”A sinner saved by grace” is a common declaration made by Christians. To be honest, I have always struggled with this phrase. I have decided it’s a phrase that doesn’t reflect me. I am not a sinner saved by grace. I’m sure this could start quite the debate, but hear me out.

The phrase has always left me feeling less than, and that seems so contradictory to the character of God. God says that I’m his beloved. He says that he as made me new, transformed, washed clean. When I say, “I am a sinner saved by grace,” I am making a statement about my identity, who I believe I am, and who God believes I am. My identity is not a sinner.

I do sin, more than I care to admit. I am a follower of Jesus, who sins. I also claim the promises of these scriptures and many others

⁹ Saul turned and left Samuel. At that very moment God transformed him—made him a new person! And all the confirming signs took place the same day. (1 Samuel 10:9 MSG).

This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves, The God who summons horses and chariots and armies— they lie down and then can’t get up; they’re snuffed out like so many candles: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’ —the coyotes and the buzzards— Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me. (Isaiah 43: 16-21 MSG).

In the beginning, God declared creation good. I have strayed from that original plan, but claiming my savior means a transformed life, a life with a purpose and a plan. I have the opportunity to grow in grace, love, compassion as my heart changes and becomes more Christlike. My identity is not a sinner.  My identity is in Christ. That is where my hope is. That is where my focus is. I will stumble and I will fall, but I refuse to hold onto what was. I will continue to run the race God has set before me.

How about you? Where is your identity? Are you focused on what was? Are you ready to declare you are not a sinner. Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.