Who I am In Christ…in 1 Peter

Part of the hope in 1 Peter is the good news that who we are (identity) is now centered upon our union with Christ. Peter refers to our identity as Christians repeatedly, both to encourage us in God’s work on our behalf and to exhort us to stand firm and endure. Here are some of the things we notice about who we are and what we have in Christ.

• An elect exile and sojourner (1:1, 17; 2:11).
• Foreknown by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, sprinkled by the blood of the Son (1:2).
• Born again (1:3, 23) to a living hope and eternal inheritance (1:3) through the living and abiding word of God (1:23).
• Guarded by God’s power through faith for salvation and eternal glory (1:5; 5:10).
• God’s children (1:2, 14, 17; 2:2; 3:6) and part of God’s family with brothers and sisters (1:22; 3:8; 4:17).
• Made holy in Christ (1:15-17, 22).
• Ransomed from sin and foolishness by the precious blood of Christ (1:18-19).
• Living stones built on Christ the cornerstone (1:4-5) and being up as a spiritual house (1:5; 4:17).
• A holy priesthood (1:5) and God’s royal priesthood (2:9).
• Chosen by God (1:1-2; 2:4-9; 5:13).
• A chosen race, or people, a holy nation, royal priests, and God’s own treasured possession (2:9).
• God’s people who have received great mercy (2:10).
• Free in Christ and freed up to love and live in righteousness (1:16, 24).
• Followers of Christ, our Lord and model (1:21).
• Dead to sin and alive to righteousness (2:24).
• God’s sheep, overseen by the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (2:25; 5:4).
• Brought near to God (3:18).
• United with Christ in his life, death, resurrection, and reign (3:21-22).
• Equipped to live for God’s will and not my fallen passions (4:1-2).
• Gifted by God with spiritual gifts and made a steward of them (4:10-11).
• A sharer in Christ’s sufferings but also a participant in his glory (4:13; 5:10).
• Indwelt by the Spirit (4:14).
• Under the power and care of the Mighty Creator (4:19; 5:6).
• Cared for and loved by God (5:7).
• Called to holiness, eternal glory, marvelous light, both suffering and glory, and to be a blessing (1:15; 2:9, 21; 3:9; 5:10).
• Standing in the grace and peace of God (5:12, 14; 1:2).