What is Self? A Christian Perspective

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Gen 1:27

Secular society tells us many things about Self, but what is a Christian perspective on Self?

Should we love it or hate it? Should it be treated with compassion or condemnation? Is it purely sinful or is it who we truly are? 

Before we even begin to try to answer these questions, it is helpful to see the different kinds of self. I would argue that there are at least three definitions of Self that we can gather from Scripture; definitions I will call The Sinful Self, the Personal Self and the Imaged Self. 

While these "Selves" are sure to overlap, I believe this framework can assist us in understanding our inner most being better and more clearly. 

The Sinful Self

The Sinful Self is not really our self at all but rather our sin nature (translated from the Greek sarx). English translations sometimes call it ‘the flesh’; not our physical bodies but rather a nature within us that we inherited from Adam and Eve and choose to use on a daily basis. As we read through Romans, we see this clearly:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned…” Romans 5:12

We are not to love this Self.

The Personal Self

This Self is simply our practical everyday self with needs and wants that may or may not align with God’s will. Tellingly, Jesus commands us to deny ourself and take up our cross. 

Yet we know that it is correct to love this Self because we see that we are to love our neighbours as ourselves and that a husband should love his wife as himself.

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Leviticus 19:18, Mark 12:31, Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14 and James 2:8)

The problem with this Personal Self is that it is also prone to listen to the Sinful Self. When we become overly selfish or self-absorbed we are in sin. We are instead to follow the example of Jesus and live a life of self-sacrifice out of love for God and neighbour. 

The Imaged Self

I call this the Imaged Self for the simple reason that God made us in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). Sin has marred this perfect image (Genesis 3) yet the image still remains. 

While original sin may have been with us since our first parents, before that they were unsullied human beings created in God’s image. When God looked upon this particular creation, He said not only that it was good, but that it was very good. The Imaged Self is still within all humans and is the truest and deepest Self. 

As Christians we tend to have the first two definitions drilled into us at an early age but often lose sight of the third, and arguably most important, one. 

I’ve struggled with self-esteem and self acceptance since early childhood; never knowing quite how to deal with these issues from a godly perspective. In fact, I’ve all too often hated my whole self because of my sin or the sins committed against me. 

I’m still working in these issues but it has been tremendously freeing to learn to separate my Sinful Self from my Imaged Self. I realize that I am freely and deeply loved by God as he originally made me – no catches, no ‘buts’, unconditional. 

It’s not just that He loves everyone else, its that He loves me, personally. It's not just that he loves me in spite of my sin (God hates sin, but not self), he loves me because he made me in his image. And if He loves me, how could it be that I’m not allowed to love my Imaged Self too? 

But it gets even better.  We learn that not only did God love us enough to create us in His image and likeness, he also loved us enough to redeem our entire self.

 “…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 

So, being rooted and grounded in this love (Ephesians 3:14-19), we can say fully, freely and joyfully with Paul:

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

This, perhaps, is the ultimate definition of Self – what we could aptly call the Redeemed Self.  By acknowledging the ugliness of our Sinful Self and even Personal Self, and repenting and believing in Jesus’ redemption, we are brought ever closer to our truest, deepest, original Self. 

In this perspective, Jesus redeems all of our “Selves" and begins to fully restore the Imaged Self. We will still battle with our Sinful Self of course, but the Holy Spirit will be working in us, as we cooperate with him, until we are fully perfected one day in Heaven. 

Loved and accepted by God on both levels (creation and redemption), we can fully love and accept our Imaged Self as He does.  

“The gospel is that I am so sinful that Jesus had to die for me, yet so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. I can’t feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone.” Tim Keller

Grace, Sanctification & Vacuum Cleaners

 

Grace is like electricity. This is what a good friend reminded me of lately when he compared a Christian life to a vacuum cleaner. Let me explain.

The Christian’s justification occurs when we are initially “born again” and become a part of the family of God. The Christian’s sanctification occurs over the course of our lives after conversion, as we seek to obey Jesus and become more like him. 

