Who You Are in Christ

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

As a new creation in Christ, Peter’s newfound identity was at the forefront of his mind. It should come as no surprise, then, that the sevenfold blessing of an identity in Christ is also at the forefront of his first epistle. Read 1 Peter 1:1-12 and meditate on each of these Truths.

First, if you are in Christ, you have been elected (v. 2)—sovereignly chosen by God to be one of His people, the apple of His eye (see Zechariah 2:8). He began this saving work in your life, and He will see you safely to heaven’s gates. He never fails to finish what He starts.

Second, if you are in Christ, you have been born again (v. 3)—so powerfully transformed by the Spirit of God that you are now a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). You have undergone a powerful transformation from death to life.

Third, if you are in Christ, you have been given a living hope (v. 3)—the assurance that you have been forgiven, restored, and adopted as His child. You will spend eternity in the presence of your loving Father.

Fourth, if you are in Christ, you have been given an inheritance (v. 4)—a birthright that is sealed in heaven for you. With the rest of the saints, you will reign and rule with Christ, enjoying His presence for all eternity.

Fifth, if you are in Christ, you are protected and secure (v. 5)—under the watchful care of a gracious Father. God alone is your mighty fortress, and no one can do anything to take you out of His hand (see John 10:28).

Sixth, if you are in Christ, you are blessed to suffer for Christ (vv. 6-7)—“for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). God will use your suffering for Jesus to bring you closer to Him than you’ve ever been before.

Lastly, if you are in Christ, you have been privileged to experience the grace of God (v. 10)—His unmerited favor that even the angels long to know. You were once a hell-deserving sinner, but now you have been redeemed by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are not only saved by this grace but sustained by it each day.

Keep these blessings at the forefront of your mind. As you do, you will find yourself glorifying God and experiencing the fullness of His joy as never before.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for Your loving kindness, faithfulness, and mercy displayed in these amazing blessings. Thank You for saving me and making me Your own. Use me for Your glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Identity Transformation: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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