Discovering Your True Identity in Christ

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Difference Between True Christianity and Other Religions
   • 1.1. The Essence of True Christianity
   • 1.2. Christianity vs. Churchianity: The Real Difference
   • 1.3. Mankind Reaching Up vs. God Reaching Down
   • 1.4. Faith in Jesus vs. Human Effort and Achievement
   • 1.5. The Law of Moses and Our Relationship with God
2. The Purpose of the Law in Our Lives
   • 2.1. The Law as a Protective Custody
   • 2.2. The Law's Role in Showing Our Inability to Keep It
   • 2.3. The Law as a Tutor to Bring Us to Christ
   • 2.4. The Law's Purpose in Preparing Us for Jesus' Work
3. Living in Christ and Our Identity
   • 3.1. Sons of God Through Faith in Christ
   • 3.2. Baptized into Christ: Putting on Christ
   • 3.3. The Power of Our Identity in Jesus Christ
   • 3.4. Breaking Down Dividing Lines: Unity in Christ
   • 3.5. Abraham's Seed and Heirs According to the Promise
4. Finding Our Place in Eternity, Society, and History
   • 4.1. Belonging to God: Connecting in the Vertical Dimension
   • 4.2. Belonging to Each Other: Connecting in the Horizontal Dimension
   • 4.3. Belonging to the Body of Christ Throughout History: Connecting in the Longitudinal Dimension

Understanding the Difference Between True Christianity and Other Religions

1.1 The Essence of True Christianity

In this article, we delve into the essence of true Christianity and explore the real difference between true Christianity and every other religion. Christianity, in its true form, stands apart from mere religious practices and rituals. It goes beyond outward actions and delves into the heart of the matter: a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

1.2 Christianity vs. Churchianity: The Real Difference

One of the key distinctions to understand is the difference between Christianity and what can be termed "Churchianity." While many religions focus on mankind's efforts to reach up to God through human wisdom, achievement, and sacrifice, true Christianity is founded on the belief that God reaches down to us from heaven. It is based on God's grace, His offering of salvation through Jesus Christ, rather than on human works or accomplishments.

1.3 Mankind Reaching Up vs. God Reaching Down

In every other religion, people try to reach God through their own efforts and merits. They look to human wisdom and achievements as the means to attain a higher spiritual standing. However, true Christianity flips this perspective. The foundation of our relationship with God is not based on our wisdom or achievements but on what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. He extends His love, forgiveness, and salvation to us freely; all we need to do is believe and receive.

1.4 Faith in Jesus vs. Human Effort and Achievement

A significant factor that sets Christianity apart is the emphasis on faith in Jesus Christ rather than relying on human effort or works. It's not about our own wisdom, accomplishments, or good deeds; our standing before God is based on what He gives us and what He has done for us in Jesus. This understanding liberates us from the burden of striving to earn our salvation. Instead, we are invited to trust in Jesus and His finished work on the cross.

1.5 The Law of Moses and Our Relationship with God

Many may wonder about the place of the Law of Moses in our lives as Christians. Was it a mistake for God to give the Ten Commandments and establish the law? The answer lies in understanding the purpose of the law. It served as a tutor to bring us to Christ, revealing our inability to keep it perfectly. The law was never intended to be the path to please God or achieve righteousness before Him. Instead, it prepared us for the coming of Jesus and pointed us to the need for faith in Him.

The Purpose of the Law in Our Lives

2.1 The Law as a Protective Custody

Before faith in Jesus came, the law served as a form of protective custody for humanity. It kept us under guard, ensuring that we understood the consequences of sin and the need for God's redemption. By establishing a standard of conduct, the law restrained sin and demonstrated the holiness of God. It served as a gift from God, keeping sin in check within human culture and society.

2.2 The Law's Role in Showing Our Inability to Keep It

The law's ultimate purpose was to reveal human inability to keep it completely. It was not given for us to find a path to please God or achieve salvation through our own efforts. Instead, it exposed the fact that we all fall short and need a Savior. No one can perfectly fulfill the requirements of the law, highlighting our desperate need for God's grace and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

2.3 The Law as a Tutor to Bring Us to Christ

The law acted as a tutor, guiding us toward the realization of our need for Christ. Through its instructions and demands, it brought us to the understanding that we cannot attain righteousness through our own merits. Instead, it pointed us to Jesus Christ as the only means of justification and salvation. The law's purpose was to prepare us for the coming of Christ, helping us recognize our need for His redemptive work.

2.4 The Law's Purpose in Preparing Us for Jesus' Work

Far from being a mistake, the law of Moses played a crucial role in God's plan. It taught us how to live before God, reflecting His holiness. It served as a precursor to Jesus' work on the cross, showing us our inability to keep the law perfectly. By revealing our need for a Savior, the law paved the way for the coming of Jesus and His offer of salvation through faith.