In Matthew 16:17-19, after Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus responds:
"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (NIV)
In this passage, Jesus gives Simon a new name—Peter, which means "rock." This name change signifies a new identity and purpose. Just as Peter’s identity was transformed, our identity can also be transformed through Jesus. We are no longer defined by what we do, our past, or our mistakes. When we accept Jesus into our lives as Lord and Savior, we receive a new identity in Him.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse emphasizes that in Christ, we are made new. Our old selves, with all their flaws and failures, are gone. We are reborn as new creations, infused with the Holy Spirit and empowered to live out God’s purpose for our lives.
Life change through Jesus is profound. He doesn't just improve our lives; He transforms them. By declaring Him as our Lord and Savior, we become new creations. Our identity is rooted in His love, grace, and purpose for us. We are children of God, redeemed and forgiven, called to live out His mission on earth.
Are you feeling weighed down by your past or defined by your mistakes? Remember, in Jesus, you are given a fresh start, a new name, and a new identity. Embrace this transformation and let Jesus build your life on the solid rock of His love and truth.