CHAPTER 12
Our Identity
Who Am I?
“for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,” (Ro 8:13-16 NAS)
I have spent a considerable amount of time emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in a child’s education. I also tried to show how our innate natural desires were designed to bring parents and children together for that purpose. Let me remind you that I am assuming that I am speaking to godly parents who are instructing their children in the ways of the Lord, because it is the content of our instruction that is essential in understanding my next point.
A good education is valuable on many different levels. It gives us a lens in which we view the world. It prepares us for developing job skills, a means of providing a living. It gives us communication skills. It helps us build relationships with people. But of all the things we could list, none would stand out as much as what it can mean in establishing our identity.
The innate desire of children toward their parents is so very valuable in providing a platform for parents to teach their children. But the root of that desire is the need to establish their individual identity. That is why the conduct and character of the parents is so important. To start with, it is natural for children to identify with their parents. But as children become increasingly aware of the world around them it is important that the object of their inspiration is desirable. It is of most importance that the parents reflect the model that their child should follow.
We all know that there will come times in a child’s life when the natural inclination toward their parents will be challenged. Since our culture is being transformed from a Christian culture to a pagan culture, the diversity outside of the Christian home presents a multitude of questions and challenges for any child. Two forces are working upon your child; the culture and peer pressure. As a small child in a loving Christian home a child’s identity was secure and comfortable. But outside of the home and during this time of growth a child is vulnerable to the forces that would lure him in an attempt to capture his identity. Conflicting struggles within him, desiring to be unique and at the same time to be like others, can add to the conflict.
Those who have grown up in dysfunctional families, and those who have been deprived of one or both parents offer insight into the major issue at stake here. That issue is one of identity, or who we are and of what significance is our life. Identifying with our peers, and flowing with the culture, in the end leaves a person empty and unfulfilled. That longing for identity with family seems to intensify and become more obvious and distinct in those who have never known their own parents. The strength of desire compels some to diligently seek to discover who their parents are. For others it may be unresolved relationships that plague them. In spite of the odds that predict a search for absent parents will end in disappointment, many people have persisted in their quest. Why? I think the reason is because many people have unresolved identity issues. I think every one of us would have to admit that rooted in each of us is a desire to belong, to find our own identity of where we come from and where we belong.
I have stressed the importance of that early connection with our parents and their responsible role in our education. That early connection can satisfy those early cravings for identity and set a child on the path to find fulfillment of their destiny. When that early connection is disrupted the child becomes vulnerable as they aimlessly wander, seeking to understand who they are and what is the purpose of life. The rate of suicide, juvenile delinquency, and their link to the decay of the family structure is testimony of this fact.
But getting started on the right path is only the beginning. As our culture drifts from its Biblical roots the environment is becoming increasingly hostile toward Christianity. Even the institutions that were created to support Christianity have in many cases become compromised in this environment. In an attempt to satisfy their critics, many have opted to cut themselves off from Christianity’s roots, not realizing that this jeopardizes their end. This environment is challenging even for those who had the advantage of a good start in life. What then is the hope of those who did not have a good start in life? There remains hope for all and that hope lies in the testimony of those who have held to the high moral ground and steadfastly held to their identity.
Just as a child instinctively finds their identity in their parents, good parental education leads that child in an understanding of Man’s relationship with God. The goal is for our child to establish an identity with our Creator and His plan and purpose. In the beginning of a child’s life he can find identity with Christ through his identity with his parents. But as time goes on he must establish that identity apart from his parents. If we neglect the revelation given to us in those early chapters of Genesis, and fail to teach it, we can leave people with the illusion that their identity with Christ can be established through our earthly parents. The attack on those early chapters of the Bible, whether through so-called science or modern theology, are for the purpose of convincing people that our identity with God can be achieved in different ways.
