"and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)

You are not the same person anymore. If you belong to Christ, everything changed the moment you believed. Your identity, your nature, your standing before God—completely transformed. Yet many believers live like their old identity still defines them. They carry guilt that's been forgiven, wear labels that no longer apply, and believe lies about who they are.

Paul uses creation language on purpose here. The word ktizo is the same word from Genesis when God created the heavens and the earth. This isn't self-improvement or character development. This is divine, supernatural creation. God didn't repair your old self or give it an upgrade. He made you brand new from the ground up. You were spiritually dead; He made you alive. You were corrupted; He made you righteous and holy.

Stop and let that truth sink in: you are righteous and holy right now. Not because you've earned it or performed well enough. Because Christ's righteousness has been credited to your account, and God has set you apart as His own. This is your design now, your spiritual DNA. You were created to reflect God's character and bear His image. This isn't your goal; it's your current reality in Christ.

So celebrate this before we go any further. You are forgiven. You are loved. You are accepted. You are a child of God. You are a new creation. You are righteous. You are holy. You are free. These aren't aspirations; these are declarations of who you are today. When God looks at you, He sees Christ. That's the gospel, and it's glorious.

Now here's where it gets practical and challenging. Your identity is settled, but your daily experience doesn't always match it. Not because your identity changed back, but because you live from your feelings instead of your faith. You listen to the enemy's accusations instead of God's affirmations. You rehearse your failures instead of declaring your position. The old self is dead, but you keep acting like it's still in charge.

Godseekers, it's time to live like who you really are. Stop introducing yourself by your past. Stop defining yourself by your struggles. You're not "just a sinner saved by grace." You're a saint who still battles sin. You're not barely surviving; you're more than a conqueror. Start each day declaring your true identity out loud. Speak it until you believe it. Walk in it until it becomes second nature. You're not who you used to be, so stop living like you are.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the miracle of the new creation. Thank You for completely transforming me, not partially improving me. You made me righteous and holy through Christ. Forgive me for living like my old identity still matters. Help me see myself the way You see me. Renew my mind daily with the truth of who I am in Christ. Give me boldness to declare my identity and live from it. I am Yours, and that changes everything. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

1. What old labels or identities do I still cling to that contradict who God says I am?
2. How would my decisions today change if I truly believed I am righteous and holy right now?

Step of Faith

Today, I will write down five "I am" statements based on Scripture about my identity in Christ, and I will speak them aloud every morning this week.