What does the Bible say about identity?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that our truest identity is not self-made but received from God as his image-bearers and, by grace through faith, his beloved children in Christ. Genesis 1:27 grounds human dignity in creation, while John 1:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaim that believers are adopted into God’s family and made new. God knew and purposed his people before their birth, as Jeremiah 1:5 shows, and prepared good works for them in Ephesians 2:10. United to Christ, believers can say with Galatians 2:20 that Christ lives in them. The church is also a chosen people and Christ’s body, called to belong to one another and display God’s praise.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Genesis 1:27
God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.
- 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
- Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
- Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.
- Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
- John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name:
- Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.
- 1 Corinthians 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
- John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you.
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