Why start with “security”?
Everyone–whether they sit in a church pew, browse spirituality blogs, or avoid faith talk altogether–asks, Who am I? and Am I safe? The Bible’s answer is surprisingly positive for anyone who trusts Jesus. Before we explore power, purpose, or spiritual gifts in later instalments, we need a rock-solid foundation: the believer’s new identity and the deep peace that flows from it.
- Peace with God – the war is over
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” –Romans 5:1 NASB
Justified is a legal word meaning declared in the right. The moment someone embraces Christ, God drops every charge. The hostility that once existed because of sin is cancelled; the relational distance is gone. Peace with God isn’t a warm feeling–it’s a settled status, like an unbreakable treaty signed in heaven.
Everyday impact
- You don’t have to hustle for divine approval; you already have it.
- Guilt no longer calls the shots–your failures don’t define the relationship.
- The peace of God – calm in the storm
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7 NASB
Once peace with God is established, we can experience peace from God. Paul pictures it like soldiers posted at the gates of heart and mind, refusing entry to corrosive anxiety. This isn’t denial of hard realities; it’s supernatural calm that co-exists with them.
Everyday impact
- Anxiety still knocks, but it doesn’t have to move in.
- Decision-making becomes clearer when panic isn’t driving.
- No condemnation – a clean slate
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” –Romans 8:1 NASB
“…how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” –Hebrews 9:14 NASB
Condemnation is the courtroom verdict “Guilty–sentence to follow.” In Christ, that verdict has been permanently overturned. God’s gavel has fallen in your favour.
Everyday impact
- You can stop replaying yesterday’s sins on loop.
- Serving God becomes joyful gratitude, not penance.
- Adopted into God’s family – welcomed home
“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” –Romans 8:15-16 NASB
Adoption in the first-century Roman world carried full legal rights: inheritance, family name, and protection. God doesn’t tuck you in the servant’s quarters; He puts your name on the mailbox.
Everyday impact
- Prayer shifts from formal petitions to family conversation.
- Loneliness is answered with belonging that outlasts human relationships.
- A brand-new identity – not a makeover but a rebirth
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” –2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB
Christianity isn’t self-improvement; it’s new creation. The core of who you are–your spiritual DNA–has been changed. Feelings and habits take time to catch up, but the identity switch is instant.
Everyday impact
- Failure can’t reverse what God has recreated.
- Growth starts from security, not insecurity.
- The Spirit’s inner witness – reassurance on repeat
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” –Romans 8:16 NASB
The same Holy Spirit who makes you new also whispers, “You really are God’s child.” That inner testimony isn’t mystical fog; it’s a quiet, persistent assurance that matches Scripture.
Everyday impact
- When doubts shout, the Spirit’s confirmation speaks louder.
- Confidence grows for risk-taking obedience–you know whose you are.
Living out your security: practical steps
- Preach the gospel to yourself daily – Read these verses aloud:
Romans 5:1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Let them drown out old guilt whenever it resurfaces. - Swap apology-based prayer for honest conversation – Start with “Father” and speak as a loved son or daughter.
- Practise “peace pauses” – When anxiety flares, breathe slowly and pray Philippians 4:6-7 in full:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Join a grace-centred community – Let other believers echo the Spirit’s witness. Lone-ranger Christianity starves assurance.
- Serve from acceptance, not for it – Volunteer, give, and love because you’re secure, not to get secure.
For seekers and new believers
Notice the sequence: peace with God comes first, then the peace of God. The doorway is trusting Jesus’ death and resurrection on your behalf. You’re invited to step through it today.
For long-time believers
Familiarity can dull wonder. Take a moment to thank God for specific ways these truths have steadied you recently. Security fuels gratitude; gratitude deepens security.
Looking ahead
Next time we’ll tackle “Spirit-Formed Character: Growing from the Inside Out.” Expect an honest look at how God transforms temper and temperament–not overnight, but reliably.
Until then, rest easy: in Christ, you are already home.