Justification is entirely by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), whereas sanctification can be trickier as it seems to be a mix of grace and effort (Ephesians 2:10). Personally, I've always had a difficult time balancing grace and effort in my sanctification process. This little analogy has helped though. 

So how does grace work in our sanctification (or journey towards Christ-likeness)? 

This is where the vacuum cleaner analogy comes in. My friend shared that a vacuum is useless unless it is plugged into an energy source; and, likewise, Christians have no power unless they are plugged into (or “connected with”) Jesus Christ. Furthermore, what gives power to the vacuum is electricity – just as the power imbued to us through Christ is called grace. 

Jesus himself said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

That does not mean that effort on our part is unnecessary though. Like the vacuum that sits there with no one to push it, it cannot accomplish that which it was made for.  As Dallas Willard put it, 

“Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action.”

Paul also said, "...I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." 1 Corinthians 15:10

However, we can expend a lot of effort to push a vacuum cleaner around the entire house but it will accomplish nothing unless it is plugged in: only then can it perform that which it was designed to do.  

Similarly, as Christians, we can put all our strength and effort into becoming more like Jesus and still feel like we are failing. Why? Because only grace can accomplish what we are designed for. 

In the Christian experience, grace without effort will never allow us to reach our full potential or to glorify God as he deserves (I Corinthians 3:10-13). But, ultimately, effort is meaningless without grace. 

I was struck by this recently while reading an interview with a theologian. 

“When I sin, I still often tell God, ‘I’m sorry. *I’ll* do better next time.”, he said. “Of course, that is not a wrong desire…but these days, I’ve changed the prayer: 

‘God, I’m sorry. I’m totally powerless over this. Will *you* give me strength to change?” 

Its true that there is still some mystery about how grace and effort work together in our sanctification; but when I acknowledge that I’m a helpless sinner and truly rely on God’s grace to sanctify my life, that’s when I really plug in to the power source. 

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Cruciform Masculinity

I recently read an article by a young man named Luke Simon entitled, “Why Gen Z Men like Me Are Staying in Church”. 

While he was referring largely to Gen Z males, I (a Gen X man) was struck by his writings on masculinity – especially this idea of a “Cruciform Masculinity”.  

He writes:

“In the church, Gen Z men like me are rejecting the false masculinities offered by the culture and finding an alternative—a cruciform masculinity. In his death, Jesus subverts the ego, dominance, and self-centeredness of toxic masculinity in a divine display of humility, sacrifice, and love. 

But the cross also challenges the soft, aimless version of manhood that avoids responsibility and purpose. Jesus’s example shows us that real manhood embraces responsibility, cultivates strength, and commits to a mission—not to serve oneself but to serve others.

At church, Gen Z men are still being called to sacrifice in a culture that taught them to live for themselves.

At church, we’re called to something higher. True masculinity is rooted in knowing who you are—your identity as a son of God—and in having a mission, a purpose worth giving your life to. 

It’s about taking action and showing agency, knowing you have the power to make a difference in your life, your family, and your community. It’s about leaning into a unique, God-given responsibility, entrusted with power to protect, care for, and defend the vulnerable.”

In a world with many extreme ideas about what it is to be a man – even a Christian man – the notion of “Cruciform Masculinity” may be just what we all need, regardless of our generation. 

Source:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/gen-z-men-church/

12 Christian Books I Recommend

I wouldn’t describe myself as an *avid* reader, but I have read a number of excellent Christian books over the last few years and I would love to share them with you. Most of these books are particularly relevant for our day and age, or they are on topics that are foundational to our faith and thus fitting for any point in history. 

Of course, no human author is perfect but I have found mostly good in these offerings. I will seek to add to this list as time goes on. I hope you find some gems of your own here! These title are currently all available on Amazon. 

Here they are, in no particular order, with title, author and a short description.

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

Author:  Tim Keller

“…addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics and non-believers bring to religion. Using literature, philosophy, anthropology, pop culture, and intellectual reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand against the backlash toward religion spawned by the Age of Skepticism. And to skeptics, atheists, and agnostics he provides a challenging argument for pursuing the reason for God.” 

