Evangelical Teachings on Self: Exploring Identity, Redemption, and Humility

Jan 5

Info from Dr. Gpt:

In evangelical Christianity, teachings about the self are complex and often reflect a tension between seeing the self as valuable because it is created by God, and viewing the self as flawed or sinful due to humanity's fallen nature. While evangelicalism doesn’t necessarily use the term "self" in the same philosophical sense as psychology or other belief systems, it addresses the self in terms of identity, sinfulness, redemption, and transformation. Below is an outline of how evangelical Christianity typically understands the self:

1. The Self as Created by God

Evangelicals believe that each person, or self, is created by God in His image (Imago Dei), which grants each person inherent value and dignity. This idea is foundational, emphasizing that humans are created with purpose and that their worth comes from their connection to their Creator.

Genesis 1:27: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
This teaching implies that humans have a God-given self, with qualities that reflect aspects of God, such as creativity, moral awareness, and the ability to form relationships.

2. The Fallen, Sinful Self

Despite being made in God’s image, evangelical theology teaches that the self is also deeply flawed due to the Fall of humanity (Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden). This concept of original sin suggests that the self is sinful by nature, prone to selfishness, pride, and rebellion against God. Evangelicals often view the self as inherently sinful and in need of transformation through salvation in Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Evangelicals believe that because of original sin, the self is corrupted and separated from God. This leads to the teaching that the self, without God's intervention, cannot be trusted to guide one's life righteously.

3. The Self in Need of Redemption

Central to evangelical belief is the idea that the sinful self can be redeemed only through faith in Jesus Christ. Evangelicals teach that salvation is the process through which a person is forgiven of their sins and given a new identity in Christ. This "new self" is marked by spiritual transformation and ongoing sanctification (the process of becoming more like Christ).

2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
In this context, the old, sinful self is replaced by a new identity in Christ, and the believer is called to live according to God's will, not their own desires.

4. Self-Denial and Submission to God

Evangelical teachings often emphasize self-denial as part of the Christian life. Believers are taught to "die to themselves" and live for Christ. This means putting aside personal desires, ambitions, and priorities in favor of following God's will. This teaching can sometimes lead to an emphasis on self-sacrifice and viewing the self's desires as inherently flawed or sinful unless aligned with God's plan.

Luke 9:23: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
The concept of self-denial in evangelicalism can sometimes be interpreted as a call to suppress personal desires, thoughts, or emotions, especially if they conflict with biblical teachings.

5. The Self in Relation to Others

In evangelical Christianity, the self is also understood in relation to others within the community of believers and within the family structure. Believers are encouraged to see themselves as part of the body of Christ, where each individual plays a role in the larger community of faith. Evangelicals are taught that their value also comes from their ability to serve others and live in harmony with God’s will for relationships and community.

1 Corinthians 12:27: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
This suggests that the self is not fully autonomous but interconnected with other believers, each having a role in fulfilling God’s purpose on Earth.

6. The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

Evangelicals often frame the self in terms of a battle between the flesh (sinful nature) and the spirit (redeemed nature). The self is seen as caught between worldly desires (the "flesh") and the transformed self, which seeks to live in alignment with the Holy Spirit. This struggle is viewed as an ongoing part of the Christian life.

Galatians 5:16-17: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh."
Evangelicals believe that even after becoming a new creation in Christ, believers still have to contend with their old sinful self, and spiritual growth involves overcoming these fleshly desires.

7. The Self and Humility

In evangelical teachings, humility is highly valued, and believers are encouraged to think less about themselves and more about others. This aligns with the idea of self-denial but also involves cultivating a posture of humility before God and others. Evangelicals are taught to avoid pride and self-exaltation, instead attributing all good things to God’s grace.

Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
This emphasis on humility can sometimes lead to downplaying personal achievements or feelings, as the focus shifts to God's role in every success.

8. The Self in Eternity

Evangelical Christianity also frames the self in terms of eternal destiny. Evangelicals believe that a person’s soul (or self) will live forever, either in the presence of God (heaven) or separated from Him (hell), depending on whether they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. The self is thus seen as eternal, with choices made in this life determining its ultimate destiny.

John 3:36: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them."
The self in this context is seen as not just an earthly identity but one that carries eternal consequences based on one’s relationship with God.

Final Thoughts:

In evangelical Christianity, the self is both valued and devalued—it is seen as precious because it is created by God, but also as fundamentally flawed and in need of transformation due to sin. The self is viewed as something to be redeemed, sanctified, and reshaped through the influence of the Holy Spirit. The emphasis is often on self-denial and submission to God, with the ultimate goal being to align the self with God’s will, becoming a "new creation" in Christ.

While evangelical teachings affirm that each person has a self, they often encourage believers to surrender the self’s desires and instincts in favor of following God’s direction. This duality—of seeing the self as both divinely created and fundamentally sinful—creates a complex relationship between evangelical believers and their understanding of personal identity and autonomy.

Marie L.