BREAKING THE BARRIERS OF IDENTITY THROUGH CHRIST

BREAKING THE BARRIERS OF IDENTITY THROUGH CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Galatians 3:23-29

Supporting Texts: Romans 10:12, Colossians 3:10-11, Ephesians 2:14-⁸18, 1 Corinthians 12:13, John 1:12

INTRODUCTION:
Before Christ came, the world lived under the weight of the law, a system that exposed sin but could not save. People were bound by strict regulations that reminded them of their limitations and separation from God. The law acted like a guardian until the time was ripe for God to usher in a new season of grace and adoption.

In Christ Jesus, a revolutionary transformation took place. Those who believe in Him are no longer under the old system of the law but are adopted as sons and daughters. Through faith in Christ, believers receive a new identity that is no longer defined by race, class, or gender, but by their position in the family of God.

Paul, writing to the Galatians, emphasises the unity and equality we now enjoy through faith in Jesus Christ. The distinctions that once divided people—Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female—are now removed in the body of Christ. We are one, heirs of the promise, and part of God’s eternal plan.

1. FAITH IN CHRIST REPLACES THE GUARDIANSHIP OF THE LAW
Christ is the fulfilment of the law and the pathway to true righteousness.

a) The Law Was Our Guardian Until Christ Came (Galatians 3:24–25)
The law revealed sin and guided us, but faith in Christ sets us free.

b) Faith Gives Us Direct Access to God (Romans 5:1–2)
We are no longer dependent on rituals; we stand justified by faith.

c) The Law Could Not Make Us Sons—Only Christ Can (John 1:12)
Through Jesus, we receive adoption into God's family.

d) The Purpose of the Law Was to Lead Us to Grace (Romans 10:4)
Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Biblical Example: The thief on the cross bypassed the law and entered paradise through faith in Christ (Luke 23:42–43).

2. BELIEVERS ARE CLOTHED WITH THE IDENTITY OF CHRIST
We no longer carry the identity of the old life but put on Christ.

a) Baptism Symbolises Our Union with Christ (Galatians 3:27)
We identify with His death, burial, and resurrection.

b) We Wear Christ as a Garment of Righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)
Our new identity is marked by holiness and transformation.

c) Putting on Christ Means Living Like Him (Ephesians 4:24)
We reflect His character, nature, and love in the world.

d) Christ in Us Defines Who We Are (Colossians 1:27)
Our worth and identity come from being in Him.

Biblical Example: Paul, once Saul the persecutor, became a new man in Christ after his conversion (Acts 9:1–22).

3. ALL BARRIERS ARE BROKEN IN CHRIST
The gospel brings unity across every human divide.

a) There Is No Jew or Greek—Racial Barriers Are Broken (Galatians 3:28)
Faith in Christ transcends ethnicity and nationality.

b) There Is No Slave or Free—Class Distinctions Are Removed (1 Corinthians 12:13)
In Christ, everyone has equal access to God’s grace and favour.

c) There Is No Male or Female—Gender Is Not a Limitation (Colossians 3:11)
Both men and women are heirs of God’s promises.

d) Unity in Christ Is Our New Reality (Ephesians 2:14)
He is our peace, having broken down every wall of partition.

Biblical Example: Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman—breaking cultural, gender, and religious boundaries (John 4:7–26).

4. BELIEVERS ARE HEIRS OF GOD’S PROMISES
We are not just followers—we are sons, daughters, and rightful inheritors.

a) We Belong to Christ and Share in Abraham’s Blessings (Galatians 3:29)
Faith makes us part of God’s eternal covenant.

b) Heirs Enjoy Inheritance, Not Condemnation (Romans 8:17)
We receive spiritual riches, purpose, and eternal life.

c) God's Promises Are Now Ours Through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Every promise in Scripture is ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’ in Christ.

d) Being in Christ Elevates Us Above Every Limitation (Revelation 1:6)
We reign with Him and are called to impact our world.

Biblical Example: Isaac inherited Abraham’s covenant by promise, not effort (Genesis 26:2–5).

CONCLUSION:
Galatians 3:23–29 reveals a powerful truth—faith in Christ brings us into the family of God, removes every limitation, and bestows upon us a new identity. We are no longer bound by the law, nor defined by our past or our outward identity. We are clothed with Christ, united with fellow believers, and heirs of divine promises.

This truth calls us to walk in the confidence of who we are in Christ. No longer inferior or excluded, we are included, beloved, and called to reflect His glory in the world. Let this message ignite a fresh sense of purpose and unity within you as a child of God.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for setting me free from the bondage of the law.
2. Father, help me to fully embrace my identity in Christ.
3. Break every wall of division in my heart and relationships.
4. I receive the full inheritance of Your promises in Christ.
5. Let my life reflect the unity and glory of the body of Christ.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You are no longer under bondage; you are a child of the King!
2. Every label of your past is erased by your new identity in Christ!
3. You shall walk in the inheritance of the promises of God!
4. Barriers of race, status, and limitation are broken over your life!
5. From today, you shall live as a rightful heir of God’s kingdom blessings!