“And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”– Ephesians 4:24
Ephesians 4:24 Meaning
In this verse, the Apostle Paul is encouraging us to embrace a new identity that reflects God’s image. This idea of a “new self” is not just about changing our behavior; it embodies a transformation of our very being. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we are not simply making a change to our outward actions but are being transformed from the inside out. We are being created anew, molded into who God has designed us to be—people who exhibit righteousness and holiness.
The phrase “created after the likeness of God” suggests that we are called to mirror God’s character and attributes in our lives. This means striving for righteousness—doing what is right in God’s eyes—and holiness—living in a way that honors Him. It’s a powerful reminder that our lives can reflect the characteristics of God, allowing others to witness His love and grace through us. Paul is inviting us to shed our old ways, which may have been steeped in sin and selfishness, and to adopt the new ways bestowed upon us as believers.
Ephesians 4:24 Commentary and Explanation
This verse comes from a broader context in which Paul discusses the importance of unity within the body of Christ and living a life that is worthy of our calling. By telling us to put on our new selves, Paul emphasizes that this is an active process; it requires our cooperation with the Holy Spirit. We cannot just wait for change to happen; we need to take steps towards it.
When we look into the heart of what it means to put on this new self, we see that it involves deep introspection and a commitment to growth. Being created anew means that we need to allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, shaping our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It’s about replacing old habits and thought patterns that do not reflect Christ with new ones rooted in godliness. The command “put on” indicates that we have a choice. Every day, we can choose to wake up and consciously decide to reflect Christ in how we interact with others, how we handle challenges, and how we view ourselves.
In Ephesians 4:24, Paul contrasts the new self with the old self mentioned earlier in the chapter. The old self represents our previous lives before accepting Christ. It is marked by deceit, anger, and other sinful behaviors. In contrast, the new self is characterized by kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. This process of transformation may not happen overnight, but it will take a lifetime of submission to God’s will and a willingness to grow.
As we embrace our new identity in Christ, it’s essential to constantly renew our minds. Romans 12:2 encourages us not to conform any longer to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This renewal is integral to the process of putting on our new selves, as it helps us to align our thinking with God’s truth.
Context of Ephesians 4:24
The book of Ephesians is a powerful letter addressing the church in Ephesus and highlighting the importance of unity among believers. Paul gives instructions on how to live a life that reflects our new identity in Christ, emphasizing that as members of one body, we are called to support and uplift each other in faith.
In the chapters leading up to 4:24, Paul encourages the believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). Following this theme, he details various ways in which the body of Christ can reflect unity and maturity. Paul acknowledges that believers may struggle with their old identities and habits, which is why the call to put on the new self is so significant. He reminds the church that they have a new identity in Christ, resulting in new behaviors and attitudes.
Within this context, Ephesians 4:24 serves as a concluding call to action. It’s a reminder that change is possible through Christ, and we can indeed put off our old selves and put on our new identities.
Overall, Paul’s encouragement is relevant for each of us today as we strive to become more like Christ. In a world that often pulls us away from godly living, we must remain rooted in our identity as God’s children, striving for righteousness and holiness.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ephesians 4:24
Let’s take a closer look at the key components of this verse and their implications for us. The phrase “put on” signifies an active choice that involves daily commitment and effort. It suggests a deliberate action of embracing our new identity rather than being passive in our approach to spiritual growth.
The term “new self” indicates a radical transformation. We are not just patched-up versions of our old selves but entirely new creations made possible by God’s grace. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we find a similar affirmation: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse illustrates that a complete change takes place within us once we accept Christ. The old sinful nature is replaced with a new nature that desires to reflect God’s righteousness.
When we examine “created after the likeness of God,” we begin to see the ultimate goal of our transformation. We are designed to reflect God’s image in our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. This reflection can come to life in various ways—through our kindness, forgiveness, love, and humility. The call to exhibit true righteousness and holiness means that we actively seek to live a life that mirrors God’s character in our daily lives. We become instruments of His peace, love, and righteousness in the world.
Lessons From Ephesians 4:24
Reflecting on our identity in Christ teaches us several valuable lessons. First, we learn the importance of intentional living. If we truly desire to embody our new selves, we need to actively engage in our spiritual journey. This means reading the Bible, praying, and surrounding ourselves with other believers who can encourage us, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:24-25, which tells us not to forsake gathering together with believers.
Secondly, embracing our new identity offers us freedom from our past. While we may carry remnants of our old selves, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes or failures. With God’s forgiveness, we can take heart and move forward into the new life He has provided. Additionally, Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us to forget what lies behind and strain toward what is ahead, which emphasizes the freedom we have to pursue a future filled with hope and purpose.
Furthermore, our transformation is not solely for our benefit. As we reflect God’s character through our lives, we become witnesses of His grace and truth to those around us. People will notice the changes that God has made in us, and such changes can open doors for conversations about faith, offer hope, and provide encouragement in challenging times. The way we live our lives can be a testament to God’s goodness and love.
Lastly, we must recognize that this journey may not always be easy. There will be times when our old habits, thoughts, and patterns might resurface. In those moments, it is crucial to remind ourselves of who we are in Christ. We have the power to choose righteousness over temptation and to lean into God’s strength as we navigate life’s challenges. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we see that God provides a way out of every temptation, assuring us that we are never alone in our struggle.
Final Thoughts
As we contemplate Ephesians 4:24, let us grasp the reality that our new self is a gift from God—a gift that requires our active engagement and commitment. God is continually at work within us, shaping us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. We are called to embrace this transformation and reflect His righteousness and holiness in our everyday lives.
By putting on our new selves, we can become a light in a world that often feels dark and uncertain. We can share the message of hope, love, and redemption that is found in Christ. Remember, we are not just called to be different; we are called to be transformed! Let us take heart as we walk this journey together, constantly encouraging one another and growing in our likeness to God.
If you’re excited to explore more scriptures related to our identities in Christ or need inspiration, check out Ephesians 4:23 and see how it connects with the transformation we experience in Him.