16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 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. ~ Romans 8:16–17
There is a really popular saying, “I’m just a sinner saved by grace.” My question is, is that what the Holy Spirit of God Himself bearing witness with your spirit, ‘that you’re just a sinner saved by grace?’ Or is He bearing witness that you have been, saved, changed, and set apart? Is He bearing witness that you are a new creation and the old is gone, dead, no more? If the old man is dead, how is it that you claim he is still alive in you? If you identify as “a sinner saved by grace,” will you not act like a sinner saved by grace?
The reality is, the Spirit of God bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then we are also heirs of God. But not just that, we are joint-heirs with Christ, provided that we suffer with Him. Now, which sinner has Christ ever said, “Come, you are now a joint heir with me.” Let me tell you, none! He has never said that to a sinner, only a man or woman, or child of God.
Do not let someone else’s view of themselves be your view of you. You are a saint, a child of God, the blood-bought, the redeemed. You are no longer a sinner but a saint, and if you see yourself as a saint, you will act like a saint. Likewise, if you see yourself as a sinner, you will act like a sinner. Redefine who you are in Christ today.
Father, give us Your eyes to see. Give us Your ears to hear. Give us Your heart to love, that we might be rightly called children of the Most High God. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.