b. New Nature and Status in Christ.

Those who believe in Christ acquire a new nature and status. Previously, the nature and status of humans before God was as sinners. However, anyone who has received Christ is given a new nature and status as a saint. This saintly nature and status are granted to Christians, both those who are still spiritual infants and mature Christians. When Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians -- who were still living in sin and fleshliness -- he called them saints. What is the difference between nature and status? The holy nature is the believer's new fundamental trait, which is holiness. Meanwhile, status is the believer's identity in the eyes of God, which is as saints.

How is this holy nature and status obtained by believers? Is it by effort? No! This holy nature and status are not obtained from human efforts, but because of God's calling. It is stated in the Bible that God's assembly is "called to be saints" (1 Corinthians 1:2). This holy nature and status are obtained as a result of the work of the Holy Spirit who transforms and sanctifies believers.

Many Christians think they are sinners saved by grace. Is this view correct? Does it paint the true identity of the believer? Actually, it would be more accurate to say that believers are saints who can still sin. Why? Because believers no longer have the status of sinners but of saints. God Himself calls His people saints. The Bible says so:

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, so that you may proclaim the mighty acts of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9).

If someone still thinks that their nature is sinful, then they will live according to that view, that they are sinners. Therefore, let us see believers as they are, saints who can still sin.

The holy nature within believers becomes a strength to grow spiritually. The Bible teaches that the body of believers is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16) where God dwells. The Bible also teaches that the Holy Spirit resides within the believer's spirit (Ezekiel 36). Believers have been sanctified in Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. In accordance with their holy nature, saints hate sin. Hating sin is one of the characteristics of someone who has been born again. And, in line with their holy nature, believers will not continue to sin. If they sin, the Holy Spirit will reprove, and their conscience will grieve. If someone continues to sin and enjoys sin, then their new birth is questionable. Saints hate sin! Calvin said that the saints are highly sensitive to small sins. In line with their holy nature, believers must live holy lives.
"but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16)

c. Abundance in Christ.

The Bible teaches that Jesus came so that people might have life, even life more abundantly. In this sinful world, people seek abundant life. They look for it in love, acceptance, self-security, and self-meaning. However, the search for identity and self-meaning in the flesh will not satisfy the deepest soul of man. True satisfaction of the human soul is only found in Christ. Humans need the abundant life from God.

One day, as Jesus was passing through Samaria, He arrived at a town where Jacob's well was located. Jesus, tired from the long journey, sat down by the well around noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. This woman had already had five husbands and felt empty and meaningless. She sought to fill her void with love, acceptance, self-security, and meaning in life, all of which she looked for in men, hoping they would love and accept her, provide security, and give her life meaning. However, her soul was never satisfied, and she continued to change partners, deeply thirsting for the most profound love.

Jesus knew the needs of the Samaritan woman. She needed God because only He could satisfy her soul. Thus, Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." The woman was surprised because Jews did not associate with Samaritans, whom they considered heretics. She said, "How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan, for a drink?" Jesus replied, "If you knew about God's gift and who it is that says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." Jesus offered her the living water that could satisfy the human soul, the word of God. The woman, puzzled by His words, asked where she could get this living water. Jesus answered, "Whoever drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Instead, the water I give them will become a spring within them, welling up to eternal life." The Samaritan woman then asked Jesus for this living water so she wouldn't have to keep coming to draw water.

Jesus, perceiving her innermost heart, knew that the deepest human need is spiritual, obtainable only through God's word. He revealed Himself as the Messiah to her, and she came to believe in Him. Her spiritual need for the living water was ultimately satisfied and fulfilled in Christ. The Bible says, "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Only God's word can fulfill the human soul, and this abundance is found in Christ.

There is another story often heard in Sunday School about a tax collector named Zacchaeus. The story begins as Jesus entered Jericho and passed through the town. Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector, wanted to see who Jesus was. Being short, he climbed a sycamore tree to see Him. Zacchaeus's heart was thirsty as he looked upon Jesus, unsatisfied by his wealth, which had previously filled his life. He might have thought that being rich would satisfy his heart, secure his soul, and give his life meaning. However, Zacchaeus felt his life was empty and meaningless until Jesus called to him. Looking up at the sycamore tree, Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately; I must stay at your house today" (Luke 19:5).

