The Law of Identification
Our identification is not merely a theological concept but a vital truth that transforms our understanding of redemption and our relationship with God. In the New Testament we see the significance of the preposition “with,” when used for believers in his or her association with Christ redemptive work. This preposition will serve as the key to unlocking the truth associated with the substitutionary work of Christ.
The teaching of identification explains what God accomplished in Christ on our behalf, from the moment He went to the cross until He ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father. The Holy Spirit, through the Word, now works in us, bringing to life these truths.
In his Epistles, Paul frequently uses the term “with” to illustrate this identification.
For instance, in Galatians 2:20, Paul writes, “I have been crucified with Christ.” This statement encapsulates our identification with Christ in His crucifixion. We died with Him, were buried with Him, and now live with Him. Christ became one with us in our sin, enabling us to become one with Him in His righteousness. This twofold oneness is crucial: His oneness with our sin on the cross and our oneness with His glory in heaven.
Crucified with Christ
In Romans 6:6, Paul states that our old self was crucified with Him to free us from the bondage of sin. The crucifixion symbolizes not just death but a deep union with Christ in His suffering. Therefore, we understand that Christ’s crucifixion was not for Himself but as our substitute, bearing our sins and suffering.
Understanding our crucifixion with Christ means recognizing that we were judged, condemned, and cast out alongside Him. Paul’s identification with Christ brought him to a place of shame and rejection among his people. Yet, he boldly declared that the world was crucified to him and he to the world. This identification with Christ’s crucifixion signifies a union in disgrace and suffering.
He Was Made Sin
When Christ was nailed to the cross, while the bystanders saw only a physical man, brutally battered and bruised hanging in agony, God saw the spiritual reality of Christ bearing our sins, sicknesses and infirmities.
As indicated in 2 Corinthians 5:21, Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This moment was not merely physical but a spiritual transaction of immense significance.
Isaiah 53:5 states that He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. The fact is that this was not solely the work of Roman soldiers but was orchestrated by God as a means of redemption. The next verse of same Isaiah 53 says that the “Lord laid on Him, the iniquity of us all”. The spiritual agony Christ faced was profound as He bore not only our sins but also our diseases, our griefs, and even the ‘chastisment of our peace’ fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.
Then Christ died on the cross. Spiritual death was necessary for Him to become our substitute. His body was not subject to death until sin took hold of His spirit. By understanding that Jesus had to conquer spiritual death, we realize the depth of our connection and identification with Him.
Raised with Him
Spiritual Death and Victory
The resurrection of Christ is a pivotal aspect of our identification. Kenyon highlights that through His resurrection, we are also raised with Him. This is not merely a future promise but also a present reality that we can access.
“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ” Jesus; Ephesians 2:6. Colossians 2:13 reinforces this truth, stating that we were made alive together with Him. The resurrection means that we overcame with Him. We were crucified with Him, we died with Him, we were buried with Him, and were raised from the dead together with Him. Resurrection means we overcame sin, death, and the adversary because we were in Christ when He performed the work of redemption. As believers, we are not only beneficiaries of His resurrection but active participants in this divine work.
Living in the Power of Identification
Understanding our identification with Christ empowers us to live victoriously. We are called to liberate the ability of God within us. The life of God flows through us, enabling us to bear fruit and fulfill our divine purpose. Kenyon emphasizes that we must let this divine life express itself through our actions, words, and faith.
Having Your Own Faith
In Mark 11:23 and 24, the Lord Jesus encourages believers to develop our own faith rather than relying on others. He illustrates this with testimonies of individuals experiencing the power of prayer and healing. Each believer has the right to exercise faith, commanding the forces of darkness in the name of Jesus. Mark 16:17-18 affirms that signs will accompany those who believe, highlighting the active role of faith in a believer’s life.
There’s this common struggle of believer discerning God’s will. However, what everyone needs to know is that the Word of God contains the mind and will of the Father. By immersing ourselves in the Word and prayer, we can grow in revelation knowledge and spiritual understanding. This knowledge revealed by the Holy Spirit will empowers us to walk pleasingly before God and to fulfill our purpose.
Understanding Righteousness
As believers, we must grasp our identity as the righteousness of God in Christ. This righteousness is not based on our works but is a gift received through faith. Knowing our righteousness liberates us from sin consciousness and empowers us to live boldly in the presence of God.
This is a call to embrace our true identity in Christ. We are not merely recipients of grace but active partakers of God’s divine nature. Our identification with Christ encompasses His death, resurrection, and current reign. As we understand and accept this truth, we can walk confidently in the authority and power bestowed upon us.
Let us rise and take our place as victors, liberated from the bondage of sin and empowered by the life of God within us.
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