THE MYSTERY OF SPIRITUAL IDENTITY

Once upon a time, as scripture records in Acts 19:13-16, some people were tried to cast out demons by commanding them to leave "in the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches." They were the seven sons of sceva. They didn't succeed. Rather, they got an interesting response from the demon they tried to cast out. The demon spoke up and asked: "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?" These fellows were subsequently beaten to pulp by the possessed person.

The sons of Sceva had names and identity in the physical, but the demon, who operated in the spirit, could not identify them in the spirit realm. The sons of Sceva did not have the spiritual  identity that causes demond to obey people. The elements of identification which devils could normally see were not there. This spiritual identity is what is required for authority over dark forces in the spirit. Without it, a human being not only isn't equiped for dominion, s/he is available to be bullied and kicked around by dark forces. That's why the demon was able to embarrass and disgrace the sons of Sceva.

The lesson in this story is that the only way of securing this identity is to be transformed into the image of Christ by receiving Jesus as saviour and Lord, and dropping the spiritual garment of sin. The transformation must be genuine and authentic. The non genuine transformation not only leaves one still open to embarrassment from dark forces, but will also lead to eternal rejection. Read the scripture quoted below: 

Matthew 7:22-23 
[22] Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ [23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

The rejection here is also a matter of identity. The rejected ones here have an identity that isn't in conformity with Christ's image and expectation. God's expectation regarding your spiritual identity emanates from acquiring the image of Christ. It is only then that He will know you on that day. Romans 8:29 says:
 
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son,... 

Receive Christ now if you haven't done so, and submit yourself to the image and identity transforming power of his word.

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