Jesus knew Zacchaeus and called him by name. From that day on, Zacchaeus came to know the Lord and repented. His deepest being was filled by Christ. He repented, giving half of his wealth to the poor, and his life changed. He had a new life.

Jesus Christ said that He came so that those who believe in Him may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). Eternal and abundant life is only found in Jesus.

d. New Identity in Christ.

Sinful humans seek their identity in their lives in this world. Sinful humans, dead due to transgressions, have no other choice but to find their identity, purpose, and meaning of life in the world and in the flesh, like physical inheritance and social status. The tendency of humans is to determine their identity based on the things they do. Many people consider themselves meaningful because of their profession, status, wealth, achievements, or popularity. But what happens when they lose all that? Do they lose their self-identity? There is an important principle, that is, "What we do does not determine who we really are. It is who we are (our identity) that determines what we do." So, the question is: Who is the believer's identity according to the word of God?

Self-awareness is very important. John Calvin said that this self-awareness is related to the knowledge of God. And, knowledge of God is related to self-awareness. When one knows God, they know themselves. Conversely, when one knows themselves, they know God. These two knowledges are interrelated. And, one important thing is that no one can consistently behave inconsistently with what they understand about themselves. In other words, a person's self-knowledge will determine how they think, act, and behave. A person's identity determines how they will live.

In relation to self-identity, believers in Lord Jesus are given a new identity. The Bible says that:
"But as many as received Him (Christ), to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." (John 1:12).

"Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God" (1 John 3:1).

Believers are given a new identity, as children of God!

The new identity in Christ is an important aspect of spiritual growth. In relation to depression sufferers, the new identity is a strength to move forward and grow. Wrong self-awareness and identity can lead to wrong views and ways of life. Another important thing to be instilled is that "believers are not determined by their circumstances or their past, but by the work of Christ in their lives." We are not the product of our past. We are the product of the work of Christ on the cross.

When someone believes in Christ, their life is the work of Christ, and they have a new life and identity given by Christ. With their new identity in Christ, their inner emptiness will be fulfilled. The soul of a human who believes in Christ and in Christ will receive abundance in love, acceptance, security, meaning, and purpose of life. All this is needed for those who experience the dark night of the soul/depression.

The following will be attached about the identity of believers in Christ that fills the human soul. This list is taken from the book Living Free in Christ by Neil T. Anderson.

Who am I really in Christ?

⮚ I am accepted in Christ (loved, possessed, and accepted).
- I am a child of God (John 1:12).
- I am a friend of Christ (John 15:15).
- I have been justified (Romans 5:1).
- I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17).
- I have been bought at a price; I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
- I am a member of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).
- I am a saint (Ephesians 1:1).
- I have been adopted as children of God (Ephesians 1:5).
- I can approach God through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).
- I have been redeemed and my sins have been forgiven (Colossians 1:14).
- I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

⮚ I am secure in Christ (a sense of security).
- I am free forever from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2).
- I am convinced that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).
- I am free from any charges against me (Romans 8:31-34).
- I cannot be separated from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39).
- I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
- I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected (Philippians 1:6).
- I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
- I am hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).
- I have not been given a spirit of fear, but a spirit that raises power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
- I can receive grace and find mercy to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
- I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).

⮚ I am significant in Christ (meaning and sense of self).

- I am the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14).
- I am the true vine, Jesus, a channel of His life (John 15:1,5).
- I have been chosen and appointed by God to bear fruit (John 15:16).
- I am the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16).
- I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
- I am a coworker with God (2 Corinthians 6:1).
- I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6).
- I am God’s workmanship, created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).
- I can approach God with confidence through faith (Ephesians 3:12).
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

By the grace of God, I am what I am now (1 Corinthians 15:10).