1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
It's a question many people have often asked of themselves. Who am I? Sure, we are probably well aware of who the world knows we are. For we have various forms of Identification which can prove our very earthly identity. From social security numbers to various state and federal identification cards, there is no shortage of ways to find out if someone is who they claim to be. Of course, there are those out there who attempt to hide their identity as well. In these cases, authorities need to rely upon anything from computer technology to good old fashioned detective work to find ones true indentity. And then there's DNA. Deoxyribonucleic acid is the basic gentitic building block we all share. It is within our DNA where scientists have found evidence of each and every persons genetic makeup. From the color of our hair to other characteristics which make us unique, it is our DNA that determines how it is we are recognized by others. Yet, with all of this technology and genetics at our disposal, many still ask that one simple question, who am I? The funny thing is, many who ask this question already know just who they are, at least physically. The deeper question one runs into here is one which science usually cannot help us with. For all the science in the world will prove nullified if one, knowing who they are physically, still questions their identity. In this situation, the focus switches from the the physical to the spiritual. The experts now become not scientists, but psychologists and pastors.
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors - not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Romans 8: 9-17 NKJV
This question many ask of themselves is mainly a question not of how the world identifies us, but just how we see ourselves in the larger scheme of the universe which surrounds us. Yes, we are flesh, blood and genetics, but all these things are but temporary trappings of this world we live in. Who are we beyond this physical identity? Is there something larger than ourselves out there? If so, what is it? Fortunately, the apostle Paul helps us along the way. It is Pauls teaching that we who have trusted in Christ Jesus have been "Bought at a price" and our bodies belong to our heavenly Father {1 Corinthians 6: 19-20}. This "Price" with which we were purchased is the very life of Christ Jesus. It is also through the death and resurection of Christ in which our old sin nature we were born into, our "Old man," was put to death {Romans 6: 6-8}. Indeed, as Paul relates, it is no longer we who live, but Christ Jesus lives within us {Galations 2:20}. This new identity which we share with Christ assures us that we now have a new "DNA" in our identity. For what nowdefines us is not the sin we were born into, but children and heirs of our heavenly Father though Christ Jesus.
~Scott~
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