QUESTION: WHO ARE YOU IN CHRIST
QUESTION: WHO ARE YOU IN CHRIST
NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THIS. THIS WRITING IS A WORK IN PROGRESS. I PRAY THAT IT WILL CHALLENGE YOU TO DIG DEEPER INTO THE SCRIPTURES. Study to show yourself approved. Growth comes from study in prayer.
- WHO BELIEVERS ARE NOW IN CHRIST
Children of God
- John 1:12 – “As many as received Him… children of God.”
- Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit… testifies… that we are children of God.”
- 1 John 3:1–2 – “We are called children of God… and we are.”
New Creation
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ… a new creature; the old things passed away.”
Born of God
- John 3:3–6 – “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit… born of the Spirit.”
- 1 John 5:1 – “Whoever believes… is born of God.”
Saints (Holy Ones)
- 1 Corinthians 1:2 – “To those who have been sanctified… saints by calling.”
- Ephesians 1:1 – “To the saints who are at Ephesus…”
God’s Workmanship
- Ephesians 2:10 – “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus…”
Members of God’s Household
- Ephesians 2:19 – “You are… of God’s household.”
Temple of the Holy Spirit
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 – “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…”
Light in the Lord
- Ephesians 5:8 – “You were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord.”
Chosen, Royal, Holy, God’s Possession
- 1 Peter 2:9 – “A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession.”
- WHAT BELIEVERS HAVE BECOME THROUGH SALVATION
Justified
- Romans 5:1 – “Having been justified by faith…”
- Romans 8:30 – “Whom He justified…”
Redeemed
- Ephesians 1:7 – “In Him we have redemption through His blood…”
Forgiven
- Colossians 1:14 – “In whom we have… the forgiveness of sins.”
Reconciled
- 2 Corinthians 5:18 – “God… reconciled us to Himself through Christ.”
- Colossians 1:22 – “He has now reconciled you… to present you holy and blameless.”
Sanctified
- 1 Corinthians 6:11 – “You were washed… sanctified… justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Adopted
- Ephesians 1:5 – “He predestined us to adoption as sons…”
Transferred Into Christ’s Kingdom
- Colossians 1:13 – “He rescued us… and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”
Made Alive
- Ephesians 2:5 – “Even when we were dead… made us alive together with Christ.”
Sealed With the Spirit
- Ephesians 1:13 – “Having believed, you were sealed… with the Holy Spirit of promise.”
- THE BELIEVER’S POSITION IN CHRIST
Seated With Christ
- Ephesians 2:6 – “Raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places…”
Blessed With Every Spiritual Blessing
- Ephesians 1:3 – “Blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”
Chosen Before the Foundation of the World
- Ephesians 1:4 – “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…”
Holy and Blameless Before Him
- Ephesians 1:4 – “…that we would be holy and blameless before Him.”
Co-Heirs With Christ
- Romans 8:17 – “Heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.”
Ambassadors for Christ
- 2 Corinthians 5:20 – “We are ambassadors for Christ…”
Citizens of Heaven
- Philippians 3:20 – “Our citizenship is in heaven…”
More Than Conquerors
- Romans 8:37 – “In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him…”
- THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF BELIEVERS
Access to God
- Ephesians 2:18 – “Through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.”
- Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace…”
Indwelt and Led by the Spirit
- Romans 8:14 – “All who are being led by the Spirit…”
- Romans 8:9 – “The Spirit of God dwells in you.”
Freedom From Condemnation
- Romans 8:1 – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Authority Over Darkness
- Luke 10:19 – “I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy.”
- Colossians 2:15 – “He disarmed the rulers and authorities…”
The Mind of Christ
- 1 Corinthians 2:16 – “We have the mind of Christ.”
Boldness and Confidence
- Ephesians 3:12 – “In whom we have boldness and confident access through faith…”
Inheritance
- Ephesians 1:11 – “We have obtained an inheritance…”
- 1 Peter 1:4 – “An inheritance… reserved in heaven for you.”
The Right to Be Called Sons and Daughters
- 2 Corinthians 6:18 – “I will be a Father to you… you shall be sons and daughters to Me.”
- WHAT BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO DO BECAUSE OF WHO THEY ARE
Walk Worthy
- Ephesians 4:1 – “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling…”
Put On the New Self
- Colossians 3:10 – “Put on the new self… renewed to a true knowledge…”
Live by the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25 – “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”
Offer Spiritual Sacrifices
- Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice…”
If you want, I can also:
- Organize these into a teaching outline,
- Build a chapter for your doctrinal book,
- Or create a full identity-in-Christ reference sheet for believers.
Just tell me which direction you want to take next.
A FULL IDENTITY LOOKS LIKE THIS
- You know who you belong to
A person with a full identity is not wandering, guessing, or negotiating their worth. They live with the settled reality:
- “I am God’s child.”
- “I am His possession.”
- “I am His workmanship.”
- “I am His temple.”
This belonging is not fragile. It’s not based on performance. It’s rooted in adoption, sealed by the Spirit, and anchored in Christ’s finished work.
A full identity begins with belonging that cannot be undone.