Note: I would add that you should also read “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis – a foundational classic on Christian apologetics and reasoning.

The Air We Breathe:  How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality

Author: Glen Scrivener

“Is Christianity history? Or is Christian history the deepest explanation of the modern world?

Today in the west, many consider the church to be dead or dying. Christianity is seen as outdated, bigoted and responsible for many of society’s problems. This leaves many believers embarrassed about their faith and many outsiders wary of religion. But what if the Christian message is not the enemy of our modern Western values, but the very thing that makes sense of them?

In this fascinating book, Glen Scrivener takes readers on a journey to discover how the teachings of Jesus not only turned the ancient world upside down, but continue to underpin the way we think of life, worth, and meaning.”

Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith

Author: Michael Reeves

“Why is God love? Because God is a Trinity. Why can we be saved? Because God is a Trinity. How are we able to live the Christian life? Through the Trinity. In this lively book, we find an introduction to Christianity and the Christian life that is from start to finish rooted in our triune God―Father, Son and Spirit…

With wit and clarity, Reeves draws from church history down to the present referencing a wide range of notable teachers and preachers. Here is a rich and enjoyable portrayal of the basic beliefs of Christianity that opens up the profound and life-changing truths of our faith.”

Born Again this Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next

Author: Rachel Gilson

“In this powerful and personal book, author Rachel Gilson describes her own unexpected journey of coming out and coming to faith... and what came next. As she does so, she addresses many of the questions that Christians living with same-sex attraction are wrestling with: Am I consigned to a life of loneliness? How do I navigate my friendships? Will my desires ever change? Is there some greater purpose to all this?

Drawing on insights from the Bible and the experiences of others, Born Again This Way shows that it is possible for same-sex attracted Christians to live fulfilling lives while being faithful to the Bible's teaching on sexuality. It will provide assurance and encouragement for Christians with same-sex attraction, and paints a compelling picture of discipleship for every believer.”

You are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well

Authors: Jen Wilkin and J.T. English

“Theology can be intimidating. Perhaps questions like these have kept you from engaging with it: “What is theology?” “Who does theology?” “What happens if I get something wrong?” Theology can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether conversations about theology have felt out of reach, over your head, or irrelevant, consider this book an invitation to the dialogue.”

You Are a Theologian addresses theological questions such as:

Who is God? The Doctrine of the Trinity

What is God like? The Attributes of God

What is the Bible? The Doctrine of Scripture

Who are we? The Doctrine of Humanity

What went wrong? The Doctrine of Sin

What has God done? The Doctrines of Christology, Atonement, and Justification

To whom do we belong? The Doctrine of the Church

How does the story end? The Doctrine of Last Things

10 Things Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity

Author: Rebecca McLaughlin 

“Going to school, hanging out with friends, or scrolling through social media feeds, teenagers are sure to face real challenges to faith in Jesus Christ. And whether you consider yourself a Christ follower or not, these questions can seem like deal breakers.

Backed by state-of-the-art research, personal stories, Harry Potter illustrations (warning: spoilers!), and careful biblical study, this book doesn’t dodge tough questions. Instead, it invites teenagers to ask their hardest questions about Christianity and to find surprising, life-giving answers.”

Note: I am slowly working through this book with my 13 year old daughter and it is going well! Also, the adult version of this book is called “Confronting Christianity” and is by the same author. 

The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters

Author: Sinclair B. Ferguson

“Since the days of the early church, Christians have wrestled with the relationship between law and gospel. If, as the apostle Paul says, salvation is by grace and the law cannot save, what relevance does the law have for Christians today?

By revisiting the Marrow Controversy―a famous but largely forgotten eighteenth-century debate related to the proper relationship between God’s grace and our works―Sinclair B. Ferguson sheds light on this central issue and why it still matters today. In doing so, he explains how our understanding of the relationship between law and gospel determines our approach to evangelism, our pursuit of sanctification, and even our understanding of God himself.

