If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! . . . Now is the day of salvation.

— 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2

A Christian magazine invited readers to summarize the gospel in seven words or less. People sent in lots of good suggestions, and here is one I remember: “We are who God says we are.”

I like that because it means I am not defined by social or cultural categories—such as education, age, finances, sexual identity, political view, body image, Facebook likes, busyness, or even how I feel about myself on a given day. This is true for each one of us. It means we are not defined in terms of what others say we are—or even first of all by categories that we might choose. Instead, we are who God—our Creator and Father who raised Jesus from the dead—says we are.

As believers in Christ, we are part of a new creation. We are all beloved, forgiven, and blessed children of God. We are reconciled to God, who calls us to share this message with others. God calls us to be like ambassadors, who represent their nation as they live in another nation. We are called to represent God’s new creation as we work with God to bring his love into this world.

We are who God says we are. Since Christ has risen, a new creation has come, and all who believe in him are a part of it. And in God’s strength we can share this life-giving news with everyone, saying, “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Lord, thank you for making us a new creation in Christ. Help us to share this good news for Jesus’ sake. Amen.