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Who Am I? Identity in Christ
Jerry Bridges faz a pergunta mais fundamental e importante da existência “Quem sou eu?”. Em seguida, busca na Palavra de Deus 8 respostas claras, inter-relacionadas e altamente Sou uma criatura Estou em Cristo Sou justificado Sou adotado por Deus Sou nova criação Sou santo Sou servo de Jesus Cristo Ainda não sou perfeito Uma apresentação honesta e sem rodeios da verdade bíblica, Nossa identidade em Cristo demonstra para o crente que ele pode e deve, com todo o direito, lançar mão de um fundamento pessoal, inabalável e vitalício e confiar em somente uma o evangelho do nosso Salvador ressurreto e vitorioso.
95 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
194 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Bridges
121 books688 followersJERRY BRIDGES was an author and conference speaker. His most popular book, The Pursuit of Holiness, has sold over one million copies. Jerry was on the staff of The Navigators for over fifty years, and currently served in the Collegiate Mission where he was involved primarily in staff development, but also served as a speaker resource to the campus ministries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
July 13, 2012
I received a paperback of Who Am I? while attending Together for the Gospel and have been sitting on it since. I’m going to start with my only complaint. The mannequin on the cover freaks me out. It reminds of one of those faceless robots from that cheesy Will Smith movie iRobot. Otherwise, I have no substantial critiques.
He starts by discussing our common identity with humanity in creation. Foundationally we are creatures but then he zeros in on the Christian's unique identity in Christ as justified, adopted sons of God, new creations, saints, servants of Christ, and not yet perfect.
He also handles deftly the differences between initial sanctification and justification versus progressive sanctification and our effort.
Each of these topics could take over the party but they are clearly and accurately explained. His writing is approachable yet profound (the topics demand it).
Who Am I? should be a book that pastors look at giving all new Christians they minister to. The topics addressed are so foundational to Christian living and our understanding of salvation. The format lends itself to discussion and discipleship. Each chapter handles one of these topics carefully and accurately. They each build on each other and the entire book exudes a sense of hope and longing for the finality of our salvation.
He starts by discussing our common identity with humanity in creation. Foundationally we are creatures but then he zeros in on the Christian's unique identity in Christ as justified, adopted sons of God, new creations, saints, servants of Christ, and not yet perfect.
He also handles deftly the differences between initial sanctification and justification versus progressive sanctification and our effort.
Each of these topics could take over the party but they are clearly and accurately explained. His writing is approachable yet profound (the topics demand it).
Who Am I? should be a book that pastors look at giving all new Christians they minister to. The topics addressed are so foundational to Christian living and our understanding of salvation. The format lends itself to discussion and discipleship. Each chapter handles one of these topics carefully and accurately. They each build on each other and the entire book exudes a sense of hope and longing for the finality of our salvation.
March 21, 2020
As soon as I finished it, I started it over immediately. After all what could be more hopeful and encouraging than being told that you are a complete failure who has completely messed up your life? Well, being told that it’s not up to you to fix it.
This book starts from the very first chapter of the Bible and in a few short chapters and shows us our brokenness and God’s glorious graciousness. Then it shows us what the new identity of God offers us means to us day by day. Even though this is a quick overview of personal identity in Christ, it is packed with truth. The truth that is freeing, humbling, yet, encouraging. Most of all though I found it grounding. With a firm foundation, a firm understanding, we can live, by God's grace, to His glory.
So go read it. Now!
This book starts from the very first chapter of the Bible and in a few short chapters and shows us our brokenness and God’s glorious graciousness. Then it shows us what the new identity of God offers us means to us day by day. Even though this is a quick overview of personal identity in Christ, it is packed with truth. The truth that is freeing, humbling, yet, encouraging. Most of all though I found it grounding. With a firm foundation, a firm understanding, we can live, by God's grace, to His glory.
So go read it. Now!
December 14, 2014
My full review can be read at Blogging Theologically:
“Who am I?” It’s a question that every single one of us has likely asked at one time or another. And with good reason; understanding who we are—defining our identity—completely transforms how we act, think and speak. It is no wonder then, that we so many appeals within Scripture to our identity as being “in Christ.” We are to remember that we are new creations in Christ, made free in Christ, made alive in Christ, made wise in Christ… the list is (seemingly) endless.
Yet, many of us struggle to grasp the impact of what it means to be in Christ and, as a result, burden ourselves under condemnation and guilt, failing to live in the freedom that Christ offers. That’s the heart of Who Am I?: Identity in Christ by Jerry Bridges. Over its eight chapters, Bridges offers a concise look at the meaning and implications of being “in Christ.”...
