Identity in Christ | Hidden With Christ and Refined by Fire

Introduction: The Question Beneath the Surface

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus—not just in word, but in life?

In an age where Christianity is often reduced to a label, a political identity, or a Sunday routine, the biblical call to discipleship stands in stark contrast. The gospel does not invite us to add Jesus onto our existing lives; it calls us to die, to be raised, and to live from an entirely new identity. This tension is at the heart of Episode 1 of Through the Refiner’s Fire, where we begin with a foundational truth: our identity is not something we create—it is something we receive in Christ.

The apostle Paul writes:

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3)

This single verse dismantles cultural Christianity and confronts us with a sobering reality: if we are in Christ, our old life no longer defines us. But what does that look like in practice? And why do so many believers struggle to live from this truth?

Identity Is Not Discovered—It Is Given

The world constantly urges us to find ourselves. Scripture tells us something radically different: we lose ourselves to find life.

Biblical identity is not rooted in race, background, trauma, achievements, personality, or even our failures. While these things shape our experiences, they do not define who we are in Christ. When we are born again, Scripture says we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). That means our identity is no longer self-authored—it is Christ-defined.

This truth challenges one of the most common struggles among believers: trying to follow Jesus while still clinging to fragments of the old self. We may believe in Christ intellectually, but we continue to live as though our past still has authority over us. Paul makes it clear—the old self has been put to death.

Dying to the Old Self: A Necessary Death

One of the most uncomfortable truths of the gospel is that transformation requires death. Not physical death, but the death of the old nature—the sinful desires, habits, and identities that once ruled us.

Paul continues in Colossians 3:

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…” (Colossians 3:5)

This command is not optional, nor is it symbolic. To follow Christ means actively putting off the old ways of thinking and living. This does not happen overnight, and it is not achieved through willpower alone. It happens through submission to the Holy Spirit and daily surrender.

Many believers struggle here because they want resurrection power without crucifixion. But Scripture never separates the two. There is no new life apart from death to self.

Compartmentalizing God: The Subtle Form of Compromise

One of the most dangerous patterns in modern Christianity is compartmentalization—allowing God access to certain areas of life while keeping others under our own control.

We invite God into our church attendance, our prayers, and our moments of crisis, but we keep Him out of our entertainment choices, relationships, ambitions, and private struggles. This creates a fragmented faith—one that appears godly on the surface but lacks power.

Paul warns Timothy about this exact condition:

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

When our identity is truly hidden with Christ, there are no compartments. Christ is not a part of our life—He is our life (Colossians 3:4).

Grace That Transforms, Not Excuses

Grace is often misunderstood. Some treat grace as permission to remain unchanged, but biblical grace does the opposite—it empowers transformation.

Grace does not lower God’s standard; it enables us to walk in it. When we misuse grace to justify sin or complacency, we diminish the work of Christ. True grace leads us to repentance, obedience, and holiness—not out of fear, but out of love.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation… training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.” (Titus 2:11–12)

If our lives look no different after encountering Christ, we must ask whether we are living from identity or merely association.

Relationship Produces Obedience

A recurring tension among believers is the false divide between relationship and obedience. Some emphasize relationship to the point where obedience feels optional. Others emphasize obedience while neglecting intimacy with God.

Scripture holds both together.

Jesus said:

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

Obedience is not legalism—it is the fruit of love. When our identity is anchored in Christ, obedience flows naturally from devotion, not obligation.

The Refining Fire: Why God Allows the Process

Refining is not comfortable, but it is necessary. God often uses trials, exposure, and discomfort to burn away what does not belong in us. The fire is not meant to destroy us—it is meant to purify us.

Throughout Scripture, we see God refining His people, not to shame them, but to restore them. Like Daniel and his friends, faithfulness in the fire becomes a testimony of God’s power and presence.

When our identity is hidden with Christ, we can endure refinement with hope, knowing that God is faithful to complete what He has begun.

Living From a Hidden Life

To be hidden with Christ means:

• Our worth is no longer dictated by culture

• Our failures no longer define our future

• Our obedience flows from love

• Our hope is anchored in eternity

This identity reshapes how we live, speak, forgive, resist sin, and endure suffering. It is not performative—it is transformative.

Reflection Questions

1. Where have you been tempted to find identity apart from Christ?

2. Are there areas of your life you’ve compartmentalized from God?

3. What parts of the old self is God calling you to put to death?

4. Does your understanding of grace lead you to transformation or complacency?

5. How is God using refinement in your current season?

Closing Encouragement

God is not calling you to pretend or perform. He is calling you to die—and to live.

Your life is hidden with Christ, secure in His finished work and sustained by His grace. The refining fire is not evidence of God’s absence, but proof of His commitment to transform you into the image of His Son.

Let us live not from borrowed identities, but from the eternal truth of who we are in Christ.