Remembrance

In the biblical context, remembrance is a significant theme that underscores the importance of recalling God's past actions, His commandments, and His covenant with His people. The act of remembrance serves as a means to reinforce faith, obedience, and identity among believers.

The Old Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of remembering God's mighty works and His covenant. In Deuteronomy 6:12 , Moses warns the Israelites, "be careful that you do not forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This call to remembrance is not merely about recalling historical events but is a spiritual exercise that fosters gratitude and obedience.

The Passover is a prime example of remembrance in practice. In Exodus 12:14 , God commands, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come." The Passover serves as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness.

In the New Testament, Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper as an act of remembrance. In 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 , Paul recounts Jesus' words: "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me... This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." Here, remembrance is central to Christian worship, focusing on Christ's sacrificial death and the new covenant established through His blood.

Identity

Identity in the Bible is deeply rooted in one's relationship with God. The Scriptures reveal that human identity is not self-derived but is given by God, who created humanity in His image (Genesis 1:27). This foundational truth establishes the inherent dignity and worth of every person.

For the Israelites, identity was closely tied to their status as God's chosen people. In Deuteronomy 7:6 , it is declared, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all the peoples on the face of the earth." This identity called for a distinct way of life, marked by adherence to God's laws and a commitment to holiness.

In the New Testament, identity is further defined through faith in Christ. Believers are described as a "new creation" in 2 Corinthians 5:17 : "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation signifies a shift from an identity rooted in sin to one anchored in Christ's redemptive work.

The Apostle Peter speaks to the identity of believers as a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession" (1 Peter 2:9). This identity calls Christians to live in a manner that reflects God's character and proclaims His excellencies.

In summary, remembrance and identity are intertwined themes in the Bible. Remembrance serves to reinforce identity by recalling God's faithfulness and the believer's place in His redemptive plan. Through remembrance, believers are reminded of who they are in Christ and are encouraged to live out their God-given identity in the world.