Putting On The New Self

Sep 12

1 min read

Christian transformation has a direction. We are learning to live as people who belong to Christ.

Paul describes our transformation in Christ with a familiar picture, that of changing clothes. We are called to “put off your old self” and “put on the new self” (Ephesians 4:22, 24, NIV).

This picture appears elsewhere in Paul’s writings. He tells the Galatians, “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27, NIV).

To be clothed with Christ is more than changing a few behaviors. In baptism, we enter a new life and receive a new identity. We belong to Christ. Now our lives are being shaped to reflect the one to whom we belong. We are becoming more like Jesus.

As we continue reading Ephesians, Paul makes this very practical. Putting on the new self changes how we speak, how we handle anger, how we work, how we forgive, and how we treat others (Ephesians 4:25–32). Our new identity begins to reshape our lives today.

Following Jesus is a lifelong journey of learning to live as people clothed with Christ.

Where does your life need to reflect Jesus more clearly?

Adding to Your Faith

This article is part of Adding to Your Faith, a series exploring how we can continue growing and maturing in Christ. Throughout the series, we will consider the importance of intentional growth, transformation, Christian community, and putting our faith into practice.