Our innermost desires cannot be fulfilled until we find our identity in God, our Creator. The opening chapters of the Bible reveal to us the reason why our natural identity was compromised when man sinned, identifying us with the rebellion. But also, even in those early chapters we are given hope and a promise. That promise came to fruition through our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Jesus, the sinless Son of Man and Son of God, has restored man’s identity with his Creator. Because of this we can through Christ restore our identity with God. Jesus not only provided a way for us, but he also showed us the way. “You must be born again.”
“For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,” (Heb 2:11 NAS)
Whether our discussions are about science, politics, theology, or whatever, people may try to identify us with a thought or an idea. A description of our understanding in any of these areas may be termed conservative, liberal or whatever, but as Christians we need to establish our identity in Christ and not in our present understanding. If we do this, we position ourselves in an attitude that is easily molded into the image of Christ as we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
We are established on the high moral ground by our identity as a child of God. To argue any point from a position as a conservative, or republican, or even an American, is to cede that high moral ground that is found only in Christ. It is not that our stances will not be conservative, or that we will not be liberal in our graciousness, or that we will not support our Country’s godly roots, but the reasons for our convictions ought to find roots in our identity as a child of God and our standing in Christ Jesus.
“Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.” (Lu 3:38 AV)
What I have been trying to show you is that even now there lies within each of us the longing to identify as a child of God, belonging to God Himself. Even though separated by sin, there lies within each of us, that innate desire that can only be satisfied by reconnecting to our Heavenly Father. When that connection takes place we find our identity and sense of belonging. Adam was a son of God. Now we also can become sons of God through Christ Jesus.
Once we find our identity as a child of God through Christ Jesus, that identity takes central stage and defines who we are. From this position everything gains a new perspective. As the Apostle Paul stated “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Co 5:17 AV)
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” (Ro 8:16 AV)
Our Christian Identity
I feel the need to clarify our Christian identity. Simply put, it is the identity that is found in Christ as a child of God. Within and without Christianity there has been compromised and misleading information that has led to confusion as to what a true Christian identity is. I will attempt to provide a basic understanding, realizing that there are heights and depths of this that would fill volumes. The entire Bible is a revelation of who Christ is and His plan of redemption.
First, let me define who Jesus Christ is. He is the only begotten Son of God, the manifestation of God in the flesh. He is the Word made flesh, the revelation of God. Through Him all things were created and all things were created for Him. Through Him we are reconciled to God through His death on the cross. In other words, through Him, and Him only, can we find our identity as a son of God. He came into this world and lived as a man. His life and teachings reveal to us the very heart of God and His love for us. He was the sacrifice for our sins and suffered a sinner’s death on the cross as a substitute for us. Through His resurrection He conquered death, hell, and the grave, verifying His promise of life everlasting to all that believe on Him. He is Lord and Savior of all that trust in Him.
A Christian is a follower of Christ. A Christian is one who has followed Christ in death and resurrection. Water baptism is a testimony of a Christian’s death and resurrection. A Christian is a person who has received the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ. He has been born again by the Spirit of God, a new creation in Christ, delivered from the bondage of sin.
The path of salvation is revealed in Scripture. A person who believes the message of Jesus Christ puts their faith in Christ Jesus to save them. They acknowledge their sin and repent, turning from their sinfulness and following the teachings of Jesus, making Jesus Lord of their life. In obedience they follow Christ in water baptism and receive the promise of the Father, the indwelling Spirit of God. It is the spiritual seed that is planted by God’s Holy Spirit that makes them a child of God. In a nutshell a Christian is a disciple of Jesus Christ. A Christian’s confession is that Jesus Christ is Lord and they live their life in accord with that confession. It is through Christ that we at last truly find our identity as a child of our Creator, our Father in heaven.
Finding our identity as a child of God fulfills that innate desire that has driven us from birth. We now truly know who we are and have peace. But this is just the beginning of our journey. We soon realize that there is much more to learn as we begin our eternal journey. Just as a newborn baby our understanding of our world will continue to grow and mature in our faith and walk with our Lord.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren;” (Ro 8:28-29 NAS)
The opportunity to be reconciled to God is the heart of the Gospel. Establishing our identity as a child of God is the answer to our deepest longings. Once established it becomes foundational to who we are becoming. You may recognize that this is where we arrive on the moral high ground, for here we are in harmony with God and His Law.
