In summary, it is vital for believers to reject the notion that their identity is rooted solely in their past sins or unredeemed state. Instead, we must see ourselves as new creations in Christ—saints and blessed children of God—affirmed by His promises and righteousness. Recognizing this shifts our spiritual language from one of negativity, condemnation, and doubt, to one of faith, victory, and gratitude. Additionally, understanding the errors of Gnostic dualism and worm theology helps us resist false teachings that diminish God's active involvement in creation and history. Instead, we embrace a biblical view of God's sovereignty: a God who is both transcendent and immanent, who actively intervenes in the world to defeat evil, uphold justice, and care for His children. This balanced perspective encourages us to walk confidently in our identity in Christ, trusting in God's ongoing work in our lives and in the world around us. Understanding the roots of Gnosticism helps clarify these misconceptions. Gnostic heresy is characterized by a dualistic worldview, heavily influenced by contemporary philosophical ideas of its time. It posited a stark dichotomy between matter and spirit: matter was inherently evil, while spirit was pure and good. As a result, Gnostics claimed that the supreme, benevolent God could not have created the material universe, which they believed was the work of an inferior being called the Demiurge—often depicted as a false or lesser god subordinate to the true, transcendent God. Gnosticism also taught that God is entirely transcendent, existing in a realm so distant from the physical world that He is incapable of direct involvement in creation or in human affairs. This view suggests that God's nature is so remote and mysterious that He cannot be fully known, nor can He actively respond to human suffering and evil. Such thinking often leads to the misconception that God's sovereignty is merely about allowing evil and suffering to exist temporarily, without His active intervention. A more insidious form of this dualism is often called "worm theology." This perspective redefines Christian identity in negative, self-deprecating terms—such as calling oneself a slave, wicked, totally depraved, or an unworthy sinner—implying that believers have not truly moved from the curse to the blessing, from death to life. Such views diminish the reality of our new creation in Christ and suggest that salvation is only partial or conditional. However, the apostle Paul explicitly affirms that believers are saints—holy, set apart, and justified before God. While we acknowledge that we continue to struggle with sin and pride, our identity is rooted in Christ’s righteousness, which is imputed to us. We are not divided into sinners and righteous persons; rather, through faith, we are declared righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice. Our old sinful nature was crucified with Him, and nothing more is needed for us to stand acceptable before God—His grace, through Christ, has already secured our acceptance. This perspective can foster the mistaken idea that divine majesty and transcendence mean God is distant and uninvolved, especially in the face of evil and suffering. Many interpret divine wrath or judgment as mere curses upon the wicked, rather than as expressions of God's justice and active resistance to evil. This can create a false dichotomy where God's sovereignty is seen as a passive permission—allowing evil to continue until it naturally concludes—rather than an active force fighting against evil and defending the righteous. However, biblical teaching affirms that God is both transcendent and immanent—meaning He is supreme in majesty, yet also close to His creation. Scripture clearly shows that God is actively resisting wickedness, defending His people, and working out His purposes in history. It acknowledges that the wicked can curse the righteous, and that suffering often results from evil actions or curses. A biblical view of God's sovereignty emphasizes His active role in battling evil, bringing justice, and caring for His people, rather than portraying Him as detached or passive in the face of human suffering.