Identity in Christ | Children of God: Belonging Over Labels

Through the Refiner’s Fire – Episode 2

One of the greatest struggles believers face is not whether God exists—but who we are in Him.

In Episode 2 of Through the Refiner’s Fire, we confront the tension between worldly identity and spiritual sonship. Craig and Antonio center the discussion on Galatians 3:26, which declares that all who are in Christ are sons and daughters of God through faith.

Identity Through Adoption

The gospel does not merely improve us—it adopts us. Through faith, we are transferred from old labels into a new family. This means the names placed on us by culture, trauma, sin, or failure no longer have authority.

Antonio reflects on being “born again” as not just symbolic, but transformational. Though we cannot erase our past, Christ washes it clean—casting sin into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18–20).

The Shaky Bridge of Faith

A central image in the episode is the bridge—the crossing from the old life into the new. It feels unstable because it requires surrender. We often fear losing ourselves, when in reality, Christ is calling us to lose what was false so we can gain what is eternal.

The bridge is not secure because of us—it is secure because of the Builder.

Righteousness vs. Being “Good”

A powerful distinction is made between trying to be “good” and being righteous. Righteousness is not moral perfection but submission and obedience to God. Even while striving, we stumble—but Christ continually intercedes for us.

This frees us from compromise. Instead of redefining Scripture to fit our weakness, we surrender our weakness to God.

Letting Go of False Labels

Many of us carry inherited labels—spoken over us by family, culture, or pain. Craig reminds us that these burdens are too heavy to carry, but never too heavy for God. As children of God, we receive a new inheritance, a new name, and a new purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Identity in Christ begins with adoption, not achievement

• Being born again means washed, renewed, and redefined

• Faith is a journey—often shaky—but Christ is faithful

• Righteousness comes through submission, not self-effort

• Labels lose power when sonship is embraced

Reflection Questions

• What labels have you carried that Christ never gave you?

• Where are you tempted to compromise instead of surrender?

• How does knowing you are adopted change how you walk daily?

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