Keep in mind also that we are all individuals. Just as God is more than just our Creator and has many descriptive names, so we also have differing attributes that are part of our identity, or who we are. I am also a man, husband, father, friend, farmer, introvert, scholar, etc.. Each one of us has a different list and that list changes with time. What is most important in the keeping of who we are is prioritizing our own identity. The high ground slopes off real quick when we get our priorities mixed up.
We must be first and foremost a Christian. No matter what else is on our list it should be preceded by our identity as a child of God. For instance: if I am a husband, I need to be a Christian husband. Each and every thing that is part of our identity should be preceded with our Christian identity. I am emphasizing this because we are encouraged in our present culture to relegate our Christian identity. We cannot allow this to happen, because if we do we endanger our identity. If we allow anything to trump our identity in Christ we become guilty of idolatry. If we do not repent of this sin, we will eventually lose our standing as a child of God.
If we first acknowledge Christ as Lord, then the rest of the list of who we are will be arranged in the proper order of priority. But if we fail to identify first as a follower of Christ, then we begin this slippery slope that ends with our loss of identity. This is true with an individual, a church, or a nation. There are many people, churches, and our own nation that has lost or is losing their identity and often are Christian in name only. Hold to the High Ground!
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.” (1Jo 5:2 NAS)
Race and Racism
“Now the man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living.” (Ge 3:20 NAS)
In this year of 2019 in the United States of America racism has become a major topic, and to be accused of racism seems to have risen to the top of the list of unpardonable sins. The irony of this scenario is that those who are wielding this accusation as a club are some of those most guilty of this charge. Racism is indeed a grievous sin. Racism has often raised its ugly head throughout the history of mankind. Even within the organized Church it has at times been present and sometimes even prevalent. But it is only in the message that was commissioned to the Church that the cure for this infectious sin can be found. It is probably because much of the organized Church has avoided dealing with this issue that it has now become a tool in the promotion of a godless culture. This is another one of those areas where Christianity has suffered loss because they surrendered the high moral ground on this issue.
First, we need to define the term race so we know what we are talking about. I will use the “Merriam-Webster” kid’s definition, to keep things simple.
Race: (1) any one of the groups that human beings can be divided into based on shared distinctive physical traits (2) a group of individuals who share a common culture or history // the English race (3) a major group of living things // the human race
Racial discrimination is as old as the hills. It has been with us as far as we have recorded history. People by nature usually prefer and favor those who are like them or have a shared culture or history. One of the most defining features that has segregated people is that of language. If we all spoke the same language it would be a lot easier to understand those who have a different history and culture than our own.
History of Race
Separated by language, geography, and separate histories, it is no wonder that time has produced a great diversity of cultures. The intersection of cultures often produced either trade or war and those interactions could create more or less diversity. Kings, nations, and empires rise and fall but man’s desire for security and identity remain. That innate desire for identity that we focused on in our last section is a driving force that can unite us or divide us. One thing we need to keep in mind is that diversity of language and distinguished nations was God’s idea. We will not discuss the reason and purpose of these divisions here, but God’s idea of nations was not for the intention of elevating or devaluing our various characteristic differences.
A brief history of our racial distinctions in America may help us understand the root of our present problem here in the United States. In the early 1800’s an American physician and natural scientist, Samuel Morton, categorized humans by their prominent features. By measuring the capacity of skulls from different people groups (assuming that greater capacity equaled greater intelligence) Morton determined that there were five races of people. Listing them in order of supposed intelligence they were Caucasians, East Asians, Southeast Asians, American Indians, and Negros. Morton hypothesized that there had been five separate creations in which God positioned them in separate homelands. Morton’s theories were very popular in his day. His followers, Josiah C. Nott and George Gliddon, made a monumental tribute to Morton’s theories by publishing “Types of Mankind” in 1854. The discussions that followed took a dramatic turn after Charles Darwin published his manuscript, “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life”, just a few years later.
