you believe God sees you? And how do you see yourself?" I wasn’t prepared for the wave of emotions that followed. The first question was enough to bring me to tears, but the second hit even harder. How did I see myself? I couldn’t even answer at first.
That conversation stirred something deep in me. It made me realize how often I allow the world—or my past pain—to define who I am instead of clinging to what God says about me. It also made me think about how easy it is to lose sight of our identity in Christ when the voices of the world or our own brokenness feel so loud.
In the book of Ephesians, Paul paints a beautiful picture of who we are in Christ. It’s a reminder that God’s truth outweighs every lie we’ve believed, whether those lies stem from trauma, hurtful words, or even our own insecurities.
Ephesians tells us we are chosen, redeemed, forgiven, loved, and created for a purpose. These are not just words—they are life-changing truths. They remind us that our worth and identity come from Christ, not our circumstances or what others say about us.
Chosen and Loved (Ephesians 1:4-5)
Paul writes, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
Let that sink in: God chose us. Not by accident, not because of anything we did or didn’t do, but simply because He loves us. Before the world began, He had a plan to make us His children.
On days when I feel insignificant or like I don’t measure up, this truth reminds me that my worth is not found in what I do but in who God says I am. I’m His. You are His. That’s enough.
Redeemed and Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
Ephesians 1:7 is one of my favorite verses: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
No matter how messy my life gets, no matter how many times I fall short, God’s grace covers me. Because of Jesus, I am forgiven and redeemed. That means I don’t have to carry the guilt of my past mistakes or let shame define my story.
Instead, I get to walk in freedom, knowing that my identity is secure in Him. What a gift!
Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)
One of the most comforting truths in Ephesians is this: “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.”
That seal is a promise from God Himself. It’s His way of saying, “You’re mine, and nothing can change that.”
When doubt creeps in, or I feel like I’m not enough, I remember that I carry the Holy Spirit within me. That seal is proof that I belong to Him forever.
Created for a Purpose (Ephesians 2:10)
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
God didn’t just create us to exist—He created us for a purpose. Each of us is uniquely designed to reflect His love and serve His kingdom.
When I align my life with His will, I find meaning and fulfillment in ways the world could never offer. It’s not about striving in my own strength but about trusting Him to guide me every step of the way.
Breaking Through the Lies with Truth
Understanding my identity in Christ has not only given me confidence but has also been a powerful tool in breaking free from the lies I once believed. For so long, I allowed the words of others—harsh, hurtful, and often untrue—to define me. I believed the lies planted by my past trauma, the mistakes I made, and the people who hurt me. Those lies told me I was unworthy, unlovable, and not enough.
But through Scripture, especially the truths found in Ephesians, I’ve come to see myself through God’s eyes. I’m not defined by my past or the opinions of others. Instead, I’m defined by His grace and love. I am chosen, redeemed, and created with purpose. Each time the lies try to creep back in, I combat them with the truth of who I am in Christ.
This breakthrough has been life-changing for me, and I believe it can be for you, too. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by the lies others have told you, or even the ones you’ve told yourself, I want you to know that those lies don’t stand a chance against the truth of God’s Word. His voice is the one that matters most.
Father, thank You for choosing me and loving me so deeply. Thank You for calling me Your child and sealing me with Your Spirit. Help me to live in the truth of who I am in You. When the world tries to define me, remind me that my worth comes from You alone. Teach me to trust Your plan and to live out the purpose You’ve created me for. I am Yours, Lord, and I rest in that truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