- You know what has changed in you
A full identity is not confused about the old self versus the new self. It recognizes:
- “I am a new creation.”
- “I have been made alive.”
- “I have been washed, sanctified, justified.”
- “I have been transferred into a new kingdom.”
A person with full identity does not negotiate with their past. They acknowledge it, but they don’t live from it. They live from the new nature, not the old patterns.
- You know where you stand
Identity is positional as much as personal. A full identity understands:
- “I am seated with Christ.”
- “I am righteous before God.”
- “I am without condemnation.”
- “I have access to the Father.”
This is the difference between a believer who hopes God accepts them and a believer who knows they stand in grace.
A full identity stands in the presence of God without fear.
- You know what you carry
Identity includes authority, inheritance, and spiritual rights. A full identity recognizes:
- “I have authority over darkness.”
- “I have the mind of Christ.”
- “I have boldness and confident access.”
- “I have an inheritance that is secure.”
This is not arrogance. It’s alignment. It’s living from what Christ purchased instead of living as if you’re spiritually bankrupt.
- You know what you’re called to become
Identity is not static. It’s directional. A full identity embraces:
- “I am called to walk worthy.”
- “I am called to put on the new self.”
- “I am called to be transformed.”
- “I am called to bear fruit.”
Identity is not only who you are — it’s who you are becoming through the Spirit’s work.
- You know what cannot be taken from you
A full identity is resilient because it is rooted in eternal truths:
- You cannot be separated from His love.
- You cannot be snatched from His hand.
- You cannot lose your adoption.
- You cannot be condemned.
- You cannot be abandoned.
A full identity is unshakeable because it is built on what God has done, not what you do.
In short: A full identity is a person who lives from the truth of who they are in Christ, not from wounds, labels, failures, or fears.
It is the integration of:
- Belonging
- Transformation
- Position
- Authority
- Calling
- Security
When all six are understood and embodied, a believer becomes stable, confident, humble, bold, and deeply anchored.
If you want, I can take this further and build:
- a full identity-in-Christ profile,
- a teaching outline,
- or a chapter for your book that explores this in depth.
- WHY ARE CHRISTIANS WALKING THIS WORLD WITHOUT POWER?
- Because they are saved but not surrendered
Many believers receive forgiveness but never enter discipleship.
They want Christ as Savior, but not as Lord.
They want heaven, but not holiness.
They want blessings, but not obedience.
Power flows through yielded vessels, not casual believers.
- Because they are spiritually underfed
Most Christians today live on:
- motivational sermons
- shallow teaching
- emotional worship
- borrowed convictions
They are not rooted in Scripture, so they have no spiritual backbone.
A believer who doesn’t know the Word cannot walk in power.
- Because they are disconnected from the Spirit
The New Testament church walked in power because they walked in the Spirit.
Modern believers walk in:
- feelings
- culture
- self-help
- church tradition
- personal preference
Power is not found in any of those.
- Because they tolerate sin instead of crucifying it
You cannot walk in resurrection power while protecting the things Christ died to destroy.
Hidden sin drains spiritual authority like a leak in a vessel.
- Because they have accepted a powerless Christianity
Many churches preach:
- no repentance
- no holiness
- no spiritual warfare
- no authority
- no transformation
A powerless gospel produces powerless Christians.
- HOW DID THEY END UP IN THIS CONDITION?
- False teachers and false shepherds
Scripture warns repeatedly that the last days would be filled with leaders who:
- “tickle ears”
- “deny the power”
- “creep in unnoticed”
- “lead many astray”
- “teach doctrines of demons”
When shepherds are corrupt, the sheep scatter and starve.
- The church traded discipleship for entertainment
Instead of forming warriors, churches formed audiences.
Instead of training soldiers, they built stages.
Instead of teaching Scripture, they teach slogans.
Entertainment produces excitement, not endurance.
- The world discipled Christians more than the church did
Social media, culture, politics, and influencers shape more Christian thinking than the Bible does.
You cannot be formed by the world and walk in the power of the Spirit.
- The church lost its fear of God
When reverence disappears, holiness disappears.
When holiness disappears, power disappears.
- Christians forgot who they are
Identity was replaced with:
- shame
- insecurity
- performance
- comparison
- church culture
A believer who doesn’t know their identity will never walk in their authority.
- WHERE DOES THE FAULT FOR THIS CONDITION END UP?
This is where the answer becomes sharp.
- It begins with the shepherds
Scripture places the heaviest responsibility on leaders:
- “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep.”
- “You shut off the kingdom of heaven from people.”
- “You yourselves do not enter, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.”
When leaders fail to teach truth, the people cannot walk in it.
- It continues with the church culture
Churches that prioritize:
- comfort over conviction
- numbers over discipleship
- programs over prayer
- performance over presence
…produce believers who are spiritually malnourished.
- It also rests on individual believers
Every believer is responsible for:
- their own obedience
- their own holiness
- their own pursuit of God
- their own spiritual discipline
A Christian cannot blame the world for a lack of power when they have neglected the very practices that cultivate it.