Just because a belief becomes popular does not make it true. And just because something is true is no guarantee it will become popular. Theories like Morton’s and Darwin’s become popular because people wanted them to be true. In a world that had tolerated slavery for centuries, these theories resonated with people desiring to justify their beliefs and actions. I have lived long enough to realize that there is nothing that cannot be rationalized. People work hard at justifying their behavior. It is amazing how even the Scriptures can be twisted to undermine the clear reading of God’s Holy Word. The secret to personal justification is to start with your theory (what you desire to be true) and pick and choose those facts that fit into your predetermined outcome.
But then there is the unadulterated Word of God. Those who put their trust in the Scripture hold to the high moral ground on the issue of race. As was stated in Genesis 3:20, the first woman was named Eve because she was the mother of all humans. There never was more than one race. We are all of one blood, offspring of Adam and Eve, the parents of the human race. And most important to note is that we were all created in the image and likeness of God Himself. This is the reason that all people have intrinsic value. It is confidence in this revelation in Scripture that has inspired the fulfillment of Christ’s commission of the Church to preach the Gospel to every tribe and nation. It is this truth that makes it possible for every soul to be reconciled to God and become an inheritor in the Kingdom of God.
People throughout history who have put their trust in the Word of God have found it to be true. Those who have been willing to look beyond the superficial difference have found within all people groups that kindred spirit that makes us human. This spiritual connection we all have is evidence of the truthfulness of God’s Word. But for those who are not willing to go beyond the superficial, there is revelation that is taking place through the science of our day that confirms God’s claim of the kinship of all people. The ongoing research of DNA is affirming that all people are descendants of one man and one woman. DNA research is also teaching us about our differences. Things like skin color and facial features are minor differences. Often there are greater differences between people of the same skin color than there are between people who have great differences in skin color. My point is that God’s Word was correct and is worthy of our trust. The way in which we view our ethnic differences is best seen through the lens of God’s Word.
So my question for those of faith is: why is the secular left leading the discussion about race when we have the high moral ground here? The answer of course is because some have ceded the high moral ground and have been lured to a lower level in our discussions concerning race.
“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;” (Ac 17:26 AV)
What then is the answer to racism, the discrimination or favor of one people group over another? For those who trust God’s wisdom, it is the acknowledgment of the truth that we are all of one family, and we are to treat each other as we would like to be treated. This principle was articulated in our foundational documents and was once the basis of our public education. Basically, if we were to just follow the spirit of our foundational law it would work toward eliminating racial inequality through our courtrooms and our classrooms. Eliminating discrimination from the human heart is a more difficult matter. Much that has been accomplished through the courts and the classroom in the past is now being overturned in both places. It is the departure from our godly roots that has at many times slowed the process of reducing racism.
It is important that we understand the adverse effect that has resulted from allowing the secular left to dominate the conversation concerning racism. Although their claimed agenda is to combat racism, the opposite is true. While they accuse others of racism, they themselves promote it. All of the gains that had been accomplished in this country over the last 200 years are in jeopardy of being lost by their promotion of race. The dream of Martin Luther King Jr. that his children would be judged by their character and not their skin color is in jeopardy. It seems that in every field whether it be history, science, the arts, music, theater, media, politics, law enforcement, criminal justice, language, or whatever, the secular left tries to focus our attention away from the issue and onto race.
I spent a good deal of time showing how important identity is to us. Reestablishing our identity as a child of God is of utmost importance in establishing our relations to each other. To harbor pride or distain simply because of skin color or ethnicity is a sin against God and humanity. If we were to focus rather on truth and justice then it would reveal those who are guilty of this sin. Race is a false narrative, but a great tool to divide people and undermine truth and justice.
To illustrate my point let’s take a snapshot out of history from the 1400’s. Europe was occupied mostly by Caucasians. China was populated by East Asians. Africa was populated with black-skinned people. And the Americas were populated by reddish brown-skinned people. In which of these areas did peace and justice reign? Peace and justice were eluded and in all of these arenas, conflict reigned. Obviously they did not need racial tensions to fuel hatred, discrimination, violence, and injustice. But what did help to civilize the world and cause people to respect each other? In every one of these arenas it was the Gospel of Jesus Christ that was the one factor that worked in bringing about peace and justice.
