Lesson 2: A Kingdom-Aligned Life-Understanding Our Identity in Christ

Living the Kingdom of God happens in three main stages: Knowledge of the kingdom and its principles, realization, and understanding of those principles, and the manifestation of the kingdom culture through our life. We cannot manifest what we don’t understand, and we can’t understand what we don’t know. Recognizing ourselves as sons and daughters of God is the starting point in our quest to understand our mission from the kingdom. Failing to understand who we are in our relationship with God and through what the book of Hebrews calls “the new covenant” can take us into a distorted self-perception of our life, our behavior, and our mission.

The Scriptures emphasize our identity as God’s children, highlighting the intimate relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. In passages like Galatians 4:6-7, it’s expressed that we cry out, “Abba, Father,” indicating a closeness and familiarity with God. Romans 8:16 reinforces this truth, affirming that the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are indeed God’s children.

Romans 8:17 – “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

1 John 3:1 – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

Ephesians 1:5-6 – “He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”

Before the foundation of the world, God had a plan to adopt us into His family through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. This adoption isn’t a mere legal transaction; it’s a relational transformation. In Romans 8:15 (ESV), Paul writes, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” The term “Abba” reflects an intimate and affectionate term for a father, highlighting the closeness and warmth of our relationship with God.

The redemption work of Christ on the cross is pivotal to our adoption. In Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV), Paul underscores, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Christ’s sacrificial death paid the price for our sins, removing the barrier between us and God, and opening the way for us to become His children.

Co Heirs of the Kingdom with Christ

As adopted children, we are not only recipients of God’s love but also coheirs of His Kingdom. Romans 8:17 (ESV) elucidates this shared inheritance: “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” This profound truth signifies that our inheritance is inseparably linked to Christ’s inheritance.

Our coheir status with Christ has significant implications for our self-perception. Instead of viewing ourselves as distant or unworthy, we are invited to see ourselves as joint heirs with the King of Kings. This perspective transforms how we approach life, challenges, and our identity. It instills a sense of purpose, dignity, and divine worth.

Ambassadors for God’s Kingdom

Our appointment as ambassadors is a continuation of our identity as God’s adopted children and coheirs. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV), Paul articulates, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

Ambassadors represent a higher authority and carry the message and values of their sovereign. Similarly, as ambassadors for Christ, we represent the Kingdom of God on Earth. This designation elevates our self-perception. Instead of viewing ourselves as mere mortals, we understand that we are divine representatives entrusted with a heavenly mission.

Our earthly existence is imbued with a sacred purpose—to be instruments through which God’s appeal for reconciliation is made known. This transforms the mundane into the sacred, and the ordinary into the extraordinary. As ambassadors, we engage in the ministry of reconciliation, inviting others to experience the transformative love and grace found in Christ.

Impact on our Heavenly Mission on Earth

Understanding our identity as adopted children, coheirs, and ambassadors profoundly impacts our heavenly mission on Earth. The awareness of being loved, chosen, and entrusted with a divine purpose instills confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility.

The heavenly mission is about extending God’s Kingdom—bringing His love, justice, and grace into every sphere of life. As coheirs, we actively participate in Christ’s redemptive work. This isn’t a distant future; it’s a present reality. Romans 8:19 (ESV) declares, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” The world anticipates the manifestation of our divine identity through impactful living.

As ambassadors, our conduct, words, and deeds carry weight in the spiritual realm. We impact individuals, communities, and societies by embodying Kingdom values. Our heavenly mission becomes a collaborative effort with the Holy Spirit, aligning our actions with God’s purposes.

Our identity in Christ as God’s adopted children, co-heirs with Christ, and ambassadors for His Kingdom is the result of combining divine grace and purpose. This intricate design shapes our self-perception and empowers our heavenly mission on Earth. Embracing this identity propels us to live out our calling with authenticity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom in every aspect of our lives.