Your identity is firmly anchored in Christ's accomplishment, not

Tullian Tchividjian, heir to the preaching fire of his grandfather Billy Graham, once proclaimed: “Your identity is firmly anchored in Christ's accomplishment, not yours; his strength, not yours; his performance, not yours; his victory, not yours.” These words strike at the very core of the human heart, which so often measures its worth by its own deeds, its own power, its own victories. In this teaching, he reminds us that the foundation of true identity is not built on the shifting sands of personal achievement, but upon the eternal rock of Christ.

The meaning here is clear and transformative. Man, in his pride, seeks to define himself by his own accomplishments, the works of his hands, the triumphs of his life. Yet these are fragile: victories fade, strength declines, accomplishments are forgotten, and performances fail. But the believer is told to rest his entire identity not on his frail works, but on the everlasting accomplishment of Christ. His cross is the anchor, his resurrection the foundation, his glory the crown that cannot be taken away. Thus, man’s worth is secured, not by what he achieves, but by what has already been achieved for him.

The origin of this teaching is found in the very heart of Christian scripture. The Apostle Paul declared, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). From the earliest days, the church taught that salvation and identity rest not on human striving, but on divine grace. Tchividjian echoes this ancient wisdom, reminding modern ears of the old truth: that strength is perfected in weakness, and that man’s boast must not be in himself, but in the Lord.

History gives us radiant examples of this truth embodied. Consider Martin Luther, who wrestled with despair and failure, tormented by the thought that his works could never satisfy the demands of a holy God. Only when he discovered the truth of justification by faith — that his identity was in Christ’s righteousness and not his own — did he find peace. This revelation did not make him passive, but gave him the courage to stand before emperors and popes, declaring, “Here I stand, I can do no other.” His strength was not his own, but borrowed from Christ’s unshakable victory.

This teaching also speaks to every man and woman who has felt crushed under the weight of comparison, failure, or unworthiness. In the world, worth is often measured by performance: how much wealth you accumulate, how many honors you gain, how flawless you appear. But the gospel, as Tchividjian proclaims, turns this upside down. It whispers: your worth is not in what you have done, but in what Christ has done. Your failures do not erase your identity, because your identity is not yours to lose — it is anchored in Christ’s finished work.

The lesson is both humbling and liberating: you need not strive endlessly to prove yourself, nor despair when you fall short. Instead, root your life in the victory already won on your behalf. This does not call you to idleness, but to freedom — freedom to labor with joy rather than fear, to serve with love rather than pride, to endure suffering with hope rather than despair. For your anchor is not drifting in the seas of your own ability; it is secured in the eternal harbor of Christ’s triumph.

Therefore, children of the future, let these words be your comfort: “Your identity is anchored in Christ, not in yourself.” When you feel weak, remember his strength. When your performance falters, remember his perfection. When your victories fail, remember his everlasting triumph. Build your house not on your own shifting foundation, but on the solid rock of his grace. Then, when storms come and the world shakes, you will stand unshaken — for your identity is no longer in you, but in him who overcame the world.