Opening Thoughts:
All through my Christian life, there was a list called “Who I Am In Christ.” It was there to remind Christians how precious and amazing they are because they are chosen and saved. I used this list when I felt defeated as a Christian for whatever reason, looking up the Scriptures until I once more felt victorious. I don’t remember openly discussing what this means to non-Christians. It was always implied, though no list was shared of Who I Am Without Christ.
We were taught that without Christ we would have no hope, live in darkness and be filled with lies. We would forever be hungry for something more. Without Christ we would not have access to God as you could only get to God through Christ. We would be in bondage to sin and death, hopeless, helpless and heading to hell.
Today I am going to look at a list called Who I Am In Christ and quoting directly from it. It is found at https://www.ficm.org/about-us/who-i-am-in-christ/ This is the Freedom in Christ Ministries site. There are many other “Who I Am in Christ” lists. This is the one I chose due to how it is organized. It has three sections: I am accepted, I am secure and I am significant.
I will then talk about “Who I Am Without Christ”. This is what Christians would say about non-Christians. This is the logical interpretation of what is implied by the statements of Who I Am in Christ. This is put together by me but not believed by me!
Val’s “Who I Am” will follow. This is what I now say about myself.
Part 1: I AM ACCEPTED…
“Who I am in Christ” direct quote:
“If you are a Christian, then the statements below are true of you. If you are not a follower of Christ and would like to know more, click here… (go to article in link above to find original links)
I am accepted…John 1:12 I am God’s child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body.Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.”
Logical Interpretation: “Who I Am Without Christ”
I am not accepted… I am Satan’s child. I am an enemy of Christ. I am separate from God and from the church. I don’t belong. I am damned, and am living in my unforgiven sins awaiting death. I have no access to grace unless I repent. I am incomplete and can never be whole without a belief in Christ.
Val’s “Who I Am”
I am accepted… I believe I belong in this world. I am accepted. I am at heart good, loveable and united with all of creation. I don’t need saving or forgiving or to be chosen by any deity. I take responsibility for my own actions and make things right when I harm others. I am complete. I am free. I am at peace.
Part 2: I AM SECURE…
“Who I am in Christ” direct quote:
“I am secure…Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.”
Logical Interpretation: “Who I Am Without Christ”
I am not secure…. I am condemned, at risk of harm, and separate from God. God will not save or protect me from harm because I am not his. I am a citizen of hell. I have been given fear, powerlessness, hatred and an unsound mind. The evil one torments me.
Val’s “Who I Am”
I am secure.… Secure in the fact that evil exists in people and I have the ability to stand up to corruption and evil and protect the innocent. I am convinced that I can make a difference to the oppressed and downtrodden. I don’t need God to hide me or complete me or protect me. I am secure in myself, strong and capable with skills, gifts and a voice. I will partner with others when I need help. When harm comes to me, I will face it. I will struggle and be hurt and to the best of my ability I will heal, be resilient and come back stronger. I will care for those around me who struggle.
Part 3: I AM SIGNIFICANT…
“Who I am in Christ” direct quote:
I am significant…John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God’s temple.2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship.Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Logical Interpretation: “Who I Am Without Christ”
I am insignificant… Because I am not a Christian I do not belong. I can’t bear any good fruit and must be a mean, heartless, cruel person. I am Satan’s temple. I work to tear people away from God. I can’t approach God, I am not free and he will not accept me. I can do nothing without God. I am weak and helpless and awful.
Val’s Who I Am
I am significant… I matter in this world, not only for what I do, but just for being here. I can enjoy the beauty around me, have fun, rest and live in peace. I am a kind, gentle, loving and caring person. That is me and I will continue to be that. I can work to reconcile people with themselves, help them find healing and peace by being a caring friend and listening ear and offering a safe space. I can learn and share wisdom with others. I am free from needing significance, security or acceptance from any God or religion. I am free to be me and can do so much because I have strength, gifts and abilities. I can’t do everything and need community because we are better together.
Closing Thoughts:
I think exChristians, myself included, struggle with knowing what Christians believe about them now that they no longer are believers. It can be hard to stomach knowing that some people think you are living a hopeless, dark, awful life with a horrendous future in hell. I feel sorrow that I used to believe this about others.
I long for Christians to understand that this is not the reality exChristians find themselves living. Many of us are free, at peace, content, filled with hope and enjoying the beauty of the world. Others are still struggling with purpose, healing from abuse and trauma and finding a new place in the world. That is ok too. Some of us have a mix of both. There is a process and a grieving that needs to happen. And to be honest, there are also Christians who struggle the same way, many are not living victoriously, even with God in their lives.
My hope is that we all can still have meaningful relationships with those who love us, even though we differ greatly in our beliefs. We can learn what to talk about, and what not to talk about. We can learn to respect each other which will mean not trying to convince each other to change. We can learn to show love to each other.
If you're asking who I am without Christ, know it is different than Christians have been taught. We don’t live in darkness or hopelessness. There really is peace, more peace then I knew in Christianity. There really is freedom, freedom to know myself and trust myself. There is freedom to see the world and everyone in it in all its beauty and simplicity and complication, good and bad, light and dark, joy and sorrow. I hope you are finding peace and freedom in your life.
Love from,
Val Martens
April 12, 2024
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