The Church as Instrumental to the Restoration of Personal Identity

Abstract

This dissertation describes how relational shalom—the proper interrelatedness of all creation under the triune God, fully present in the created order—was corrupted at the fall by sin, resulting in each image bearer orienting his personal identity to self rather than to his Creator. This self-oriented identity disrupts his ability to relate rightly to God (to glorify him by being like him), to others (to love and serve them as a representative of God), and to the world (as a faithful steward). Relational shalom is restored through the community of faith—the church—reconciling individuals to God through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As individuals are reconciled to God, the self-orientation of their personal identity is undermined, setting them on a trajectory towards wholeness, flourishing, and the relational shalom we were created to enjoy. In sum, the community of faith is essential to the restoration of individual self-perception. Some implications for how the theme of biblical relational shalom adds depth to the task of biblical counseling within the context of the local church are discussed, as well as some implications for further research.