“Who am I?” It’s a question that every single one of us has likely asked at one time or another. And with good reason; understanding who we are—defining our identity—completely transforms how we act, think and speak. It is no wonder then, that we so many appeals within Scripture to our identity as being “in Christ.” We are to remember that we are new creations in Christ, made free in Christ, made alive in Christ, made wise in Christ… the list is (seemingly) endless.
Yet, many of us struggle to grasp the impact of what it means to be in Christ and, as a result, burden ourselves under condemnation and guilt, failing to live in the freedom that Christ offers. That’s the heart of Who Am I?: Identity in Christ by Jerry Bridges. Over its eight chapters, Bridges offers a concise look at the meaning and implications of being “in Christ.”...
January 24, 2022
What does trusting in Jesus Christ means for your new identity as a Christian? In this book author Jerry Bridges explores the Christian’s new identity biblically. He does this by applying what in systematic theology is called the Order of Salvation to the question of who a believer is. By Order of Salvation I mean what God has done to save believers from their sins and the penalty and power of sin.
The eight chapters in the book were edifying. The first is on the fact that we are creatures made by God. This is foundational for everything else that follows. Chapter two is titled “I am in Christ” which goes over and apply the doctrine of union with Christ. Next is a chapter on the doctrine of justification, a chapter on adoption and a chapter on believers being a new creation. Chapter six then is on believers being saints and chapter seven is on believers being a servant of Christ and what does that mean practically. Finally chapter eight discusses the reality that we are not yet perfect; I thought this was important to balance out chapter five of how we are generate, we can say no to sin.
I really enjoyed this book as I enjoyed other works by the author Jerry Bridges. It is biblically sound, Gospel centered, grace driven and practical. He’s practical in a way that I like: His discussion about biblical doctrines is meant to warm our hearts to have affections and love for God, and that then is motivation for obedience. So while its not always a “how-to” application, it is always an application of loving and worshipping God as the primary motivation to obey God.
The book is easy to understand and I’m glad our youth group is going over it. Chapters are short and great for discussions for those that want to use it in a small group setting. It is also great for personal devotional with it being a chapter a day, though I also thought the book was interesting enough that I read the second half the book in one sitting at night. Edifying and God exalting; I pray those who read this would come to Christ or grow in Christ having seen our identity in Christ is relevant for how we live our life and handling difficulties.
The eight chapters in the book were edifying. The first is on the fact that we are creatures made by God. This is foundational for everything else that follows. Chapter two is titled “I am in Christ” which goes over and apply the doctrine of union with Christ. Next is a chapter on the doctrine of justification, a chapter on adoption and a chapter on believers being a new creation. Chapter six then is on believers being saints and chapter seven is on believers being a servant of Christ and what does that mean practically. Finally chapter eight discusses the reality that we are not yet perfect; I thought this was important to balance out chapter five of how we are generate, we can say no to sin.
I really enjoyed this book as I enjoyed other works by the author Jerry Bridges. It is biblically sound, Gospel centered, grace driven and practical. He’s practical in a way that I like: His discussion about biblical doctrines is meant to warm our hearts to have affections and love for God, and that then is motivation for obedience. So while its not always a “how-to” application, it is always an application of loving and worshipping God as the primary motivation to obey God.
The book is easy to understand and I’m glad our youth group is going over it. Chapters are short and great for discussions for those that want to use it in a small group setting. It is also great for personal devotional with it being a chapter a day, though I also thought the book was interesting enough that I read the second half the book in one sitting at night. Edifying and God exalting; I pray those who read this would come to Christ or grow in Christ having seen our identity in Christ is relevant for how we live our life and handling difficulties.
January 6, 2021
A very concise, helpful read about what it means to be “in Christ.” Particularly helpful in that Bridges primarily talks about who Christ is and how because of His work on the cross we can be confident of our identity in Him.
“. . . We cannot look to Christ for our identity if we are still trying to find something about ourselves to prop up our self-esteem. To really grow in the wonderful reality of who we are in Christ, we must abandon any desire to find something within ourselves that makes us acceptable to God.”
“. . . We cannot look to Christ for our identity if we are still trying to find something about ourselves to prop up our self-esteem. To really grow in the wonderful reality of who we are in Christ, we must abandon any desire to find something within ourselves that makes us acceptable to God.”
