What part of your identity is eternal?
Discussion question for June 25, 2010.
We talked about dying to self, and how important that is to make a way to be conformed to the image of Christ. That would mean part of the self (or identity) would be diminishing. What is left? How will you be you in the afterlife? Will there be any difference for those destined to heaven or hell? Is your understanding distinct from other (Eastern) religions?
Here’s my summary of our discussion.
We only got part way through this question, and even that was hard going. The Bible is written to give us understanding from a physical realm with a spiritual overlay, but things of the future are not spelled out as clearly.
Our identity will persist, though the form is hard to imagine. Paul tells in 1 Corinthians 15 that the resurrected body is a mystery to us. Comparing his description and adding assumptions based on Jesus’ resurrected body, we believe the body will be primarily suited to the spiritual realm but able to be made visible in the physical realm as well. But our eternal condition will be much more than what is contained in our body, whatever form that takes.
Our identity will persist as God created us to be. In the beginning God said: “Let Us make man in Our own image.” That extends beyond Adam to us, each uniquely and individually designed at the initial thought of creation. Because of the fall into sin, our start is in a sinful condition which puts our identity in conflict with the identity that God designed us for. That identity, when redeemed, will be persisting forever in the presence of God, according to the unique way in which each reflects His image.
1 John 5:20 describes this new identity as our “identity in Christ.” At the time we are saved we become a “new creation”, but that new creation is really something very old. It is according to our original Designer’s specifications. Our life on earth begins at odds with God but we are conformed to His image as we are transformed by His power.
There is more evidence of this truth in Revelation 2:17. It says that those that overcome will be given a white stone with a new name written on it that only they know. Another translation says it is a name that cannot be described. That name is our “new identity” and it fits exactly with God’s original intent. Since each name (or identity) is unique, then each reflects a different facet of God’s character. The purpose of each reflection is to give God glory.
Everything of the physical realm will pass away, and either diminish or be changed with resurrection power. Yet we will be recognizable. Our deeds will follow after us (Revelation 14) and our ability to love will persist. Temptation will be done away with, and our free-will will finally be truly free to love God.