On Identity and a Radical Purpose

Earlier this week during family devotion, I found renewed insight on the essence of Christian identity and a resounding call to radical purpose from 1 Peter 2:9.

Woven in every individual is the intrinsic desire to know themselves. The pull for self identity is overwhelming. Why? Because we believe we matter (and rightly so). We are not here by accident.

Peter, however, points to a deeper truth in 1 Peter 2:9; any conversation about our identity and purpose as followers of Jesus can only be meaningful in the God-context.

As a Christian you cannot talk about your identity without talking about the action of God on you, the relationship of God with you, and the purpose of God for you.

John Piper

Take God out and we lose both existential relevance and eternal meaning.

You are chosen and set apart

The work of grace that Christ has done in us is immeasurable. Out of the pit of sin, He saved and redeemed us.

This is the best news in the universe; those once in severe darkness and destined for eternal destruction have seen the light and experienced deep transformation.

This is not our work; God did this.

"You are chosen and set apart. If you're in Christ, that's who you are." Click To Tweet

You belong

God set His eyes and heart on Israel from among all people groups. Their journey with God was not without detours, but He was determined to honour His covenant with Abraham.

After 400+ years in slavery, a miraculous deliverance, difficult transition through the wilderness characterised by unbelief, divine judgements and victories along the way, Israel eventually settled in the land of promise.

I believe God was trying to communicate a profound message to Israel; “I am GOD and you are mine.” — Isaiah 43:1

"You are God's own possession. You belong. If you're in Christ, that's who you are." Click To Tweet

You have a radical purpose

God never works without a purpose. He does all things according to the counsel of His will — Ephesians 1:11.

Proclaiming the excellencies of God is a lifelong calling. To make much of Christ is an eternal vocation. To declare the worth of Jesus is our eternal joy. We were made for this purpose.

God has given us our identity in order that His identity might be proclaimed in the world through us. God made us who we are so we could make known who He is.

John Piper

If you are saved and still wonder what your purpose is, 1 Peter 2:9 is where your journey begins. You were created to make Christ known.

You are to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

"You have a radical purpose. If you're in Christ, that's who you are." Click To Tweet

Photo credit by Ben Sweet on Unsplash.