From Fear to Freedom: Finding Your True Identity in Christ

“The Lord is a Shelter for the oppressed, a Refuge in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9 NLT)

Welcome back dear student, last week we saw God instructing us to ask Him for His ancient paths to find rest for our souls. There’s an epidemic of anxiety, depression, and mental health issues. These things are often made worse by people taking comfort in other substances or habits, leading to dependency, and disassociation from reality. Fear is a demonic manifestation from the kingdom of darkness. The enemy uses fear to hold folks bound like prisoners without parole. You can’t medicate a demon: pills won’t solve the matter – only creating holding patterns. We must understand where we have come from to know where we are going, to receive wholeness.

Burying sin or past hurts is not good, for the enemy uses what’s hidden to afflict. Equally, hanging on to unforgiveness from the past, going over and over the same things constantly is destructive, for that keeps the cycle of torment ever present. Both the secret and the cycle need to be broken to walk in freedom. We can take-up new habits: they may work for a while, but that may result in only replacing one addiction for another. What’s required is new spiritual identity. I’m not talking about transgenderism, but the root of the confusion that many are enduring is misunderstanding their identity, which creates a playground for the enemy to torment, bombard, and enslave.

There is Good News however, in understanding Redemption - that newness of life is possible in Christ.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).

God brought Salvation down Himself so that we could be forgiven by the sinless Blood of Jesus Christ, and made whole by the release of curse, which He took upon His own Body for us to be healed (1 Peter 2:24; Galatians 3:13). This is what the Son of God was doing at the Cross. The devil did not overpower or catch Jesus out. It was part of God’s plan of Salvation through Messiah Jesus: that He who had never sinned, would pay the price for the sins of every man, woman, and child who believe in Jesus (Isaiah 53:2-10).

This was made possible by Jesus laying down His life, His Divinity, and His right-standing with God, and then gifting His Righteousness to believers. So, an exchange took place at Calvary! It was an altar of sacrifice where the Lamb of God gave His Blood, and His Body, for us to be forgiven of sin, cleansed of iniquity, and redeemed from curse and separation (Zechariah 9:11). In this Jesus defeated Satan in a way the forces of darkness never expected, and Righteousness was purchased for humanity – now accepted by God as if we had never sinned, because of the Blood of Jesus. This gift is not to be treated with contempt by using Him, but to be accepted with thanks by following Jesus.

There’s a beautiful worship song called ‘The Blood’ by Bethel that details the path of redemption through faith in God.

Believers who trust in Jesus for Salvation, obey His Word, and live for Him, can rest understanding our new identity in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 3:3). This isn’t a witness protection programme like the movies. It’s a completely new life – walking, talking, and living differently – now for the Glory of God: no longer pleasing the carnal sin nature, or the habits and lusts of the flesh.

It’s true freedom from the past, true identity change to a sanctified life, and true eternal peace. God says… “stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the ancient paths and walk in the good way. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16 NLT).

Seek God for the way to your new life friend!