We all have an innate desire to understand our identity and purpose in life. However, many of us struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and a distorted view of how God sees us. In his powerful new book, “Your True Reflection,” Don Ankenbrandt addresses this issue head-on, inviting readers to discover their true identity in Christ and embrace the unconditional love of their Heavenly Father.
Ankenbrandt’s journey began over 30 years ago during a day of solitude when he felt as though God was disappointed in him due to his repeated struggles with sin. It was during this time that God spoke to him, revealing that he had a distorted view of how God perceived him. This revelation led Ankenbrandt on a journey to study the Scriptures and uncover the truth about his identity in Christ.
Through his study, Ankenbrandt discovered over 144 terms in the New Testament that describe the believer’s identity in Christ. These terms include phrases like “chosen,” “holy,” “blameless,” “adopted,” “redeemed,” “restored,” and “renewed.” Each of these terms represents a spiritual blessing that God has bestowed upon those who follow Him.
This realization shattered the distorted view Ankenbrandt had of his relationship with God. He realized that God was not disappointed or angry with him but delighted in him as a loving Father delights in his child. This revelation transformed Ankenbrandt’s perspective and allowed him to embrace the abundant life that God had designed for him.
In “Your True Reflection,” Ankenbrandt invites readers to embark on a similar journey of self-discovery. The book is structured as a word study, where each chapter explores a different term that describes the believer’s identity in Christ. Accompanying the book is a workbook that provides questions and prompts to help readers internalize and apply these truths to their lives.
One of the key strategies Ankenbrandt addresses in the book is the deception of Satan. As the “father of lies,” Satan aims to keep believers from experiencing the abundant life Christ promises by distorting their perception of God’s love and acceptance. Ankenbrandt emphasizes that the only way to combat this deception is by aligning our understanding of our identity with the truth of God’s Word.
By studying the Scriptures and allowing God’s Word to renew our minds, we can break free from the lies of the enemy and embrace the truth of who we are in Christ. This transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of discovering the depths of God’s love and the richness of our identity in Him.
As believers, it is essential to understand our true identity in Christ. When we embrace the truth of who we are – chosen, holy, blameless, adopted, redeemed, restored, and renewed – we can lean into the abundant life that God has designed for us. We can approach our Heavenly Father with confidence, knowing that He delights in us and has bestowed upon us every spiritual blessing—Ephesians 1:3.
“Your True Reflection” offers a powerful opportunity to embark on this journey of self-discovery and transformation. By allowing God’s Word to renew our minds and reshape our understanding of our identity, we can break free from the lies of the enemy and live in the fullness of God’s love and purpose for our lives.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways have you struggled with feelings of shame or a distorted view of how God sees you? How might studying the Scriptures and embracing your identity in Christ help to overcome these struggles?
- Which of the 144 terms describing the believer’s identity in Christ resonates with you the most? Why? How might meditating on these terms transform your perspective and relationship with God?
- What practical steps can you take to allow God’s Word to renew your mind and reshape your understanding of your identity in Christ? Consider joining a small group or Bible study to explore “Your True Reflection” and its accompanying workbook.