We all have different backgrounds and upbringings that have in some way shaped who we are today. There have certainly been both positive and negative experiences in our lives that influence the choices we make.

As these experiences shape us through life, often times, we cling to them and form our identity around them.

As a Christian, however, our identity should not be found in past struggles and suffering. In his short yet helpful book Who Am I? Identity In Christ, Jerry Bridges writes that “as Christians...our identity is to be found in our relationship with Christ.”

Following his brief introduction to the topic of our identity, Bridges has eight chapters highlighting different areas of the believer's identity with Christ. They are:

1. I am a Creature
2. I am in Christ
3. I am Justified
4. I am an Adopted Son of God
5. I am a New Creation
6. I am a Saint
7. I am a Servant of Christ
8. I am Not Yet Perfect

Bridges begins the book by speaking of all of humanity as creatures of the Almighty Creator, God. He then moves into a chapter on our identity in Christ. He briefly unpacks Romans 5, showing that we are all represented before God by one of two men. Adam or Jesus.

All men are born in sin due to Adam's rebellion in the Garden. Bridges states, "We were so united to Adam as our representative head that when he sinned, we all sinned, and so we all suffered the consequences of Adam's sin."

Jesus, the last Adam, was appointed by God to represent all who would trust in Him. As our representative, Jesus lived a perfect life and, earned the blessings of God. By His death on the cross, He experienced the curse for disobedience.

As our representative, all that He did in both His life and death accrues to our benefit. For those who are trusting in Christ, when facing the question of, “who am I?” they can agree with Bridges and say, “by the work of God, I am no longer in Adam: I am in Christ, through a union that is both living and representative.”

The remaining chapters are spent mining the glorious standing we have before God in Christ. While this is not a thorough treatment of the different areas covered, it is a worthwhile source of encouragement.

It is a quick read that can be referenced time and time again as we all struggle to remember the blessings and benefits of knowing Christ.