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Identity and the Concept of Dying to Self: A Deep Connection

Identity shapes how individuals view themselves and the world around them. It informs decisions, values, and relationships. In the Christian faith, identity is deeply connected to being rooted and founded in Christ, rooted in faith and love. And in the principle of "dying to self" which is a process of relinquishing the old, or putting off the old man, its self-centered nature to embrace a new life, the new man, rooted in Christ. This transformation of identity aligns with biblical teachings, revealing that true fulfillment is found not in self-preservation of the old but in putting on the new which is aligned with God's divine nature. Therefore, the renewing of the mind to accept God's will as pleasing and perfect is how obedience is accomplished in Christ.

Our identity before Christ, before embracing a life of faith, is often shaped by personal ambitions, societal influences, and desires for success or validation. People seek meaning in achievements, relationships, and material possessions, yet these pursuits are fleeting. Scripture warns against relying on worldly identity, as seen in Matthew 16:26: 

"What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"

Here, Jesus emphasizes the limitations of an identity rooted in worldly success, suggesting that genuine identity is found beyond material gain. Identity comes through transformation, so "dying to self" marks a shift from self-reliance to reliance on God's and his purpose. Jesus also warned of religion that puts on a mask and doesn't bring real change. God cleans the inside first. In Galatians 2:20, Paul expresses this transformation: 

"I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

This verse reveals that identity is no longer defined by personal desires but by faith in Christ. The act of dying to self is an acknowledgment that one's old self—driven by ego and earthly pursuits—has been replaced by a new identity in Him. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 5:17 reinforces this idea:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Here, scripture directly links personal transformation with identity. The process of dying to self results in a rebirth, where the old identity—one that was shaped by human nature—is replaced with a renewed identity anchored in divine truth. The Bible presents a clear picture of identity and how dying to self are related. In Colossians 3:3, Paul describes this:

"For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

The phrase "hidden with Christ" signifies protection, purpose, and belonging. It means that a believer’s true self is no longer shaped by personal desires but by their relationship with God. Additionally, Romans 8:14-17 highlights how identity changes through growing in faith: 

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God... The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ."

This passage establishes that believers are not only transformed but also adopted as children of God, inheriting His promises and love. It also establishes the process of growth, the Spirit testifies we are children but the sons of God are lead by the Spirit implying obedience. John reinforces this process of growth in 1 John 2: 12-14 and how dying to self is related to maturing, by a Christ centered focus on the new and not a love of the things of this world, 1 John 2:15-17.

Dying to self. is not without challenges but comes with reward, for the scriptures tell us those who diligently seek him he rewards, Hebrews 11:6. While embracing this new identity requires humility and sacrifice, a proving by fire, 1 Peter  1:6-9, it ultimately leads to being filled to the fullness of God, receiving that spiritual which is more precious than gold. He also puts emphasis on the importance of humility or dying to self, faith, hope, and love in regards to maturity and obedience in the Christian life, 1 Peter 1:17-24. 

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it."

Here, in Luke 9:23-24, Jesus presents the way: denial of self leads to gaining true life and identity. Those who attempt to construct their identity based on self-preservation of the old man, which gratifies the passions of the flesh and loves the things of this world, ultimately lose their way because their eyes are not on Jesus, the way, like a compass or GPS guides our way. Those who follow the way are rewarded and find deep, lasting meaning, where identity is deeply founded in that above, not the circumstances of this world.

Identity and dying to self are inseparable concepts in Christian faith. Dying to self allows believers to shed old, fleeting identities and embrace a renewed life in Christ. Through humility and transformation, a person moves from self-centeredness to a faith-driven purpose, with their eyes on Jesus who rewards those who seek him. This shift in identity is not a loss but a gain—a profound exchange where worldly attachments give way to eternal significance.

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