- Ultimately, the fault lies in abandoning the pattern of the early church
The early church walked in:
- prayer
- fasting
- unity
- holiness
- boldness
- Scripture
- dependence on the Spirit
Modern Christianity replaced these with:
- convenience
- comfort
- consumerism
- entertainment
- self-focus
Power was lost because the pattern was abandoned.
THE REAL ANSWER IN ONE SENTENCE
Christians walk without power because they have disconnected from the very things that produce power: truth, holiness, surrender, and the Spirit.
If you want, I can take this further and build:
- a chapter for your book on “The Powerless Church,”
- a diagnostic framework for identifying spiritual decay,
- or a prophetic-style essay on the state of the modern church.
Just tell me which direction you want to take this.
- THE CHURCH MUST RETURN TO THE FEAR OF THE LORD
Every revival in Scripture begins with this.
Not terror — reverence.
Not emotional hype — holy awe.
When the fear of the Lord returns:
- sin loses its grip
- worship becomes real
- leaders stop performing
- believers stop pretending
- holiness becomes normal
Without the fear of the Lord, the church becomes a religious club.
With it, the church becomes a supernatural force.
- THE CHURCH MUST RETURN TO THE WORD
Not inspirational sermons.
Not cherry‑picked verses.
Not motivational speeches.
The early church:
- devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching
- searched the Scriptures daily
- tested everything
- corrected false doctrine immediately
A powerless church is always a Bible‑light church.
A powerful church is always a Bible‑saturated church.
- THE CHURCH MUST RETURN TO PRAYER
Not prayer as a transition between songs.
Not prayer as a closing ritual.
Not prayer as a polite formality.
Prayer was the engine of the early church:
- they prayed until the room shook
- they prayed until chains fell off
- they prayed until boldness filled them
- they prayed until the Spirit spoke
A prayerless church is a powerless church.
A praying church becomes unstoppable.
- THE CHURCH MUST RETURN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Many churches today:
- mention the Spirit
- sing about the Spirit
- reference the Spirit
…but do not depend on the Spirit.
The early church:
- was filled
- was led
- was empowered
- was corrected
- was directed
- was emboldened
The Spirit was not a doctrine.
He was the operating system.
A turnaround begins when the church stops running on talent and starts running on the Spirit.
- THE CHURCH MUST RETURN TO REPENTANCE
Not shame.
Not guilt.
Not condemnation.
Repentance is the doorway to power.
When the church repents:
- leaders humble themselves
- hidden sin is exposed
- spiritual authority is restored
- purity returns
- the Spirit moves freely
Repentance is not a one‑time event.
It is the lifestyle of a church that wants to walk in power.
- THE CHURCH MUST RETURN TO DISCIPLESHIP
Jesus never said, “Go make converts.”
He said, “Go make disciples.”
A disciple:
- learns
- obeys
- imitates
- grows
- sacrifices
- multiplies
A church that produces disciples will always produce power.
A church that produces spectators will always produce weakness.
- THE CHURCH MUST RETURN TO SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Not theatrics.
Not superstition.
Not fear.
The early church understood:
- the enemy is real
- the battle is spiritual
- authority is given
- victory is guaranteed
A church that refuses to fight will always be defeated.
A church that stands in its authority will always advance.
- THE CHURCH MUST RETURN TO ITS FIRST LOVE
This is the heart of everything.
Jesus told the church in Ephesus: “You have left your first love.”
They had:
- doctrine
- discipline
- endurance
- structure
…but no intimacy.
A church can have everything right on paper and still be spiritually dead.
A turnaround happens when the church falls in love with Jesus again — not ministry, not success, not influence, not reputation — Jesus.
THE TURNAROUND IN ONE SENTENCE
The church regains power when it returns to the pattern of the early church: fear of the Lord, devotion to the Word, prayer, the Holy Spirit, repentance, discipleship, spiritual warfare, and first love.
- WHAT DOES “JUDGMENT BEGINS WITH THE HOUSE OF GOD” ACTUALLY MEAN?
It means God cleans His own house before He judges the world.
In Scripture, God always:
- purifies His people
- confronts their sin
- exposes corruption
- removes false shepherds
- disciplines His children
- restores holiness
before He brings judgment on the nations.
This is not condemnation.
This is purification.
Judgment in this context means:
- correction
- exposure
- discipline
- pruning
- purification
- removal of what is false
It is God saying:
“If My people carry My name, they must reflect My character.”
- IS THIS ABOUT THE CORPORATE CHURCH?
Yes — absolutely.
Judgment begins with the visible, gathered, institutional church.
That includes:
- denominations
- congregations
- ministries
- church systems
- church culture
- the collective witness of the body
When the corporate church becomes:
- worldly
- compromised
- entertainment‑driven
- morally weak
- doctrinally shallow
- spiritually asleep
God does not ignore it.
He confronts it.
This is why Jesus judged the seven churches in Revelation before He judged the world.
- IS THIS ABOUT LEADERSHIP?
Yes — and in a heavier way.
Scripture places the greatest weight of judgment on leaders.
Why? Because:
- shepherds shape the flock
- teachers shape doctrine
- leaders shape culture
- overseers shape holiness
When leaders:
- preach a soft gospel
- tolerate sin
- abuse authority
- mislead the flock
- seek fame instead of faithfulness
- build kingdoms instead of disciples
God steps in.
