Divine Identity

May 14, 2025

Through Christ, we receive the robe of God's righteousness that completely covers our shame and guilt.

Have you ever wondered what God truly sees when He looks at you? In a world that constantly tries to define us by our mistakes, achievements, or appearances, there exists a profound spiritual reality that transcends these temporary labels. Today, we'll explore the magnificent truth of our divine identity, not based on what we've done, but on what Christ has done for us. As we journey through Scripture, prepare to have your perspective transformed as you discover the robe, ring, and sandals the Father has already given you. These aren't mere symbols but powerful realities that define who you are in the kingdom of God.

Embracing Your Spiritual Inheritance

Each morning as we awaken, we step into a profound reality, we are clothed in righteousness, sealed with authority, and equipped to walk in divine purpose. This isn't mere positive thinking; it's the transformative truth of who we are in Christ.

The Father's Generous Response

In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of a lost son who returns home expecting to be treated as a servant. Instead, the father's response reveals the heart of God toward us:

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'" - Luke 15:22

This isn't just a heartwarming reunion, it's a profound picture of spiritual restoration. The father gives three significant items: a robe, a ring, and sandals. Each represents an essential aspect of our identity in Christ.

The Robe of Righteousness

When sin entered the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve immediately recognized their nakedness. Shame drove them to hide and cover themselves with fig leaves. But God, in His love, provided proper covering.

Similarly, the father in Jesus' parable doesn't merely accept his son back, he restores his dignity by clothing him with the best robe. This represents the righteousness we receive in Christ.

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." - 2 Corinthians 5:21

This divine exchange at the cross is the foundation of our identity. The sinless Savior took our sin, shame, and guilt upon Himself, and we received His perfect righteousness. This isn't something we achieve, it's something we receive.

Every believer possesses the complete righteousness of Christ. The Father sees us as righteous as Jesus Himself. Our past, present, and future sins are forgiven. The robe covers completely, removing all shame and guilt.

The Ring of Authority

Next, the father places a ring on his son's finger. This wasn't merely decorative, it symbolized restored sonship and authority. In that culture, the family ring carried the family seal, representing the authority to conduct business on the family's behalf.

In Ephesians, we read:

"When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession, to the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:13-14

The Holy Spirit is God's seal upon us, His mark of ownership and authentication. Like an engagement ring, the Spirit is the first installment of our full inheritance, sealing us until we experience complete redemption.

This seal gives us access and authority. Just as an ID card grants entry to restricted areas, the seal of the Spirit gives us access to God's promises. When the enemy says you don't deserve God's promises, you can point to the ring, your spiritual authority.

You don't need to beg when you pray. You have authority. Every door of blessing should open in Jesus' name. Nothing can stop you, not sickness, not the enemy, not circumstances. You have the Father's ring of authority.

The Sandals of Sonship

The third gift from the father, sandals for the feet, completes the son's restoration. These sandals represent the peace of salvation that God has given us.

"your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace." - Ephesians 6:15 (Christian Standard Bible)

These aren't ordinary footwear, they're divine equipment that transforms our walk through life. When you have these sandals of peace, you carry God's atmosphere with you. Wherever you walk, you release peace. When you enter places of turmoil, you change the atmosphere. You don't just adapt to problematic environments; you uproot them because the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guards your heart and mind.

In a world where people are constantly worried—especially about things like economic recession, remember that you possess something far greater: resurrection power within you. Don't worry about recession when you carry resurrection power!

With each step you take in these divine sandals, you walk as an ambassador of heaven, bringing the peace of Christ into every situation and circumstance you encounter.

Living from Your Identity

When you understand these three gifts, righteousness, authority, and sonship, it transforms how you approach life. Instead of complaining about your current situation, you can thank God for His provision while confidently expecting greater blessings.

Don't use negative words when praying. Rather than saying, "My current house is too small," say, "Thank you for blessing me so abundantly that I need a larger house to contain all your blessings."

Thank God for the organs functioning perfectly in your body. Thank Him for your eyes, ears, and heart. Declare that the enemy cannot steal your healing, and release healing to your entire body in Jesus' name.

Conclusion

You are a son or daughter of the living God. He lives in you and has given you everything you need for a successful life. You have His righteousness, His authority, and His equipping. You are positioned to be on top, not beneath. You are part of a blessed generation, a people chosen to display His glory in the earth.

Reflect on This

1. How might your prayers change if you truly believed you have the authority of Christ through the seal of the Holy Spirit?

2. In what areas of your life do you need to stop seeing yourself as a servant and start embracing your identity as a beloved child of God?

Prayer

Father, I thank You for clothing me with Your righteousness, sealing me with Your Spirit, and equipping me to walk in authority. I declare that I am Your beloved child, fully accepted and empowered. Every promise in Your Word is mine by inheritance. I walk forward today in confidence, knowing that You have given me everything I need for life and godliness. My past is forgiven, my present is secure, and my future is glorious in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways

• Through Christ, we receive the robe of God's righteousness that completely covers our shame and guilt.

• The Holy Spirit is God's seal upon us, giving us authority and access to every promise in God's Word.

• We are not servants but sons and daughters, equipped to walk in freedom and confidence.

• Our identity in Christ transforms how we pray, from begging to declaring with authority.

• Gratitude for current blessings opens the door for future provision.

All content on this blog is the property of Henley Samuel Ministries. For permissions or inquiries regarding the use of any material, please contact us at contact@henleysamuel.org.

To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.