Identity in the Church

2021-11-07

I like to talk a lot about our identity in Christ, because it is a life-changing truth. However, what is neglected, or at least I have neglected it, is our identity with the church.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

Often, when we think of baptism, we picture people going underwater. Baptism can mean that; however, in cases like this, we are not dealing with water, but identity. This baptism can only be done by the Lord Himself. John the Baptist said, “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Mark 1:8). While we have our identity in Christ as believers, we cannot forget that we also are a part of a body of believers. Unlike ancient Israel, it is independent of nationality.

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling (Ephesians 4:4)

This theme of “one body” is a refrain throughout the New Testament. We are born into the household of God. We need to embrace that we are a part of the body of Christ.

There is a concept of a universal church in the Scriptures, but it has no earthly headquarters:

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect (Hebrews 12:22-23)

Just like our position is in heaven, the church is as well. However, do not overthink this. We cannot “see” any such church. You must be a part of a local church because a church is a congregation. We are a part of the family of God; we need to be with family. Our identity and sense of being is found there.