Identity in Christ

1. Blessed in Christ

Our Identity is Found In Whose We Are

Saints - those set apart

In Ephesus - where they live

Illustration - we try to identify with a team, or region, or candidate.

Faithful in Christ - Your Identity is in Christ

In Christ:

We have every spiritual blessing, v. 3

We are chosen, v. 4

We are favored and accepted, v. 6

We are Redeemed, v. 7

We are unified, v. 10

We have an inheritance, v. 11

God has given you everything you need in Christ.

Spiritual blessings are more valuable than material.

Peace with God, purpose in life, etc.

Spiritual blessings are secure in heaven.

2. Chosen in Christ

"Ephesians 1:4–5 (NKJV) 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will."

Chosen before the foundation of the world.

Election is a mater of assurance of God's love to the believer.

Election is about Christ, the Father chose to accomplish His will through the Son.

The focus is upon what the elect have in God's sovereign plan, not who the elect are.

Predestined in Christ to adoption.

I chose Starla, she had to say yes.

God chose you in Christ, you had to respond in faith.

The Good pleasure of His will, God will accomplish His purposes:

William Cowper:

1. God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm.

2. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never-failing skill He treasures up His bright designs And works His sovereign will.

3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head.

4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense. But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.

5. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.

6. Blind unbelief is sure to err And scan His work in vain; God is His own Interpreter, And He will make it plain.

3. Favored in Christ

"He has highly favored (graced, accepted) us in the Beloved."

When Christ was baptized, the Father's voice came from heaven, "Matthew 3:17 (NKJV) 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

In Christ you have Acceptance.

Young person, you have longed for acceptance among friends, but you find it in Jesus.

Older people, you wonder if God has forgotten, you feel alone, He has drawn you to His side in Christ.

Nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ:

Romans 8:38–39 (NKJV)

38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.