The Bible teaches that our deepest identity is not found in what we achieve, what others say about us, or even in our own feelings. It is found in God. From the very beginning, we were created in God’s image, fearfully and wonderfully made. Yet sin distorts that image and leaves us searching for worth in all the wrong places.
In Christ, God restores what was broken. Through faith, we are made new, adopted into God’s family, and called his beloved children. Our value is not earned — it is given. We are temples of the Holy Spirit, heirs of God’s promises, and citizens of heaven.
To live out this identity means walking in the freedom and confidence that comes from belonging to Christ. It means remembering daily: I am not what I do, I am not what I fear, I am who God says I am.
Here is a collection of Bible verses to help you better understand what the Bible says about your identity in Christ, and how to live out that truth. These verses are presented in a variety of different Bible translations. You can click on each verse reference to read it in your own favorite version.
We Are Made in God’s Image — and Made New in Christ
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
— Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
— Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
— Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
In reference to your former way of life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
— Ephesians 4:22–24 (NASB)
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NABRE)
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
— Galatians 2:19-20 (NRSVue)
We Have Been Adopted as Children of God
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
— John 1:12 (ESV)
All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters. You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.”
— Romans 8:15 (CEB)
See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know him.
— 1 John 3:1 (CSB)
Because you are God’s children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into us to call out, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer slaves but God’s children. Since you are God’s children, God has also made you heirs.
— Galatians 4:6-7 (GW)
Living Out Our Identity
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
— Luke 12:6–7 (KJV)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
— 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NRSVue)
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
— Colossians 3:1 (NIV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
— Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
But our citizenship is in heaven—and we also eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
— Philippians 3:20 (NET)
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