Ephesians 4:24

“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Context:The book of Ephesians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. In this letter, Paul addresses various aspects of the Christian life and provides instructions for believers to live in unity, love, and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 comes in the context of Paul’s exhortation for believers to live in accordance with their new identity in Christ.

“And that ye put on the new man” highlights the idea of a transformation or a change in the life of a believer. Paul encourages the Ephesian believers, and by extension, all Christians, to “put on” or embrace the new self, the new nature that they have received through their faith in Christ. This new self is a contrast to the old self, which is characterized by sin and disobedience. As believers, we are called to live out the reality of our new identity in Christ.

“Which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” indicates that the transformation believers experience is a result of God’s work in their lives. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are made righteous and holy. Righteousness refers to being in right standing with God, being justified through faith in Christ. Holiness refers to being set apart for God’s purposes, living a life that reflects His character and values.

Implications and Application:Ephesians 4:24 carries several implications for believers:

• New Identity:As Christians, we have a new identity in Christ. Our old self, with its sinful nature, has been crucified with Christ, and we are now partakers of His righteousness and holiness.
• Renewed Mind:Putting on the new man involves a renewed mind. The transformation begins in the mind as we align our thoughts and attitudes with the truth of God’s Word. This requires a conscious effort to reject sinful thoughts and replace them with godly thoughts.
• A Life of Righteousness:Putting on the new man means living a life of righteousness. This includes walking in obedience to God’s commandments, pursuing integrity, and displaying moral uprightness. As we abide in Christ, the fruit of righteousness will be evident in our lives.
• True Holiness:True holiness refers to living a life set apart for God’s purposes. It involves consecrating ourselves to God, seeking to please Him in every area of our lives. We are called to separate ourselves from the values and practices of the world and pursue godliness.
• Dependence on God:It is essential to recognize that the transformation described in Ephesians 4:24 is the work of God. We cannot achieve righteousness and holiness on our own strength. We rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to work in us and conform us to the image of Christ.

In conclusion, Ephesians 4:24 emphasizes the call for believers to embrace their new identity in Christ, living a life of righteousness and true holiness. It encourages us to actively participate in the transformation process, relying on the work of the Holy Spirit to conform us to the image of Christ. By putting on the new man, we reflect God’s righteousness and holiness to the world.