Module 4
A New Creation: Identity in Christ, Not Performance
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Explain what it means to be a new creation in Christ
- Contrast grace-based identity with performance-based identity
- Describe how confession and forgiveness work for a believer
- Begin writing a personal discipleship testimony centered on grace
Lesson Notes
Saved by Grace
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8–9). Salvation is a gift. God saved us, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy (Titus 3:5).
This truth is the foundation of discipleship. We do not follow Jesus in order to earn His love. We follow Him because we already have it. We love him, because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).
A New Creature
Second Corinthians 5:17 says that anyone in Christ is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. In Christ you are:
- Forgiven and free from condemnation: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
- Accepted: he hath made us accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6).
- A child of God: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God (1 John 3:1). Daughters are included in this family.
- Created for good works: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
Your past is real, and some consequences may remain. But your past is not your identity. Your identity is who God says you are in Christ.
Grace or Performance?
A performance-based identity says, I am only as good as my last day. God loves me when I do well and rejects me when I fail. It leads to pride when things go well and shame when they do not. It also makes discipleship a scoreboard.
A grace-based identity says, I am loved and accepted in Christ. I obey because I am loved, not to become loved. It leads to humility, honesty, and steady growth.
When a believer sins, she does not lose her place in the family. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Paul wrote, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (Galatians 2:20). Growth flows from Christ in us, not from trying harder to prove ourselves.
Discipling From Grace
A discipler who believes in performance will disciple with checklists, pressure, and shame. A discipler who rests in grace will disciple with patience, honesty, and hope. She will celebrate small steps, tell the truth about sin gently, and keep pointing to the cross.
Your discipleship testimony is the story of God's grace in your life: what your life was like, how you came to trust Jesus, and how He is changing you. You will begin it this week. Keep it focused on Jesus, not on details of past sins or crimes. You never have to share anything that is unsafe or that you are not ready to share.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Grace | God's undeserved kindness and favor, given freely in Christ |
| New creation | A person made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) |
| Performance-based identity | Believing your worth and God's love depend on how well you do |
| Grace-based identity | Believing you are loved and accepted in Christ, and obeying because you are loved |
| Testimony | A personal story of what God has done in your life |
In-Class Activities
Old Labels, New Name
On the left side of your paper, write three labels people (or you) have used that do not fit who you are in Christ. You may keep this side private. On the right side, write a verse from the lesson that tells who God says you are. Then fold the paper so only the right side shows.
Grace or Performance?
Read ten statements a believer might think (for example, God is disappointed in me again, I can tell God the truth because He already knows and loves me). Mark each G (grace) or P (performance). Rewrite three P statements as grace statements using a verse.
Assignment: Final Project Draft: My Discipleship Testimony
Begin Part One of your final project (see the Final Project section). Write a first draft (about one page) in three parts:
- Before: what your life and thinking were like before you trusted Jesus, in general terms. Do not include details of crimes, cases, victims, or other people.
- How: how you came to trust Jesus (or how you are seeking Him now).
- Since: how God is changing you, and what being a new creation means to you.
Include 2 Corinthians 5:17 and at least one other verse from this module. If you are still considering faith, write honestly about where you are; you will not be graded on your beliefs.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Second Corinthians 5:17 says all things are become new. Which old label is hardest for you to let go of? What would change if you truly believed you are accepted in the Beloved?
Prayer focus: Thank God that you are saved by grace and not by works, and ask Him to help you believe and live as a new creation.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Not Labels, but a New Name
Many women carry labels: names others called them, names they called themselves, names from paperwork or from the worst day of their lives. Those labels can feel permanent. But Scripture says, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In Christ, you are accepted (Ephesians 1:6), free from condemnation (Romans 8:1), a child of God (1 John 3:1), and His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). None of these is earned. You are saved by grace... through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Obedience matters, but it is a thank-you to God, not a payment.
Performance thinking says, God is disappointed in me again, or If I miss my reading, the day doesn't count. Grace says, I can tell God the truth because He already knows and loves me. When Lena (a composite example) began to believe grace, she said the biggest change was that she stopped hiding from God after a bad day. She started running to Him instead.
This week you will begin your discipleship testimony: before, how, and since. Keep it general. You do not need to share details of your case, other people, or anything you are not ready to share. If you are still seeking God, write honestly about where you are. Your testimony is about what God is doing, and He is not finished.
Think About It
- Which old label is hardest for you to let go of? ______________________
- Which verse about your identity in Christ means the most to you right now, and why? ______________________
- Where do you notice performance thinking in your walk with God? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 4
All Things New
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Your past is real, but it is not the final word. In Christ, God is making you new.
Reflect: What does being a new creation mean to you today?
Pray: Lord, thank You for making me new in Christ.
Do: Write 2 Corinthians 5:17 on a card and read it each morning this week.
No Condemnation
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.— Romans 8:1 (KJV)
Conviction from the Holy Spirit leads you toward God. Condemnation pushes you away from Him. In Christ, condemnation is gone.
Reflect: What voice of condemnation do you need to answer with this verse?
Pray: Lord, when shame speaks, help me hear Your truth.
Do: When a shaming thought comes today, answer it out loud or on paper with Romans 8:1.
Accepted in the Beloved
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.— Ephesians 1:6 (KJV)
You do not have to earn your place with God. In Jesus, you are already accepted.
Reflect: How would your day change if you truly believed you were accepted?
Pray: Father, thank You for accepting me in Your Son.
Do: Write I am accepted in the beloved where you will see it.
What Manner of Love
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:— 1 John 3:1 (KJV)
God calls you His child. That name is stronger than any label someone has given you.
Reflect: What does it mean to you to be called God's child?
Pray: Father, thank You for calling me Your own.
Do: Thank God for three things a good Father gives His children.
By Grace, Not Works
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:— Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)
Salvation is a gift. You cannot earn it with good days or lose it with bad ones. Your obedience flows from gratitude.
Reflect: Where are you still trying to earn God's love?
Pray: Lord, I receive Your grace as a gift.
Do: Begin your testimony draft with one sentence about God's grace.
Module Quiz
- 1.
According to Ephesians 2:8–9, we are saved:
- 2.
Romans 8:1 says that for those in Christ Jesus there is:
- 3.
Which statement reflects a grace-based identity?
- 4.
A discipleship testimony should include detailed descriptions of past crimes.
- 5.
What does 1 John 1:9 promise a believer who sins?