The Christian's Self-Image

In view of 2 Corinthians 5:17, the well-balanced Anthony Hoekema writes the following about the Christian's self-image:

"To those who are in Christ Paul says, You are new creatures now! Not totally new, to be sure, but genuinely new. And we who are believers should see ourselves in this way: no longer as depraved and helpless slaves of sin, but as those who have been created anew in Christ Jesus. The Christian life involves not just believing something about Christ but also believing something about ourselves. We must believe that we are indeed part of Christ's new creation. Our faith in Christ must include believing that we are exactly what the Bible says we are...the Christian believer may have--and should have--a self-image that is primarily positive. Such a positive self-image does not mean 'feeling good about ourselves' on the basis of our own achievements or virtuous behavior. This would be sinful pride. The Christian self-image means looking to ourselves in the light of God's gracious work of forgiveness and renewal. It involves giving God all the praise for what he by his grace has done and is still doing within us and through us. It includes confidence that God can use us, despite our shortcomings, to advance his kingdom and to bring joy to others...The Christian self image is never an end of itself. It is always a means to the end of living for God, for others, and for the preservation and development of God's creation. It leads us outside ourselves. It delivers us from preoccupation with ourselves and releases us so that we may happily serve God and love others."

(p. 110-111, Created in God's Image)