Jesus' Appearance and Claim on a Believer's Identity

The concept of Jesus' appearance and its impact on a believer's identity is rooted in various biblical passages and interpretations. According to 2 Corinthians 10:7, Paul emphasizes the importance of not judging based on outward appearances, stating that just as others belong to Christ, so do the apostles ^{[1, 2]}. This verse highlights the idea that one's identity is tied to their relationship with Christ, rather than external appearances.

The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event that underscores the significance of Jesus' identity and its implications for believers. As noted in Easton's Bible Dictionary, the resurrection is considered a cardinal fact and doctrine of the gospel, serving as a pledge or assurance of God's revelation ^[3]. The resurrection demonstrates Jesus' power over death and sin, reinforcing his identity as the Son of God.

In 1 John 2:6, it is written that whoever claims to abide in Jesus must walk as he walked ^[4]. This verse suggests that a believer's identity is closely tied to their actions and behavior, which should reflect Jesus' teachings and example. The idea is that a believer's identity is not just a matter of profession, but is demonstrated through their conduct.

The concept of assurance is also linked to Jesus' identity and its impact on believers. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, the resurrection of Jesus is the assurance or pledge that God's revelation is true and worthy of acceptance ^[5]. This assurance is a fundamental aspect of a believer's identity, providing confidence in their faith.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus' "I am" statements are significant in understanding his identity and its implications for believers. For instance, in John 6:35, Jesus says, "I am the bread of life" ^[7]. This statement highlights Jesus' role in satisfying the spiritual hunger of those who believe in him. Similarly, in John 10:25-42, Jesus provides evidence of his identity as the Son of God, emphasizing the importance of faith in him ^[6].

The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith, with the eye of faith ^[8]. This spiritual sight of Christ is transformative, filling believers with joy and glory. The idea is that a believer's identity is shaped by their relationship with Jesus and their understanding of his identity.

In 1 John 5:20, it is written that Jesus has given believers an understanding to know him who is true, even in the true God ^[9]. This verse highlights the importance of a believer's relationship with Jesus in understanding their identity and purpose.

The unity of believers with Jesus and with one another is also a significant aspect of their identity. In John 17:21, Jesus prays that believers may be one, just as he and the Father are one ^[10]. This unity is a reflection of the credibility of Christ in the world and is essential to a believer's testimony.

Sources

II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:7 (BSB) — You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does.”
2 Corinthians “2 Corinthians 10:7 (NASB) — You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ's, so also are we.”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Resurrection of Christ — One of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the gospel. If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain (1 Cor. 15:14). The whole of the New Testament revelation rests on this as an historical fact. On the day of Pentecost Peter argued the necessity of Christ's resurrection from the prediction in Ps. 16 (Acts 2:24-28). In his own discourses, also, our Lord clearly intimates his resurrection (Matt. 20:19; Mark 9:9; 14:28; Luke 18:33; John 2:19-22). The evangelists give circumstantial accounts of the facts connected with that event, and the apostles, ”
I John “I John 2:6 (BSB) — Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Assurance — The resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:31) is the "assurance" (Gr. pistis, generally rendered "faith") or pledge God has given that his revelation is true and worthy of acceptance. The "full assurance [Gr. plerophoria, full bearing'] of faith" (Heb. 10:22) is a fulness of faith in God which leaves no room for doubt. The "full assurance of understanding" (Col. 2:2) is an entire unwavering conviction of the truth of the declarations of Scripture, a joyful steadfastness on the part of any one of conviction that he has grasped the very truth. The "full assurance ”
John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 10:25: 10:25-42 In Jesus’ final public presentation of evidence about himself in this Gospel, he gives an exhaustive statement of his identity (10:30). 10:25 Jesus had already provided the Jewish people and their religious leaders with sufficient proof that he is the Son of God. The problem was not lack of information, but their unwillingness to believe him.”
John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 6:35: 6:35 Jesus’ I am statements in John depict Jesus’ identity and ministry (see also 4:26; 8:12; 9:5; 10:7-9, 11-14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1-5). Jesus purposefully used a phrase that would make his listeners think of the Old Testament name for God (Exod 3:14). • I am the bread of life: Jesus is the true manna that descended from God (John 6:38). He satisfies the spiritual hunger of those who believe in him (cp. 4:10-13).”
Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 12:2: Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,.... Not with bodily eyes, for at present he is not to be looked upon in this manner, but with the eye of the understanding, or with the eye of faith; for faith is a seeing of the Son; it is a spiritual sight of Christ, which is at first but glimmering, afterwards it increases, and is of a soul humbling nature; it is marvellous and surprising; it transforms into the image of Christ, and fills with joy unspeakable, and full of glory: a believer should be always looking to Christ, and off of every object, as the ”
1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 5:20: Summary of our Christian privileges. is come--is present, having come. "HE IS HERE--all is full of Him--His incarnation, work, and abiding presence, is to us a living fact" [ALFORD]. given us an understanding--Christ's, office is to give the inner spiritual understanding to discern the things of God. that we may know--Some oldest manuscripts read, "(so) that we know." him that is true--God, as opposed to every kind of idol or false god (Jo1 5:21). Jesus, by virtue of His oneness with God, is also "He that is true" (Rev 3:7). even--"we are in ”
John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 17:21: 17:21 For believers, becoming one with one another is an outgrowth of the union they enjoy with Jesus himself, a union modeled on the oneness of the Father and the Son. • may they be in us: Through the power of the Spirit, believers would experience a profound spiritual intimacy with the Father and the Son and be transformed (14:20, 23; 1 Jn 4:13). • Disciples of Jesus represent him, so their conduct and relationships with each other reflect the credibility of Christ in the world. When there is disunity, infighting, and intolerance, their testimony to the world is ”

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