November 8, 2023
it should be less "find your identity in christ" and more "remember and improve upon your baptism"
November 2, 2024
My 2 favorite quotes:
“You are right. You are a failure, and so am I. But that’s why Jesus came. He came to die for failures like you and me. Because of Jesus, our failures, no longer define who we truly are.”
“Our answer to the question, ‘Who am I?’ is to be found in neither our achievements nor our failures, nor the evaluations of others, but in Christ alone. It is he who, as our representative before God, lived the perfect life we could never live, died the death we deserve to die, and now sits at the right hand of God, interceding for us, and I suspect, cheering us on.”
Praise the Lord 😊
“You are right. You are a failure, and so am I. But that’s why Jesus came. He came to die for failures like you and me. Because of Jesus, our failures, no longer define who we truly are.”
“Our answer to the question, ‘Who am I?’ is to be found in neither our achievements nor our failures, nor the evaluations of others, but in Christ alone. It is he who, as our representative before God, lived the perfect life we could never live, died the death we deserve to die, and now sits at the right hand of God, interceding for us, and I suspect, cheering us on.”
Praise the Lord 😊
February 23, 2018
I love anything by Jerry Bridges and this little but powerfully packed book reminds us who we are if we are in Christ and he guides us to clearly see who then we are to be.
"We must remind ourselves that God loves us, not because we are lovable, but because we are in Christ, and the love which the Father has for his Son flows over to us because we are in him."
"Though we have been delivered from absolute bondage to sin, we have not been freed from its presence or influence. And as long as sin is present within us, it will seek to regain its dominion over us. While sin can never fully succeed at this, it can make life far more difficult, far more painful, and far less fruitful."
"The fact that we have died to the dominion of sin is not a truth to be put on a shelf and admired. It is a truth we must put to use every day."
"We must remind ourselves that God loves us, not because we are lovable, but because we are in Christ, and the love which the Father has for his Son flows over to us because we are in him."
"Though we have been delivered from absolute bondage to sin, we have not been freed from its presence or influence. And as long as sin is present within us, it will seek to regain its dominion over us. While sin can never fully succeed at this, it can make life far more difficult, far more painful, and far less fruitful."
"The fact that we have died to the dominion of sin is not a truth to be put on a shelf and admired. It is a truth we must put to use every day."
August 7, 2022
I’ve read this book once or twice a year for the last couple years, and it’s always a refreshing reminder of the believer’s true identity in Jesus. It’s easy to get bogged down with the question “who am I?” and to grow discouraged at a lack of growth or progress. However, Bridges goes back to the basics of the Gospel, so to speak, to reorient our thinking. As often as we think of our sanctification, we must remember if not more often our justification - what Jesus saved us from. Life is a continuing journey with Jesus; ultimately, who we are is bound up in our relationship with Him.
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“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace.”
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“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace.”
May 11, 2015
This is one of the most helpful Christian books I have ever read. The book is very simple, very straightforward, and it helped me to see what it means to be a Christian and to have my identity rooted in Jesus Christ.
The book is simple enough for a mature middle schooler or immature high schooler, and profound enough to encourage/challenge the long time Christian.
Bridges' simple illustrations and explanations were very helpful to me and different than what I've heard before, even though I've read many Christian books.
If you're tired of your identity out flapping in the wind every time circumstances change, you will find this book a welcome balm to your soul.
The book is simple enough for a mature middle schooler or immature high schooler, and profound enough to encourage/challenge the long time Christian.
Bridges' simple illustrations and explanations were very helpful to me and different than what I've heard before, even though I've read many Christian books.
If you're tired of your identity out flapping in the wind every time circumstances change, you will find this book a welcome balm to your soul.
February 10, 2017
Typical solid Bridges. I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking for a thorough treatment of identity and union with Christ, but as a practical primer or a tool for discipling a recent convert this volume is excellent.
Bridges does divide our living and representation union with Christ, positing the benefits of identity in our representational union, whereas I wish he would have brought the two together.
Bridges does divide our living and representation union with Christ, positing the benefits of identity in our representational union, whereas I wish he would have brought the two together.
February 4, 2016
A little book about the Christian's identity in Christ. Stuff one can always use a reminder about. Bridges is one of those steady, sturdy guys who's not a spectacular writer, but is good for getting grounded in the basics.
It was read by Alistair Begg, so it was a pleasant listen, but the voice didn't fit quite right.
It was read by Alistair Begg, so it was a pleasant listen, but the voice didn't fit quite right.
