Genesis 1:1

Being in the back seat; or being Number Two; or not being in control of the situation is a hard spot for the flesh of any man. But the reason it is hard is because the position is viewed through the eyes of flesh (walking by sight) and not by faith.

Innate in every person is to look out for #1; that is, to look out for self; protect and provide for self; self-preservation at any cost. Therefore, every person, event, and thought, is centered on self until Christ comes to dwell in an individual through Regeneration. But after Regeneration, a person has a new nature. He is a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), with a new will to please and serve God first, instead of self.

However, at initial conversion, the newborn of God is like a blank sheet of paper, ready for God to reveal to him:

1. Who is God?
2. Who am I?
3. What is my job as a son of God?

The answers to these questions are in the Process of Identification for the believer. The young believer must know what is expected of him to please God.

Question #1 – Who is God?

1)    God is the Creator of all matter. God not only created all things, but He gave form and order and even life (Genesis 1:1 – 2:7).

2)    God is the Controller of His Creation.

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)

“But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.” (Job 23:13)

“For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.” (Job 23:14)

These verses prove that God is in control of our entire journey in life; from conception, to birth, to life, to death.

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

It is God working His Purpose through you.

3)    God is the Consummator.

Job wrote, “Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;” (Job 14:5)

David said, “My times are in thy hand…” (Psalms 31:15)

Paul wrote, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die…” (Hebrews 9:27)

Death is an appointment of God; and the number of our days on this earth are numbered by God. God gives life and God takes life at His appointed time.

Therefore, “In the beginning God…” God is the Alpha and Omega. He is Sovereign, and moves according to His Eternal Purpose. He is responsible for the creation, life, and consummation of every living thing. We owe our all to Him.

Question #2 – Who am I?

You are a saved sinner; saved by the Grace of God. He is the Source of not only physical life, but also spiritual life in Christ Jesus. Christ is Eternal Life (1 John 5:20). You were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-12). You were redeemed by Christ on the Cross and made to know of His Salvation in the work of Regeneration by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-8). In the work of Regeneration, you were given a new life; raised from being dead in trespasses and sins (Romans 6:4; Ephesians 2:1). The old man was crucified; thus he no longer has dominion (or rule) over you (Romans 8:2). The new man is now in control, being indwelt by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 4:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17). You now have a new will. Now your will is to serve Christ before self. You now have the ability to discern spiritual things. You know you are now a servant (or a slave) of righteousness, and your fruit is unto holiness. You are a Child of God; indwelt by the Holy Spirit; made free in truth.

Question #3 – Being a servant (a slave) of God, then what is my task?

1)    Be a fruit bearer (John 15:1-16):

a)    We are to bear fruit, more fruit, and much fruit.

b)    This fruit will be, not fruit of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-20), but fruit of the Spirit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23)

c)    Our fruit is to remain, and only the fruit of the Spirit will remain.

2)    Be Holy:

“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:” (1 Peter 1:14)

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;” (1 Peter 1:15)

“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)

a)    We are to be a people separated from this world, in body and spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

b)    See Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Colossians 3:1-3.

3)    Be a Doer of the Word:

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22; read verses 21-25)

See Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20.

Daily receive the engrafted Word which is able to save (or preserve) your soul in this temporal life. Then you will be a doer:

a)    First toward God (inward):

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Love God first (John 14:15, 21:23).

b)    Second, toward the brethren (outward):

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39)

c)    Third, toward all (Jew and Gentile):

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

With these facts on instruction given by Christ to His converted children, the blank sheet of a newly converted sinner is now taking shape as to:

1. Who is God? Creator, Controller, and Consummator
2. Who am I? A Child of God
3. What is expected of me as a converted Child of God? Be a Fruit Bearer, be Holy, be a Doer of the Word

These instructions are vital in the Process of Identification for the new convert; to know “who” and “what.”

The next step is to know “where” he is to serve Christ.