Worm-Free Christianity

There are no worms in the Body of Christ.

Our favorite hymns might suggest otherwise, but once we come to Jesus we begin to become new creatures who are partakers of the Divine nature.

Everyone who abides in Christ is a brand new creature. We are not “worms” or “wretches” who are in need of God’s constant pity or objects of disgust.

Yes, before the cross perhaps we were most pitiful and dead in our sins.

Before we knew Jesus perhaps we were in some senses broken or without hope or blind.

But praise God we are no longer in this condition!

Those who are in Christ are not regarded as worms, but as sons and daughters of God.

We who are members of the Body of Christ are loved and treasured. We are not miserable wretches covered in our filthy sins.

Is that hard to accept? If so, maybe it’s because you’ve grown up hearing this garbage about yourself reinforced over and over again.

Maybe there were some Christians in your church experience who poured shame over you.

Maybe there were pastors and teachers who preached messages of condemnation to keep you under control.

Maybe there were some worship leaders who planted melodies in your heart that emphasized your previous experience as a worm and a wretch.

But that’s not who Jesus says you are.

We are sons and daughters.

We are filled with the fullness of Christ.

We are new creatures with a new nature.

We are holy.

We are spotless.

We are dearly loved.

If you don’t believe me, look it up. The New Testament is chock full of truth about our new identity in Christ.

Jesus affirms our worth.

Jesus declares our freedom.

Jesus proclaims that we are friends, not slaves.

Jesus reminds us that we are God’s children who cry out “Abba!” to our Heavenly Father who loves us dearly.

Jesus says that He and the Father will come and make their home with those who love and obey Him.

Are you in Christ? Then there is no condemnation for you. None at all.

Are you in Christ? Then there is nothing in the entire Universe with the power to separate you from the love of God.

Are you in Christ? Then you are forever knitted together with Jesus for the rest of eternity.

Repeat after me: “I am not a worm. I am a dearly loved child of God. Jesus lives and breathes in me right now. He will never leave me. He will never forsake me. His love for me will never die.”

Now, set your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. Place your hope in Him, the One who loves you beyond measure.

Start living every day, moment by moment, in the new reality of your identity in Christ.

If you can, try helping others to see that they are not worms, either.

We all need a lot more worm-free Christianity.

Need a reminder of how God really sees you?

This is the truth about who you are:

I AM ACCEPTED

I am God’s child [John  1:12]

I am Jesus’s friend [John 15:15]

I am justified. [Rom. 5:1]

I am united with Christ and one in Spirit with Him [1 Cor. 6:17]

I have been bought with the highest price and I belong to God forever [1 Cor. 6:19-20]

I am a member of His Body [1 Cor. 12:27]

I am His adopted child [Eph. 1:5]

I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit [Eph. 2:18]

I have been redeemed and totally forgiven of every sin [Col. 1:14]

I have been established, anointed and sealed by God [2 Cor. 1:21-22]

I have been given God’s glorious grace lavishly and without restriction [Eph. 1:5,8]

I am brought near to God through Christ’s blood [Eph. 2:13]

I am included.[Eph. 1:13]

I have received the incomparable riches of God’s grace [Eph. 2:7]

I am the focus of God’s kindness [Eph. 2:7]

I am not condemned. [Rom. 8:1-2]

I am blameless [1 Cor. 1:8]

I am united with other believers in Christ [John 17:20-23]

I AM SECURE

I am secure in Christ [Eph. 2:20]

I am not alone [Hebrews 13:5]

I am assured that all things work together for my good [Rom. 8:28]

I am free from any charges of condemnation against me [Rom. 8:31]

I cannot be separated from God’s love [Rom. 8:35]

I have been established, anointed and sealed by God  [2 Cor. 1:21-22]

I am hidden with Christ in God [Col. 3:3]

I am confident that the good work God started in me will be perfected [Phil. 1:6]

I am a citizen of heaven [Phil. 3:20]

I have not been given a spirit of fear [2 Tim. 1:7]

I have been given power, love and a sound mind [2 Tim. 1:7]

I can find grace and mercy in my time of need [Heb. 4:16]

I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me [1 John 5:18]

I am blessed with every spiritual blessing [Eph. 1:3]

I have hope [Eph. 1:12]

My heart and mind are protected by God’s peace [Phil. 4:7]

I am protected [John 10:28]

I am victorious [1 Cor. 15:57]

I am overcoming [1 Jn. 4:4]

I am safe [1 Jn. 5:18]

I AM A NEW CREATION

I am born again [1 Pet. 1:23]

I am a new creation [2 Cor. 5:17]

I am complete in Christ [Col. 2:10]

I am holy and blameless [Eph. 1:4]

I am a saint [Eph. 1:1]

I am faithful [Eph. 1:1]

I belong to God [1 Cor. 6:20]

I am in Him [Eph. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:30]

I have been redeemed [Eph.1:8]

I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit [Eph. 1:13]

I am raised up with Christ [Eph. 2:6; Col. 2:12]

I am seated with Christ in heavenly realms [Ep. 2:6]

I am alive with Christ [Eph. 2:5]

I am qualified to share in His inheritance [Col. 1:12]

I have the mind of Christ [1 Cor. 2:16]

I am growing up into Christ [Eph. 4:15]

I am dead to sin [Rom. 1:12]

I can know God’s will for my life [Eph. 5:17; Rom.12]

I am crucified with Christ [Gal. 2:20]

I have eternal life in Christ [John 6:47]

I have abundant life in Christ [John 10:10]

So, repeat after me: “I am not a worm. I am God’s beloved. He cares for me. He accepts me. He is not ashamed of me. He is not disappointed in me. Nothing can ever separate me from the love of God. He will never, ever leave me, or forsake me.”

Amen.

P.S. – Even if you are not in Christ, God still loves you dearly. God’s desire is to draw you nearer. Even if you reject God, the love remains unchanged, and unbroken, and unending. You are dearly loved by God.

There are no worms.

**

Keith Giles is the author of several books, including “Jesus Untangled: Crucifying Our Politics To Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb.” He is also the co-host of “The Heretic Happy Hour” Podcast.