Throughout Scripture, God removes corrupt leaders before He restores His people.
Judgment begins with the household of God,
but it begins with the leaders of the household.
- HOW FAR MUST THIS GO BEFORE CHRIST’S SECOND COMING?
This is the part most believers underestimate.
Before Christ returns, Scripture shows that judgment within the church will reach three escalating stages.
Stage 1 — Exposure
God exposes:
- hidden sin
- false teachers
- corrupt motives
- abusive leadership
- hypocrisy
- spiritual deadness
We are already seeing this worldwide.
Exposure is mercy.
It gives space for repentance.
Stage 2 — Separation
God separates:
- wheat from tares
- true shepherds from hirelings
- true believers from cultural Christians
- the remnant from the crowd
This is not persecution.
This is purification.
The church becomes smaller, purer, clearer.
Stage 3 — Refining Fire
This is the final stage before Christ returns.
It includes:
- discipline
- pruning
- suffering that purifies
- pressure that reveals what is real
- the collapse of false Christianity
- the rise of a holy, Spirit‑filled remnant
This is not wrath.
This is preparation.
Christ is returning for a bride:
- without spot
- without wrinkle
- without compromise
- without mixture
Judgment is the process that produces that bride.
- WHY MUST THIS HAPPEN BEFORE CHRIST RETURNS?
Because Christ will not return to:
- a corrupt church
- a worldly church
- a powerless church
- a divided church
- a lukewarm church
He returns to a church that reflects His glory.
Judgment is not destruction.
Judgment is restoration.
It is God removing everything that does not look like His Son.
- WHERE DOES THE FAULT LIE?
Scripture places responsibility in three places:
- Leadership
The heaviest responsibility.
When shepherds fail, the flock suffers.
- The corporate church
When the church embraces comfort over holiness, it loses power.
- Individual believers
Every believer is responsible for:
- repentance
- obedience
- holiness
- discernment
- spiritual maturity
Judgment begins with the house of God because God loves His house.
**If you want, I can take this further and build a full chapter for your manuscript titled:
“Judgment Begins in the House of God: What It Means, How It Happens, and Why It Prepares the Church for Christ’s Return.”**
Just say the word and I’ll shape it with the same prophetic, doctrinal weight you’ve been writing with.
JUDGMENT BEGINS IN THE HOUSE OF GOD — WHAT IT MEANS, HOW IT HAPPENS, AND WHY IT PREPARES THE CHURCH FOR CHRIST’S RETURN
- The Forgotten Truth: God Judges His People First
Scripture does not hide this reality. It declares it plainly:
Judgment begins with the household of God.
This is not poetic language. It is a divine pattern. Before God confronts the world, He confronts His own people. Before He purifies nations, He purifies His church. Before He exposes darkness in culture, He exposes darkness in the sanctuary.
God has always dealt with His people first because His name is on them.
If the church carries His name, it must reflect His character.
If the church carries His authority, it must walk in His holiness.
If the church carries His mission, it must embody His truth.
Judgment begins with the house of God because God loves His house too much to leave it in compromise.
- What “Judgment” Actually Means
When believers hear the word “judgment,” they often imagine wrath, destruction, or condemnation. But the judgment that begins in God’s house is different. It is not punitive. It is purifying.
This judgment includes:
- exposure
- correction
- discipline
- pruning
- purification
- removal of corruption
- restoration of holiness
It is God saying:
“I will not allow My people to misrepresent Me.”
This judgment is mercy.
It is God rescuing His church from itself.
- Who Is God Judging First?
Judgment begins with the household of God, but it does not begin with the pews.
It begins with the pulpits.
- Judgment Begins With Leadership
Throughout Scripture, God holds shepherds to the highest standard.
When leaders:
- distort truth
- tolerate sin
- abuse authority
- seek fame instead of faithfulness
- build platforms instead of disciples
- preach comfort instead of repentance
God steps in.
He removes lampstands.
He exposes motives.
He tears down what was built in the flesh.
He confronts those who mislead His flock.
Leadership is the first line of judgment because leadership shapes the spiritual climate of the church.
- Judgment Moves to the Corporate Church
After leaders, God deals with the culture of the church.
He confronts:
- lukewarmness
- worldliness
- entertainment-driven worship
- shallow teaching
- prayerlessness
- compromise
- division
- apathy
A church that carries His name but not His nature becomes the target of His correction.
- Judgment Reaches Individual Believers
Finally, God deals with the hearts of His people.
He exposes:
- hidden sin
- double lives
- spiritual laziness
- unforgiveness
- pride
- idolatry
- unbelief
This is not to destroy His people but to restore them to power.
- How Far Will This Go Before Christ Returns?
Scripture reveals a clear, escalating pattern.
Before Christ returns, judgment inside the church will unfold in three stages.
Stage 1 — Exposure
God brings hidden things into the light.
This includes:
- moral failures
- false teaching
- abusive leadership
- hypocrisy
- corruption
- spiritual deadness
We are already living in this stage.
Every month, another ministry collapses under the weight of what God is exposing.
