Put on the New Self

“That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:22-24

Being different from the crowd is not easy, but it is a lot simpler when you understand that the difference, or holy lifestyle you have been called to, is obtained through the benefits of the cross, not attained by self-effort. The old self, corrupted by sin, was crucified with Christ. The reign of sin was broken and now you are alive to Christ. Sin still lurks within, but by faith, you may reckon yourself dead to its rule and alive to Christ’s reign each day.

You are now a new creation in Christ, with a new identity, and a new power of living that is completely based on the sufficiency of Christ indwelling within you. You can experience the difference as you daily put on the new self, the Christ-life, made possible through the unceasing ministry of the Holy Spirit.

As your mind is made new, your actions and attitudes are conformed to the truths of Scripture. You are different because of your identity in Christ. You think differently because of God’s Word. You act differently because of the power of the Holy Spirit. You can change. You can be holy because the Holy One has made all things new.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17