Before I leave this discussion of maintaining the high moral ground in respect to racism, I feel like I need to address the attempts to bring peace and justice without using the authority of God’s Word. I am not ignorant of those who do address these issues from the perspective of the “brotherhood of man”. Science has produced a tremendous amount of evidence that we indeed are all descendents of one man and one woman. But my experience has taught me that the issue of race is much deeper than simply people’s intellect. One of the great hurdles in combating racism is rooted in history, both true history and false history. For many people it can be a personal history, the things they have experienced. It is these histories that are used as justification to combat hatred with hatred. The results entrench racism rather that reduce it.
That is why the Biblical record is so important. Not only are we taught that we all are family, members of Adam’s race, but we are given the history or sin and its effects. Reestablishing our identity as children of God came at the cost of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The bottom line is, that for us to overcome our histories, a whole lot of forgiveness had to be accomplished. The cost of forgiveness is paid by the victims; in this case it was Jesus who paid the price for us. Because He forgave we also can have the power to forgive. We need to remember that the big sin of racism is a sin against God.
God is not a respecter of persons and neither should we be. In other words, there is no room for racism in the Kingdom of God. Our laws in America reflect this principle even though it is not always reflected in individual’s actions. If we want to eliminate racial preference and discrimination in our country we must first uphold the law. Secondly, we must stop referring to people as belonging to different races. Thirdly, we need to recognize that we cannot change the past. The sins of past generations are never justification of the sins of a present generation. If we are to see racism disappear in the future, we have to deal with it in the present. We cannot fix past sins and are foolish if we think we can bear the burden of the sins of the past or find restitution for the offenses of the past.
I realize that my simple suggestions for combating racism would need to be more fully explained to be understood by many people. It was not my intention to even delve this deep into it when I began writing. I merely wanted to show how very important it is that we do not give up the high moral ground on this subject. Simply put, we are all of one blood (descendents of Adam and Eve) and were created in the image and likeness of God. Racism is a sin against God and man, violating the Law of God that we love our neighbor as we love ourselves.
It’s About Our Identity
If there was anyplace that has had an opportunity to eliminate racism it was here in America. But it seems that the opportunity is slipping by us. It is not because ethnicity is not part of our identity, because it is part of who we are. But if we start from the top and work our way down we will discover that finding our identity in Christ sets everything in order. We have to start our list from the foundational level and work our way up, because what we are foundationally will reflect in every aspect of who we appear to be.
I will use myself as an example of how we should define ourselves. First I am Christian (a child of God), a husband, father, son, a Gunderson, a citizen of a Christian nation (United States), Norwegian and German heritage, etc. etc. To fully describe who I am would include a long list of things including what occupations I have had, what I like, and what I have done. The most important thing is that I am first a son of God. Everything else down the list cannot be understood without this knowledge. I am a Christian husband and a Christian father. Because Christian has become foundational to who I am, it changes every aspect of my identity. I have more in common with a Christian from an African heritage than I do with a person who is an atheist from an American or Norwegian heritage. My perspective of different people groups (no matter how you group them) is determined by the perspective of my heavenly Father. My identity and kinship is with the sons of God (Christians); this is my family. But my ethnicity stems from the rebellious sons of Adam that have not yet been redeemed. My desire is that they too would be freed from the bondage to sin, be reconciled to God, and be able to identify with me as a son of God.
Even our American citizenship should trump our ethnic identity. The foundational law of this nation sets every citizen on equal standing. Our Declaration of Independence acknowledged that all men were created equal. Any form of racism is a violation of this declaration. This is not to say that there are not benefits to being an American citizen, just as there are benefits that come with becoming a son of God. These benefits are not based upon our ethnicity, but are based upon our fulfillment of the requirements to becoming a citizen.