Exposure is mercy.
It gives space for repentance.
Stage 2 — Separation
After exposure comes separation.
God divides:
- wheat from tares
- true shepherds from hirelings
- true believers from cultural Christians
- the remnant from the crowd
This is not persecution.
This is purification.
The church becomes smaller, purer, and more aligned with Christ.
Stage 3 — Refining Fire
This is the final stage before Christ returns.
It includes:
- discipline
- pruning
- pressure
- suffering that purifies
- the collapse of false Christianity
- the rise of a holy, Spirit-filled remnant
This is not wrath.
This is preparation.
Christ is returning for a bride:
- without spot
- without wrinkle
- without compromise
- without mixture
Judgment is the process that produces that bride.
- Why God Must Judge His House Before He Judges the World
Because the church is God’s witness on earth.
If the witness is corrupt, the message is distorted.
If the church is compromised, the gospel is diluted.
If the church is worldly, the world sees no reason to repent.
God purifies His church so the world can see Christ clearly.
Before Christ returns:
- the church must be holy
- the church must be unified
- the church must be Spirit-filled
- the church must be distinct from the world
- the church must walk in power
Judgment is not the end of the church.
It is the rebirth of the church.
- What This Means for the Last Days Church
The church that emerges from God’s judgment will be:
- smaller but stronger
- persecuted but pure
- refined but radiant
- hated by the world but honored by heaven
- powerless in the flesh but unstoppable in the Spirit
This is the church Christ returns for.
Not the comfortable church.
Not the compromised church.
Not the celebrity-driven church.
Not the lukewarm church.
He returns for a church that looks like Him.
- The Call to the Remnant
If judgment begins with the house of God, then revival begins with the remnant.
The remnant is not the elite.
It is the surrendered.
It is the obedient.
It is the hungry.
It is the holy.
It is the ones who refuse mixture.
It is the ones who refuse to bow to culture.
God always uses a remnant to restore His house.
- The Final Word
Judgment beginning in the house of God is not a threat.
It is a promise.
It is God’s commitment to purify His people so they can stand in the final hour with clarity, courage, and power.
The church will not limp into the return of Christ.
It will rise into it.
Judgment is not the death of the church.
It is the doorway to its greatest hour.
THE REMNANT — GOD’S FINAL STRATEGY BEFORE THE RETURN OF CHRIST**
- God Has Always Worked Through a Remnant
From Genesis to Revelation, God has never depended on the majority.
He has always preserved, purified, and empowered a remnant — a small, faithful, uncompromised people who carry His heart, His truth, and His authority when the rest of the world (and often the visible church) collapses into corruption.
When the masses drift, the remnant remains.
When leaders fall, the remnant stands.
When culture rebels, the remnant obeys.
When the church becomes worldly, the remnant becomes holy.
The remnant is not God’s backup plan.
The remnant is God’s plan.
- What Is the Remnant?
The remnant is not the elite.
It is not the famous.
It is not the platformed.
The remnant is:
- the obedient
- the surrendered
- the uncompromised
- the Spirit‑led
- the truth‑anchored
- the holy
- the faithful
- the ones who refuse mixture
The remnant is the group that refuses to bow to culture, refuses to dilute the gospel, refuses to tolerate sin, and refuses to trade intimacy with God for acceptance from the world.
The remnant is the church within the church.
- Why God Raises a Remnant in the Last Days
Before Christ returns, Scripture shows that the visible church will be filled with:
- deception
- false teachers
- lukewarmness
- worldliness
- spiritual blindness
- counterfeit Christianity
In that environment, God raises a remnant to:
- preserve truth
- model holiness
- carry spiritual authority
- confront deception
- intercede for the lost
- prepare the bride
- stand against darkness
- reveal Christ to a dying world
The remnant becomes the spiritual backbone of the last‑days church.
- The Remnant’s Distinct Marks
The remnant is not defined by numbers but by nature.
Here are the marks that distinguish them from the crowd.
- They Fear the Lord
Not in terror — in reverence.
They refuse to treat God casually.
They refuse to treat sin lightly.
They refuse to treat holiness as optional.
- They Love Truth
They do not bend Scripture to fit culture.
They bend their lives to fit Scripture.
- They Walk in Holiness
Not perfection — purity.
They fight sin.
They crucify the flesh.
They guard their hearts.
They refuse compromise.
- They Are Led by the Spirit
They do not operate by:
- trends
- emotions
- opinions
- church politics
They operate by the voice and leading of the Holy Spirit.
- They Are People of Prayer
Prayer is not a ritual.
It is their lifeline.
They pray until heaven moves.
They pray until darkness breaks.
They pray until God speaks.
- They Carry Spiritual Authority
They do not walk in fear.
They do not bow to intimidation.
They do not retreat from darkness.
They confront it.
- They Endure
They do not quit when culture shifts.
They do not fold when pressure rises.
They do not compromise when persecution comes.
The remnant is unshakeable because their foundation is unshakeable.
- How the Remnant Emerges
The remnant does not appear suddenly.
They emerge through a process — a refining, a stripping, a purifying.