Ferguson shows us that the antidote to the poison of legalism on the one hand and antinomianism on the other is one and the same: the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ, in whom we are simultaneously justified by faith, freed for good works, and assured of salvation.”

Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage

Author: Gavin Ortlund

“In theology, just as in battle, some hills are worth dying on and others are not. But how do we know which ones? When should doctrine divide, and when should unity prevail? … Pastor Gavin Ortlund implores us to cultivate humility as we prioritize doctrine into four ranks―essential, urgent, important, and unimportant―so that we will be as effective as possible at advancing the gospel in our time.”

Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith (31-Day Devotionals for Life)

Author: Esther Smith

“Chronic illness disrupts lives and leads to innumerable losses. Physical symptoms and limitation change all aspects of life, leading to unique challenges that are difficult to navigate. Thankfully, God provides his presence, counsel, and eternal perspective to help people in times of physical and emotional suffering. This 31-day devotional by biblical counselor Esther Smith focuses heavily on practical application, showing people with illness how to release guilt and shame, ask for help, balance work and rest, and get through days of difficult symptoms. Throughout the devotional, she reminds readers to look to the unseen spiritual realities that surround them and to fix their hearts on eternity. You will be encouraged as you consider various ways God is using illness in sanctifying, kingdom-advancing ways to display his glory and work in the hearts of his people.”

Note: If your chronic illness relates to mental health, I have also written a short devotional (called Sufficient Grace) that addresses that specifically. 

Christian History Made Easy

Author: Timothy Paul Jones

“Christian History Made Easy clearly lays out the most important events in the history of the church, from the time of Jesus to modern day. Christian History Made Easy explains early church history, the Church Councils, the Great Schism, the Crusades, Francis of Assisi, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation, and more. This incredible handbook presents key church history events and great Christian leaders everyone should know, along with full-color church history timelines, photos, pictures, and maps.”

Note: This is a great entry point (by an Evangelical author) into learning about our history and heritage as Christians. 

Is Jesus Truly God?: How the Bible Teaches the Divinity of Christ

Author: Greg Lanier

“This book invites readers to explore the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ by looking at 6 key truths presented in the Scriptures and later developed in the ecumenical creeds.”

Note: Christianity hinges on the truth of this doctrine (the divinity of Jesus Christ). Lanier does an academic but easy to read treatment of it. 

Surprised by Jesus: Subversive Grace in the Four Gospels

Author: Dane Ortlund

By the same author as Gentle and Lowly (another good book), comes this work focusing on how Jesus taught and showed grace in the four Gospels. Refreshing, comforting and fulfilling! 

A Note on Strength: An Open Letter to my Fellow Men

In the conservative subculture of our day, there is an immense pressure on men to be macho (“showing aggressive pride in one's masculinity”). This indeed can be a knee-jerk reaction to the rest of society’s low view of manliness. 

Manliness, as opposed to machismo, is a very good thing. Paul exhorts us in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to:   

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”  

Note the phrase, “Be strong”. To be manly is often considered to be strong, not weak. And it is for this reason that so many men do not ask for help when they need it; they fear being perceived as weak by family, friends or society. 

But what happens when we find ourselves in a place of tremendous weakness? 

I was once a fully capable, independent man and proud of it. But when illness struck, I was forced to acknowledge that I was, in fact, weak.  Not weak in character mind you – but weak in physical and mental power. I learned the hard way that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

The question, however, is not whether we, as men, should be strong – but rather, where does our strength come from? King David, the poet-warrior, answered that question like this:

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 

And Jesus, the perfect man, told his disciples (a motley crew of self-sufficient men) that:

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Nothing! We cannot work or play, we cannot fight or lead, without Jesus.  This is sobering, humbling, and, I have found, joyous. There is a great freedom when we can lay down all our burdens and feelings of inadequacies at Jesus’ feet and trust him with it. 

So, my fellow men (whether Christian or not), it is okay to be weak sometimes. We have to realize that weakness is not a dirty word for men. God says his strength is made perfect in it. 

Therefore, it’s okay to talk about your struggles or reach out for help. This is not weakness in character, it is strength in humility.