The New Man

by | Jan 1, 2019 | Creation, Faith, Man's Nature, Total Depravity

“And that ye put on the new man,
which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
(Ephesians 4:24)

In this fourth chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul instructs the believers at Ephesus to “put on the new man.” Putting on the new man is the daily outworking of the supernatural work of God begun in the heart and life that comes to trust Christ as Savior and Lord. As we are natural men by Adam, so we are spiritual born by Christ. And this “new creation in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17) is evidenced in the believer’s life by qualities of character, such as righteousness and holiness, placed within the soul by the Spirit of God at salvation.

This new life flows from our union with Christ, the fountain of all life who, by His incarnation, secured our reconciliation to the Father. And by His Word and His Spirit, that life is conveyed to His people. Thus, believers are united not just to Christ’s human nature or just to His divine nature, but to His whole person, God and man. From this union spiritual life, holiness, and growth in grace are possible.[1]

This spiritual union is accomplished by the Spirit of God. As the soul is present in every part of the body, so the Spirit of Christ dwells in every believer, uniting them to Christ and to one another. Moreover, this union is the source of all spiritual blessings: sanctification, strength, comfort, and perseverance. The same Spirit that sanctified Christ sanctifies His people; the same power that raised Christ raises us to newness of life.

So it is from this union that the duty to “put on the new man” arises. This means that the believer must allow this new nature we have in Christ to be evidenced in our life. The nature of Christ not only avoids sin, but also exhibits righteousness (a life ordered according to God’s law) and true holiness (a life set apart unto God in purity and devotion). Both are the work of God in the soul, yet both are also the duty of the believer to pursue.

The Lord not only forgives sin; He also renews the sinner. He justifies and sanctifies. This is the great work of salvation: that sinners should be made new creatures, created after God in righteousness and true holiness.

Let us therefore give thanks to God for this new life, for union with Christ, and for the Spirit who dwells within. For in Him there is life, holiness, and the promise of eternal glory.

Contemplations:

  1. Thankful for new life in Christ. Lord, I thank You that I am not left in my natural condition, dead in sin and without hope. You have given new life through Christ, and that life is a gift of Your grace. You made me a new creature, and for this I give You thanks and praise.
  2. Thankful for union with Christ. Father, I thank You that I am united to Christ by Your Spirit. And because I am united to Him, I receive life, grace, and strength. Because He lives, I live also. Because He is righteous, I am counted righteous. Because He is holy, I am being made holy. This union is my life and my hope.
  3. Thankful for the work of the Spirit. Lord, I thank You for the Spirit who dwells within me, who teaches me, corrects me, strengthens me, and leads me in holiness. Without the Spirit, I would remain in darkness and sin. But by Your Spirit, I am renewed day by day. Thank You for this continual work of grace in my soul.
  4. Thankful that holiness is being formed in me. Lord, thank You that You do not leave Your people unchanged. You are making me righteous and holy in Christ. Though I am not yet what I shall be, I thank You that I am not what I once was. Continue Your work in me, and make me more like Christ.

Prayer (Thanksgiving)

Gracious Father, I come before You with a thankful heart for the great work of salvation You have accomplished in me through Jesus Christ. You have not left me in my natural state of sin and death, but have given me new life through Your Son. You have caused me to be born again by Your Spirit, and for this I give You thanks.

Thank You that I am united to Christ. Thank You that His life is my life, His righteousness my righteousness, and His Spirit my strength. Thank You that this union is real, living, and eternal. Because I am united to Christ, I have forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and the hope of glory.

Thank You for making me a new man, created in righteousness and true holiness. I am grateful that You are changing my heart, renewing my mind, and teaching me to walk in Your ways. This work is not easy, and it is not finished, but I am grateful You have begun it and that You will complete it.

Thank You for the Holy Spirit who dwells within me, for every conviction of sin, every desire for holiness, every longing for Christ, and every victory over sin. These are all works of Your grace, and I give You all the glory.

Thank You for the ordinances of the church, for the Word, for baptism, and for the Lord’s Supper, through which You strengthen my faith and remind me of my union with Christ. Thank You that through these means You nourish my soul and draw me closer to Yourself.

Lord, thank You for every mercy, both spiritual and temporal. Thank You for Your patience, Your forgiveness, Your guidance, and Your constant care. Above all, I thank You for Jesus Christ, in whom all blessings are given.

Let my life be a life of thanksgiving. Let my heart always remember what You have done for me. And let me live in gratitude, obedience, and love toward You all my days.

In Jesus’ name I pray.

Further Scripture References Eph. 4:24:
Colossians 3:10; Romans 6:4; Romans 13:14; Ephesians 2:10

 

 

[1] William Gouge, Of Domestical Duties Eight Treatises, (London: John Haviland for William Bladen, and are to be sold at the sign of the Bible near the great north door of Paul’s, 1622), 95-97.