- God Separates Them
He pulls them out of:
- dead religion
- compromised churches
- false teaching
- spiritual apathy
- worldly environments
Separation is painful, but it is necessary.
- God Purifies Them
He deals with:
- pride
- wounds
- idols
- hidden sin
- wrong motives
Purification produces power.
- God Trains Them
He teaches them:
- discernment
- obedience
- spiritual warfare
- intercession
- endurance
- humility
The remnant is trained in secret before they are revealed in public.
- God Sends Them
When the church is weak, God sends the remnant to strengthen it.
When the world is dark, God sends the remnant to confront it.
When deception spreads, God sends the remnant to expose it.
The remnant is God’s answer to spiritual decline.
- The Remnant’s Role Before Christ Returns
The remnant is not passive.
They are not spectators.
They are not hiding in fear.
They have a divine assignment in the final generation.
- To Restore the Fear of the Lord
They call the church back to holiness.
They confront sin.
They expose compromise.
They refuse to soften truth.
- To Restore the Word of God
They preach the full gospel.
They teach sound doctrine.
They reject watered‑down Christianity.
- To Restore Prayer and Power
They intercede.
They fast.
They seek God until heaven breaks in.
They walk in the power of the Spirit.
- To Prepare the Bride
They call believers to:
- purity
- devotion
- surrender
- readiness
They prepare the church for the return of the King.
- To Stand Against Darkness
They confront:
- deception
- immorality
- spiritual corruption
- demonic influence
They do not retreat.
They advance.
- The Remnant Will Be Misunderstood
The remnant will be:
- rejected by the religious
- mocked by the worldly
- misunderstood by the lukewarm
- resisted by the compromised
- attacked by the enemy
But they will be honored by heaven.
The remnant is not called to be popular.
They are called to be faithful.
- The Remnant Will Be Empowered
As the world grows darker, the remnant grows brighter.
As deception increases, discernment increases.
As persecution rises, power rises.
As the church becomes divided, the remnant becomes unified.
The remnant will walk in:
- boldness
- clarity
- supernatural authority
- prophetic accuracy
- deep intimacy with God
- unshakeable endurance
The remnant will not survive the last days.
They will thrive in them.
- The Remnant Is God’s Final Strategy
Before Christ returns, God will not rely on:
- institutions
- denominations
- celebrity leaders
- church systems
He will rely on a purified, Spirit‑filled remnant.
This remnant will:
- preach the gospel with power
- stand against the Antichrist spirit
- endure persecution
- reveal Christ to the nations
- prepare the church for the Bridegroom
The remnant is God’s final instrument of revival, confrontation, and preparation.
- The Final Word
The remnant is rising.
Not the loudest.
Not the largest.
Not the most visible.
But the most faithful.
They are the ones who will carry the fire of God into the final hour.
They are the ones who will stand when others fall.
They are the ones who will shine when darkness covers the earth.
They are the ones who will prepare the way for the return of the King.
The remnant is not waiting for revival.
The remnant is the revival.
Identity and Power in Christ: Foundational Truths for the Church
The Present Identity of Believers in Christ
Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ experience a profound redefinition of their identity. Scripture affirms several essential elements of this new standing:
Children of God
All who receive Christ are granted the privilege of becoming children of God (John 1:12). The Holy Spirit testifies to this truth, confirming that believers are indeed God’s children (Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:1–2).
New Creations
Anyone united with Christ has become a new creation; old things are gone, and a renewed existence has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Born of God
Believers are not simply improved but have been born anew by the Spirit, set apart by virtue of spiritual rebirth (John 3:3–6; 1 John 5:1).
Saints (Holy Ones)
God designates His people as saints, those who are sanctified and set apart for His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1).
God’s Workmanship
Believers are intentionally crafted by God in Christ Jesus for the accomplishment of good works (Ephesians 2:10).
Members of God’s Household
Believers are no longer outsiders; rather, they are fully integrated into the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).
Temples of the Holy Spirit
The body of each believer is a temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Light in the Lord
Having been delivered from darkness, believers now walk as light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8).
Chosen, Royal, Holy, God’s Possession
God’s people are identified as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and His own possession (1 Peter 2:9).
The Transformation Effected by Salvation
Salvation enacts a decisive change, conferring upon believers new spiritual realities:
Justified
Believers are justified by faith, being declared righteous before God (Romans 5:1; Romans 8:30).
Redeemed
Through the redemptive work of Christ, believers are liberated from the dominion of sin (Ephesians 1:7).
Forgiven
In Christ, believers receive comprehensive forgiveness of all transgressions (Colossians 1:14).
Reconciled
God restores relationship with believers, reconciling them to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18; Colossians 1:22).
Sanctified
Believers are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Adopted
God has predestined believers for adoption as His sons and daughters (Ephesians 1:5).
Transferred into Christ’s Kingdom
Believers are delivered from darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:13).
Made Alive
Even when spiritually dead, believers are made alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
Sealed with the Spirit
Upon believing, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing God’s promises (Ephesians 1:13).
The Positional Standing of the Believer
In Christ, believers are accorded a new status and privileges:
Seated with Christ
God has raised believers with Christ, seating them in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6).
Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing
Believers are recipients of every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
Chosen Before the Foundation of the World
God selected believers in Christ prior to the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).
Holy and Blameless
Believers stand before God as holy and without blame (Ephesians 1:4).
Co-Heirs with Christ
Believers are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
Ambassadors for Christ
They are appointed as Christ’s ambassadors, representing His interests in the world (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Citizens of Heaven
Their citizenship is established in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
More Than Conquerors
Through Christ, believers overwhelmingly conquer all things (Romans 8:37).
Rights and Privileges Accorded to Believers
Believers are endowed with distinctive rights and privileges through their union with Christ:
Access to God
Through Christ, believers enjoy direct access to God the Father (Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:16).
Indwelling and Leading of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit dwells within and guides the lives of believers (Romans 8:14; Romans 8:9).
Freedom from Condemnation
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Authority Over the Powers of Darkness
Believers are vested with authority over the forces of darkness (Luke 10:19; Colossians 2:15).
The Mind of Christ
Believers possess the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Boldness and Confidence
They are granted boldness and confident access to God through faith in Christ (Ephesians 3:12).
An Inheritance
Believers have received a glorious inheritance, reserved for them in heaven (Ephesians 1:11; 1 Peter 1:4).
The Right to Be Called Children of God
God promises to be a Father to believers, designating them as His sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18).
The Calling Issued to Believers
Identity in Christ compels a new manner of living. Believers are summoned to:
Walk Worthy
Conduct themselves in a manner befitting their high calling (Ephesians 4:1).
Put On the New Self
Actively embrace the new self, renewed in knowledge and righteousness (Colossians 3:10).
Live by the Spirit
Be led and empowered by the Holy Spirit in daily conduct (Galatians 5:25).
Offer Spiritual Sacrifices
Present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).
A Complete Identity in Christ
To possess a full identity in Christ is to live with confidence in these truths:
Certainty of Belonging
Believers are assured in their belonging as God’s children, His possession, His workmanship, and His temple—an unassailable position established by adoption, the Spirit’s seal, and Christ’s finished work.
Awareness of Transformation
Believers are cognizant of the profound change from their former selves, choosing to live out their renewed nature rather than being defined by the past.
Understanding of Position
This identity is both positional and personal—seated with Christ, justified before God, free from condemnation, and possessing confident access to the Father.
Recognition of Spiritual Endowment
Believers are entrusted with authority, inheritance, and spiritual rights—an alignment with Christ’s purchased realities, not an attitude of self-exaltation.
Embracing the Call to Transformation
Identity in Christ is dynamic, calling believers to walk worthy, put on the new self, be transformed, and bear fruit through the Spirit’s enablement.
Security in the Unchangeable
This comprehensive identity is secured in eternal truths—God’s love, adoption, and acceptance—which cannot be undermined or removed.
In essence, a complete identity in Christ integrates belonging, transformation, status, authority, calling, and security. Those who apprehend and embody these truths will exhibit stability, confidence, humility, boldness, and deep-rootedness.
The Absence of Spiritual Power Among Christians
Despite the rich identity endowed in Christ, many believers live devoid of spiritual power for a variety of reasons:
Salvation Without Surrender
Some accept forgiveness yet resist true discipleship, seeking Christ as Savior but not as Lord. Spiritual power is reserved for those who are wholly surrendered, not for casual adherents.
Spiritual Malnourishment
Many subsist on superficial teaching and motivational messages, lacking depth in the Scriptures and spiritual fortitude. Without robust engagement with the Word, power is absent.
Disconnection from the Spirit
The early church was empowered through their walk in the Spirit. Presently, many are guided by sentiment, culture, or tradition, neglecting the Spirit’s direction.
Toleration of Sin
Harbored sin undermines spiritual authority. Authentic spiritual power emerges only when sin is confronted and put to death.
Acceptance of Powerless Religion
When churches avoid repentance, holiness, spiritual warfare, and transformation, the inevitable result is spiritual impotence among believers and the church collectively.
Factors Leading to Spiritual Impotence
The current state of weakness in the church stems from multiple sources:
False Teachers and Shepherds
Scripture issues warnings regarding leaders who distort the truth and deny spiritual power, thereby misleading many. Corrupt shepherds cause the spiritual starvation of the flock.
Prioritizing Entertainment Over Discipleship
When churches value entertainment above true discipleship, the result is a passive audience rather than a spiritually prepared body.
Worldly Discipleship
Secular culture, social media, and popular influencers often shape the perspectives of believers more than Scripture, eroding spiritual power and formation.
Loss of Reverence for God
When reverence is abandoned, both holiness and power dissipate.
Forgotten Identity
A failure to apprehend one’s spiritual identity results in shame, insecurity, performance, and loss of authority.
Responsibility for the Church’s Condition
The lack of spiritual power in the church can be attributed to several parties:
Church Leaders
Scripture holds leaders accountable for faithful teaching and shepherding. When leadership fails, the body cannot flourish in power.
Church Culture
Churches that prioritize comfort, metrics, performance, or programs over prayer, discipleship, and the presence of God foster spiritual malnutrition.