September 29, 2022
Once again, Jerry Bridges strikes! Such a good book- it’s a short book and can be a quick read, but also perfect to reread and review these things he teaches about. It’s short and simple language yet deep with good theology and backed up well by scripture. He addresses our identity from who we are as sinners, with salvation, and during sanctification - always bringing it back to Christ. He really emphasizes the need for the gospel in all stages of our walk and explains how it is to be applied and then, naturally when we do so, our identity will be in Christ rather than anything of ourselves.
March 17, 2020
Short read with a clear demonstration of the gospel, especially as it pertains to our identity "In Christ."
"God is pleased when we seek to please him, but his acceptance of us is based entirely on the work of Christ ALONE"
"To really grow in the wonderful reality of who we are in Christ, we must abandon any desire to find something within ourselves that makes us acceptable to God."
"God is pleased when we seek to please him, but his acceptance of us is based entirely on the work of Christ ALONE"
"To really grow in the wonderful reality of who we are in Christ, we must abandon any desire to find something within ourselves that makes us acceptable to God."
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August 15, 2025Great book. Iffy cover.
March 1, 2015
After gaining so much by reading The Pursuit of Holiness by this author, I was looking forward to more good stuff from this book. Unfortunately, it struck me as one of many neo-Calvinist primers with which the market seems to be glutted. I found very little in the early chapters that differed from anything I've read 100 times.
Things picked up a little in the chapter on our identity as saints, but the book closes with a stirring tribute to good ol' Calvinist pessimism. Yes, God calls you to holiness. Yes, God sees you as a saint. Yes, you are to strive for righteousness. But, as part of God's cosmic playfulness, you'll never be able to reach the goal to which he calls you. God is either a cruel trickster, or he is sovereign in everything except being able to wholly sanctify you in this lifetime. It just amazes me that those who claim sola Scriptura can so boldly proclaim the impossibility of sinless living without any biblical warrant. They choke on the word "saint" and are quick to assure us that this is merely imputed righteousness; but they confidently proclaim that we are "saved sinners," a title the Bible never uses.
Things picked up a little in the chapter on our identity as saints, but the book closes with a stirring tribute to good ol' Calvinist pessimism. Yes, God calls you to holiness. Yes, God sees you as a saint. Yes, you are to strive for righteousness. But, as part of God's cosmic playfulness, you'll never be able to reach the goal to which he calls you. God is either a cruel trickster, or he is sovereign in everything except being able to wholly sanctify you in this lifetime. It just amazes me that those who claim sola Scriptura can so boldly proclaim the impossibility of sinless living without any biblical warrant. They choke on the word "saint" and are quick to assure us that this is merely imputed righteousness; but they confidently proclaim that we are "saved sinners," a title the Bible never uses.
March 9, 2012
Our identity in Christ is one subject that we may never fully understand however, I think the effort is worth while. It frees us to life abundantly, love fearlessly, serve with purity, live in thankfulness and grace. The book starts with the right questions and with that each 8 chapters is a question/statement. He ends each chapter with a beautiful statement to remind and encourage us in our identity in Christ. My favorite was the last...In this life I am and always will be imperfect, a saved sinner, seeking to grow in holiness and relating to God on the basis of grace that is mine because I am in Christ.
As always www.cruciformpress.com always puts a book that is gospel centered and Christ exalting. Even in our identity our Christ, we are reminded that we need to preach the gospel to ourselves. We are prone to a work based gospel. We are reminded of our responsibility and God's mercy and work in us thru Christ Jesus.
As always www.cruciformpress.com always puts a book that is gospel centered and Christ exalting. Even in our identity our Christ, we are reminded that we need to preach the gospel to ourselves. We are prone to a work based gospel. We are reminded of our responsibility and God's mercy and work in us thru Christ Jesus.
December 30, 2013
Who am I? That question has challenged humanity since our race began. Bridges answers the question of our identity with eight answers, the first universally applying to all people and the remaining seven centered on those who are in Christ. Combining concrete teaching and conciseness is often a tricky venture, but Bridges skillfully accomplishes it with poise and candor. He pens a clear-cut, necessary reminder of exactly who (or perhaps better said as whose) we are.
December 6, 2017
This is a fine, short book looking at our identity as a Christian - looking at what it means to be a Christian.
Admittedly I found the first few chapters a little slow going, and I didn't seem to be really connecting with the Author - but that soon changed - and I especially appreciated the last chapter "I am not yet perfect".
So I would say that this is a good book both for new and not-so-new Christians as we all need to be reminded of what it is to be "in Christ".
