You’re Royal, You’re a Priest, & You’re an Israelite | Jonathan Cahn Sermon
Discovering Your True Identity: Chosen, Royal, and Priestly in Christ
Have you ever wondered what your true identity is in God’s eyes? Many seek purpose and value, but as Christians, our identity is not defined by our past, our mistakes, or even our achievements. Rather, we’re given a brand-new identity one rooted in the promises God made thousands of years ago, now fulfilled in Christ. Let’s explore how Scripture declares that you are chosen, royal, holy, and a spiritual Israelite, and what this means for the life you lead today.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy and a New Identity
We are privileged to live in a time where the fulfillment of biblical prophecy is tangible. Consider this: for 2,000 years, there was no nation of Israel. Yet, God promised it would one day be restored, and we are witnesses to this promise kept. Just as He called Israel out of darkness into His marvelous light, so He calls each believer from spiritual darkness into a new, radiant existence.
1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” So, what Peter wrote of Israel chosen, holy, royal, set apart as priests he now applies to everyone who belongs to Christ. Paul teaches the same truth: those who once weren’t a people have now become part of the commonwealth of Israel. This is your new identity!
Chosen By God: Embracing Your Worth
It doesn’t matter what people have called you in the past or how you’ve been treated maybe you were rejected, overlooked, or never felt quite enough. That old label does not matter anymore. Through Jesus, you are chosen. Say it out loud: “I am chosen!” You’re handpicked by the Creator of the universe to belong to Him and fulfill His purposes.
Called to Holiness: The Power of Transformation
Before God, none of us were holy. On our own, we all fall short, but the past doesn’t define the new creation He’s made you to be. Through Christ, you are declared holy, separated from your old ways, set apart for God’s glory. Embrace this truth: “I am holy in God.” It’s your inheritance, and it’s not by your works, but by His grace.
Royalty in Christ: Heirs of a Kingdom
Most of us have no royal ancestry or family ties to earthly thrones. Yet, in God’s family, you become royalty. The Bible says, “Now you are royal,” connected by the blood of the King of Kings. You’ve inherited a place in a royal people, spiritually descended from David, Abraham, and ultimately from Jesus Christ Himself. Proclaim it: “I am royal in God.”
A Kingdom of Priests: Ministers of the Most High
It might be hard to picture yourself as a priest, but in Christ, you are appointed to carry God’s presence, interceding and ministering to the world around you. You’re set apart for this calling not based on feeling worthy or capable, but because God anoints you as a holy minister. Declare: “I am a priest of God.” You are to think holy thoughts, live a holy life, and be set apart for His glorious purposes.
The Spiritual Connection to Israel
There is a fascinating parallel between the physical nation of Israel and the spiritual identity we receive in Christ. Centuries ago, only God’s people anticipated the return of Israel, believing the prophecies against all odds. Witnessing Israel’s modern rebirth is more than a historic event it’s a sign that God’s promises are alive and active. Just as Israel emerged from centuries of darkness, you too are called to live out a spiritual resurrection.
Spiritual Israelites: More Relevant Than Ever
Some might ask, “Am I truly a spiritual Israeli?” While “Israeli” isn’t explicitly used in most Bible translations, the word for “Israelite” in Hebrew is “Yisraeli” the same as today’s citizen of Israel. The original language connects you, a believer grafted into the family of God, to this ancient identity. Through Messiah, you are reborn as a spiritual Israelite a citizen of God’s kingdom with all its promises and responsibilities.
This connection has profound symbolic meaning. Just as the people of Israel were gathered from the ends of the earth after a time of great darkness, your life has been gathered out of spiritual darkness through Christ. No matter what barrenness or brokenness marked your past, in Jesus, you have come home to purpose, belonging, and new life.
A Life Resurrected: Defying Spiritual Death
Israel’s modern history provides a living illustration of resurrection. Out of the ashes of war, Holocaust, and a barren wilderness, a nation sprang to life. The desert blossomed, cities were reborn, and bones came together as Ezekiel prophesied. The King of Israel, Jesus, is the only one who has literally conquered death. In His pattern, His people experience new life in defiance of the world’s expectations and the grip of the grave.
As a spiritual Israeli, your life testifies against spiritual death. Where darkness once ruled, light now shines. The same God who brought Israel back to her land brings you back, restoring you to your true purpose and identity. Let your life be proof of His resurrection power: “I am alive in Christ. I am called to bear witness to life.”
Fruit in the Desert: God’s Miracle Through You
The Bible foretold that when Israel returned, the wilderness would rejoice and the desert would blossom. This prophecy has become literal fact;