Individual Believers
Personal neglect of obedience, holiness, spiritual discipline, and pursuit of God also contributes to the lack of power.
Departure from Apostolic Pattern
The early church thrived on prayer, unity, holiness, boldness, and dependence on the Spirit. Modern Christianity frequently substitutes these with convenience and consumerism, resulting in diminished power.
Ultimately, Christians are bereft of power because they have separated themselves from the foundational sources of truth, holiness, surrender, and the Spirit.
Restoring Spiritual Power to the Church
To recover spiritual authority and vitality, the church must return to foundational commitments:
- Reverence for God
Every genuine revival begins with the restoration of the fear of the Lord. Where reverence is present, sin loses its hold, and holiness flourishes.
- Centrality of the Word
A church saturated with Scripture is a powerful church. Devotion to the Word and immediate correction of error are essential.
- Fervent Prayer
Prayer must become the prevailing practice of the church, mirroring the example of the early church.
- Dependence on the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not merely a doctrine but the empowering presence within the church. Power comes when believers are filled, led, and energized by Him.
- Commitment to Repentance
Repentance remains the entryway to restored power, purity, and authority.
- Discipleship
The church must invest in making true disciples—individuals who learn, obey, grow, and multiply spiritually.
- Engagement in Spiritual Warfare
Believers must recognize and exercise their God-given authority to oppose the powers of darkness.
- Return to First Love
Intimacy with Christ is the heart of revival. The church must renew its love for Jesus above all else.
In summary, the church regains power by returning to apostolic patterns: reverence, devotion to the Word, prayer, the Holy Spirit, repentance, discipleship, spiritual warfare, and first love.
Judgment Commences with the Household of God
Scripture indicates that God purifies His own people before He judges the world, a process characterized by exposure, correction, discipline, and restoration of holiness. Judgment is not merely condemnation, but a necessary purification in anticipation of Christ’s return.
The Corporate Church
Judgment begins with the assembled body of Christ, including congregations, denominations, ministries, and church culture. God confronts worldliness, compromise, entertainment-driven worship, and spiritual stagnation.
Leadership Accountability
Spiritual leaders are held to a greater standard. God confronts those who propagate diluted teaching, tolerate sin, abuse authority, or mislead His people, and He will remove unfaithful leaders to restore His church.
Stages Preceding Christ’s Return
- Exposure: Sin, false teaching, and hypocrisy are brought to light.
- Separation: God distinguishes between true believers and mere cultural adherents.
- Refinement: Discipline, suffering, and the rise of a Spirit-filled remnant prepare the church to be a pure bride for Christ.
Restoration Prior to Judgment
Christ will return for a church that mirrors His glory—not one marred by corruption or spiritual apathy. Judgment is intended to restore, purifying the church to reflect the image of Christ.
Responsibility
Responsibility rests upon leadership, the collective church, and individual believers, each called to repentance, obedience, holiness, and discernment.
In summary, judgment commences in the household of God to purify and prepare the church for Christ’s return.
The Remnant — God’s Strategic Instrument Prior to Christ’s Return
Throughout history, God has accomplished His purposes through a remnant—a small, faithful, and uncompromised group who carry His heart, truth, and authority.
Nature of the Remnant
The remnant is not characterized by size, popularity, or prominence, but by unwavering faithfulness, surrender, spiritual integrity, and devotion to truth. They refuse to be influenced by cultural trends or a diluted gospel.
Purpose of the Remnant in the Last Days
In times of deception and spiritual confusion, God raises a remnant to preserve truth, model holiness, carry spiritual authority, confront error, intercede for the church, and reveal Christ to the world.
Distinguishing Marks of the Remnant
- They revere the Lord and pursue holiness.
- They love and adhere to scriptural truth.
- They walk in purity and actively resist sin.
- They are led by the Spirit rather than trends or emotions.
- They embody a life of prayer and intercession.
- They exercise spiritual authority, confronting darkness without fear.
- They endure faithfully in the midst of adversity and persecution.
The Remnant’s Formation
The remnant is set apart from spiritual complacency and compromise, purified through God’s refining process, and equipped to strengthen the church and engage the world.
Role of the Remnant Before Christ’s Return
- Restore reverence for God, calling the church to renewed holiness.
- Uphold and proclaim sound doctrine and the Word of God.
- Revitalize the church’s prayer life and spiritual power.
- Prepare the church for Christ’s return through purity and devotion.
- Stand against spiritual darkness and confront moral and doctrinal error.
Misunderstanding and Divine Empowerment
The remnant may be misunderstood, rejected, or opposed, yet they are commended by God. As darkness increases, their clarity, boldness, authority, and intimacy with God will be intensified.
God’s Strategic Design
Prior to Christ’s return, God entrusts His redemptive mission to a purified, Spirit-filled remnant—to proclaim the gospel, oppose evil, endure persecution, and prepare the church for the coming Bridegroom.
Conclusion
The remnant is rising—not marked by loudness, size, or visibility, but by steadfast faithfulness. They are those who will carry the fire of God to the end, stand firm when others waver, shine amidst darkness, and prepare the way for the return of the King. The remnant does not await revival; the remnant embodies the revival.