Admittedly I found the first few chapters a little slow going, and I didn't seem to be really connecting with the Author - but that soon changed - and I especially appreciated the last chapter "I am not yet perfect".
So I would say that this is a good book both for new and not-so-new Christians as we all need to be reminded of what it is to be "in Christ".
April 2, 2014
I definitely rate this 5 stars for content. The 4 stars is for my own personal difficulty getting into the flow of his writing style. Great information to be had in this short read. The author breaks down a christian's identity into eight succinct points, of which the overlying theme is that we are...in Christ. For more about that, you'll need to sit down with a copy and read on...
June 28, 2012
This is a great read for anyone, whether you've been a Christian for 2 days or 20 years. For those newer to the faith, it is a wonderful introduction to your new identity in Christ. If you have been a Christian for many years, it is a great reminder of who you are in Christ.
May 11, 2013
Another great book by Jerry Bridges, on a subject too little preached upon, in my experience.
January 29, 2015
A very helpful and important topic, covered in a small package.
September 3, 2016
Short, accessible guide on identity for a Christian. This would be a good book for a young Christian to read.
August 2, 2025
WOW. Such a fun read.
I am a creature. I'm dependent on God.
I am a sinner, I need a Savior. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world especially of those who believe.
I am justified through faith (alone) in Christ.
I am adopted as a "son". I have an inheritance incorruptible, that never fades reserve in heaven for me. So I have hope and I can cry Abba! Father! in an intimate way because I am in Christ.
I am a new creation.
I am a saint. The Holy Spirit is sanctifying me.
I am a servant of Christ. Called to serve Him in all of my endeavors.
I am not yet perfect. I trust in the finished work of Christ as I press on.
My identity in not in who I am, not in my achievements or failures, but in what God said who I am in CHRIST. That sealed the matter.
This is so good. Highly recommended!
I am a creature. I'm dependent on God.
I am a sinner, I need a Savior. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world especially of those who believe.
I am justified through faith (alone) in Christ.
I am adopted as a "son". I have an inheritance incorruptible, that never fades reserve in heaven for me. So I have hope and I can cry Abba! Father! in an intimate way because I am in Christ.
I am a new creation.
I am a saint. The Holy Spirit is sanctifying me.
I am a servant of Christ. Called to serve Him in all of my endeavors.
I am not yet perfect. I trust in the finished work of Christ as I press on.
My identity in not in who I am, not in my achievements or failures, but in what God said who I am in CHRIST. That sealed the matter.
This is so good. Highly recommended!
October 12, 2020
This is the second Jerry Bridges book I have read. He deals with theological issues in a clearly written, well organized way. This book explores a Christian's identity in Christ and features chapters dealing with being justified, being a servant of God,being adopted into God's family, and sainthood, among others. A couple of quotes I liked, "Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace.," and "In many ways our sinful flesh acts as a mole. It is constantly responding to the allurements of the world and the enticements of the devil, and is constantly seeking to collaborate with them."
March 19, 2022
This would be a wonderful book for new believers, but it's just as wonderful for those of us who have been around for awhile. :) It's a reminder to preach the gospel to yourself every day. We know that Christians are "in Christ". We are new creations, adopted by God, righteous because of Christ alone. We know this. But we are performance-based by nature. We are constantly looking inward; our constant default is to live by our works, to find something in myself that makes me acceptable before God. I need to be told over and over and over again "For every look you take at yourself in your daily experience, take two looks at who you are in Christ."
So who am I in Christ? What is my identity? I am a new creation, justified, adopted, a saint, a servant of Christ, though certainly not perfect...yet, seeking to grow on the basis of His grace.
So who am I in Christ? What is my identity? I am a new creation, justified, adopted, a saint, a servant of Christ, though certainly not perfect...yet, seeking to grow on the basis of His grace.
January 5, 2023
I liked how Bridges focuses on the Christian's union with Christ. That I am in Christ is the foundation of my justification, my adoption, and my longing to enter eternity with Him forever. Good, quick, and easy read.
"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace."
"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace."
September 15, 2020
I have never read a Jerry Bridges book that I did not enjoy. Who Am I? Identity in Christ is no different. His writing is very clear and concise and written with the readers edification and spiritual growth in mind; Always founded on Scripture and with the goal of glorifying God in the life of the believers. This is a very short read. It will take most only a couple of days to get through it, but there is plenty of good material that will help you in your spiritual growth. This book would make an excellent study for a Sunday school class or youth group. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews