Identification Of The Believer

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

    The mark of spiritual circumcision of the heart is faith in Christ. The believer’s life in this world is governed by the new heart, which is freely given and sanctified by the Spirit of the living God to a preeminent faith in Christ. The abiding presence of Christ in you reveals a distinct new life in contrast to our inherent, carnal heart and nature. This is entirely a work of the omnipotent Spirit of God. The child of God is identified and known by his living relationship with Christ.

    The believer is identified by a new heart, not a renovation (repair, redecoration, or remodeling) of the old. A new heart also will I give you, and a new Spirit will I put within you (Ez 36:26). Spiritual circumcision is only comparative to fleshly circumcision in the identification of a particular people—He is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter (Rom 2:29). The burden of emphasis is significantly directed to the heart that recognizes the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me, and therefore in response, loves him who first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). The God-given love for Christ moves the believer to worship, adoration, gratitude and commitment.

    The new heart has a discernment of truth and error. The child of God knows the voice of his Shepherd and has an undeniable will to follow Him—And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers (Jn 10:4-5). God the Father identifies his children by giving them a heart for Christ. All else will ultimately be revealed as uncircumcision, which is unbelief and identifies those who perish.