Shalom, Children of God.

Today, I continue with our study on purpose—our purpose with God as students of God. This message confronts a question many never pause to ask: Who told you that you are a sinner? Was it God, or was it man?

Many believers struggle not from lack of love for God, but from carrying a false identity. They live disqualified, condemned, and unworthy—calling themselves “sinners” long after Christ has redeemed them. Today, God wants to rewrite that narrative in your heart.

The struggle is real. Believers say, “I cannot be perfect before God because I am a sinner,” or, “God understands—I’m just a sinner.” This sounds humble, but it is incomplete truth. It creates distance from God instead of intimacy. We must ask: Where did this identity come from? Who keeps whispering it to your spirit?

Here is the biblical reality. We were sinners by nature. Romans 5:8 declares, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Yes, we were sinners—but after coming to Christ, sin is no longer our identity. 2 Corinthians 5:17 announces, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” You are not who you used to be.

Why did Jesus come? God, in the Trinity, took on flesh—Jesus Christ. He felt hunger, endured pain, was rejected, and crucified. On that cross, He took our sins, our guilt, our shame. 2 Corinthians 5:21 reveals the exchange: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Jesus didn’t die to leave you in shame; He died to restore you to relationship.

Religion can blind us. Before Christ, Israel lived under the Law of Moses. The Law revealed sin and exposed wrongdoing, but it couldn’t remove sin. Galatians 3:24 says it was our tutor to lead us to Christ. Many religious leaders followed rules perfectly but missed God completely. Jesus didn’t come to align you with religion—He came to align you with God Himself.

Jesus spoke in parables to uncover truth for those willing to hear. In Luke 15, He reveals God’s heart through three stories: The Lost Sheep shows heaven rejoicing over one sinner who repents—not because sin is ignored, but because relationship is restored. The Lost Coin shows how Christ’s light and our repentance clean away the dirt so we can be found. The Prodigal Son contrasts the repentant son welcomed home and the older brother who followed rules but missed the Father’s heart. Religion without relationship keeps you in the house but outside the embrace.

So who is calling you a sinner? The Holy Spirit convicts to restore. The enemy condemns to destroy. Religious pride judges to control. Romans 8:1 declares, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” God doesn’t condemn His repentant children—He restores them.

Your identity must shift. Stop saying, “I am a sinner and will never change.” Start declaring, “I was a sinner, but I am redeemed. I am righteous in Christ. I repent daily and grow in grace.” 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” Repentance isn’t shame—it’s access to grace.

Children of God, here is your encouragement: Don’t deny the existence of sin, but don’t accept sin as your identity. Don’t live under condemnation. You are forgiven, chosen, and being transformed. 1 John 4:17 declares, “As He is, so are we in this world.” Walk in humility. Walk in repentance. Walk in confidence—not shame.

Let us return to truth. Let us return to relationship. Stop calling yourself what Christ has already redeemed. You are not who you were. You are who Christ says you are.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.