We all have a name. But oftentimes there are other things people call us that make up our identity. Someone may call you a brother, a mother, or a friend. Maybe teacher, helper, or mentor.
But what about the negative labels people have given you? Liar. Cheater. Annoying. Addict. Homewrecker. Unlovable. Unworthy. We tend to wear these labels like names, letting them identify who we think we are.
But God knows none of those are your name. He sees you in a different light, and he has names of his own for you all throughout the Bible. Let’s take a look at 10 of the names God gives you:
10 names God gives you in the Bible
1. Forgiven
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9)
2. Chosen
We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
3. Friend
I no longer call you slaves, beacuse a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. (John 15:15)
4. Healed
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
5. Adopted
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. (Ephesians 1:5)
6. Alive
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (Ephesians 2:4-5)
7. Free
So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (John 8:36)
8. Strong
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
9. Blameless
Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. (Colossians 1:22)
10. Loved
This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. (1 John 4:10)
What is your identity?
Ultimately, your identity is not in the labels people give you, or even your own given name. Your identity is in Christ. That’s because when you make God a part of your life, there are some things about you that will never change. Every name on this list becomes a permanent aspect of who you are when you decide to trust Jesus.
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If you’re ready to put your past behind you and put on a new name, here’s how to find your identity in Christ.
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!