The Phrase "Identity in Christ"

[Jeri Tanner]

Does anyone know the etymology of this phrase? It must have come into popular usage fairly recently; I don't believe the Reformers or Puritans used it. I know it's meant to be shorthand for all the benefits that have come to us through adoption. Any thoughts on its helpfulness as a phrase or lack thereof?

 

[Jack K]

"Identity" is a popular concept in counselling and psychology today. It more accurately ought to be called "sense of identity." It expresses the (true) principle that how people see themselves is central to how they will live. "Identity in Christ" is not so much a theological term as it is a way to express the fact that perceptions of identity indeed are important, but for the Christian they ought not to be wrapped up in family, career, accomplishments, friends, sexual orientation, or any of the other worldly things that people tend to latch onto to find a sense of identity. Rather, a Christian's identity, both the sense and the reality, is found in being in Christ.

I think most Bible teachers who talk of "identity in Christ" have in mind not just the truth of adoption and its benefits, but also the way believers ought to latch onto this truth and see themselves in a new light. This is important, biblical teaching (especially in the teen years) even if the term is not a theological one, strictly. The Puritans certainly taught the principle even though the phrase is new. And the concept comes up in classic Reformed literature like the Heidelberg Catechism's famous Q&A #1.

When I was working on a recent discipleship course for teens, we spoke often about addressing identity issues. I don't believe we ever used the word "identity" in the student lessons, but we brought up the concept. We instructed students to know and believe "who you are because you are joined to Jesus," and to live accordingly. This is how I would decribe the concept of "identity in Christ."

 

[Jeri Tanner]

"Identity" is a popular concept in counselling and psychology today. It more accurately ought to be called "sense of identity." It expresses the (true) principle that how people see themselves is central to how they will live. "Identity in Christ" is not so much a theological term as it is a way to express the fact that perceptions of identity indeed are important, but for the Christian they ought not to be wrapped up in family, career, accomplishments, friends, sexual orientation, or any of the other worldly things that people tend to latch onto to find a sense of identity. Rather, a Christian's identity, both the sense and the reality, is found in being in Christ.

I think most Bible teachers who talk of "identity in Christ" have in mind not just the truth of adoption and its benefits, but also the way believers ought to latch onto this truth and see themselves in a new light. This is important, biblical teaching (especially in the teen years) even if the term is not a theological one, strictly. The Puritans certainly taught the principle even though the phrase is new. And the concept comes up in classic Reformed literature like the Heidelberg Catechism's famous Q&A #1.

When I was working on a recent discipleship course for teens, we spoke often about addressing identity issues. I don't believe we ever used the word "identity" in the student lessons, but we brought up the concept. We instructed students to know and believe "who you are because you are joined to Jesus," and to live accordingly. This is how I would decribe the concept of "identity in Christ."

Thanks Jack, all that is helpful. I ask because the phrase seems vague and nebulous to many, and almost cliché. It's used and (mis)taught by teachers like Joyce Meyer as well as used to teach the concepts accurately by others. I'm impressed that you emphasized the concept and especially our union with Christ with your discipleship materials. Referring to the Catechism will be helpful.

 

[Toasty]

Those who use the phrase "identity in Christ" want to express the idea that a Christian belongs to Christ and that being a Christian is more important than being anything else.

Who are you?
People can answer this question by saying their name. They can answer this question by saying that he is son or daughter of some person. They can answer this question by giving their job title. They can say who they are in terms of their hobby. If you are a Christian, you can say that you are a Christian. Being a Christian is more important than being anything else.

 

[chuckd]

Those who use the phrase "identity in Christ" want to express the idea that a Christian belongs to Christ and that being a Christian is more important than being anything else.

Who are you?
People can answer this question by saying their name. They can answer this question by saying that he is son or daughter of some person. They can answer this question by giving their job title. They can say who they are in terms of their hobby. If you are a Christian, you can say that you are a Christian. Being a Christian is more important than being anything else.

I always found that scene in Anger Management very searching. Obviously they were going for something else, but it would send a secularist into an identity crisis. I think, therefore I am? No, I am an image of God. God is, therefore I am.