“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

THE GARDEN

In the beginning, God created all things with purpose and perfection. His essence was in all things and all things created found their identity in Him. Harmony, peace, and perfection was in the fullness of all His creation! It was truly good! Nevertheless, iniquity was found in the heart of the serpent. A question arose to challenge the truth and the lie was delivered by the serpent. Adam and Eve received it for the truth and a disobedient action quickly took place. A poor choice! Immediately, their eyes were opened. Brokenness, sin and death had now entered into the world!

The Father of all creation weighs each testimony and the appropriate punishments are delivered. Dominion was transferred from one kingdom to another as Adam and Eve were banished from the garden. Yet, a future promise was delivered for the hope of the world.

“And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 NLT

The promise was delivered of a “second Adam” who would arise and reverse the curse upon mankind. Through Him, the ultimate battle of sin and death would be defeated and mankind would be fully restored back to the Father!

IDENTITY

The promise of Genesis 3:15 was fulfilled with the cross of Christ! His sinless life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead was the finality of reversing the curse and restoring us back to right relationship with the Father! He became sin so we could partake in His righteousness! All that is needed is for us to confess our sins and believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior!

This is our new identity! Yet, so often, we choose to live under the weight of sin and other things that He has already forgiven and set us free from. Oftentimes, we can passively come into agreement with the lies of the enemy or believe the negative words spoken against us by others that are contrary to the heart of God. Be encouraged today that if you have confessed your sins to the Father, He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you! You have given Jesus Christ your sins and He has given you His righteousness! This is known as “The Great Exchange”. You have been made righteous before God the Father. This is our new identity… to be found and hidden in Christ!

I sense the Lord saying, “My child! lift your head and see yourself through My eyes! I see you hidden in my Son! You are highly favored! You are anointed to do great and mighty things! You are above and not below! you are the head and not the tail! You are a priest and a king! I call you My sons and daughters of the most high God! I take great delight over you and I rejoice over you with singing!

“The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 BSB

“I speak my identity over you today! I affirm you! You are highly valued and treasured! Yes, there are those who have spoken out of their brokenness many things to you that are simply not true! My bride, come out from among those weights and false labels. I speak a better word over you! Come! A wide place of freedom awaits you!”

“Rejoice and be glad because you are My beloved. You are truly who I say you are! My banner over you is love! Freely, I give you this fresh outpouring of my love and you will now love others well and without reservation, regardless of position or status. I have set you free from the opinions of others! Go forward in confidence and walk in this new freedom! Your new identity will crush the plans of the enemy and bring freedom to those who are brokenhearted!”

“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” Song of Solomon 2:4 ESV