And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
To put on the new man is to leave the corrupt old life of darkened minds and impure speech and conduct, be renewed in the mind, and take up a new life learned from Christ. The new man is Christ Himself dwelling in the heart, and to be created after God is to be remade in His likeness and image in righteousness and true holiness lived out in obedience. This becoming new is not improving the old life but dying to self and being born again as a new creation, restoring God's moral image marred by sin. The Holy Spirit does this work as the will surrenders to God and the soul steadfastly beholds Christ, so that His character appears in words and actions. The life shown is truthful, kind, forgiving, pure and separate from the world, keeping unity among believers and shining as a witness to draw others to obedience, and without this renewal there is no place in God's kingdom.
Words and Immediate Context
The verse belongs to a sequence for those who have learned Christ, heard Him, and been taught by Him as the truth is in Jesus: putting off concerning the former conversation the old man corrupt according to deceitful lusts, being renewed in the spirit of the mind, and putting on the new man created after God in righteousness and true holiness. Putting on this new life made like God in right doing and genuine holiness means laying aside every weight and the sin that easily traps and running the set race with patience while looking to Jesus as author and finisher of faith, with a decisive change in life and character and daily conduct demonstrating genuine conversion. This new God-like character is shown in practical rightdoing: putting away lying to speak truth because believers are members one of another, being angry without sin and without lasting wrath, giving no place to the devil, stealing no more but working to give to the needy, speaking only edifying words that minister grace, not grieving the Holy Spirit, and putting away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil-speaking and malice to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving as God forgave for Christ's sake. Those who come to enjoy the privileges of truth and claim to believe and teach the Word while working unrighteousness have not truly partaken of Christ, like wedding guests without the wedding garment.
The old life left behind is walking as other Gentiles walk in vanity of mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through ignorance and blindness of heart, being past feeling and given over to lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness. It belongs to those who live separate from God, allow the enemy to work by and through them in the church, lack faith in those with whom they are associated, and refuse to yield to the spirit of repentance. Putting on the new person is joined to being renewed in the spirit of the mind and is shown in conduct that turns from foolish talking and acting, sexual immorality, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, and jesting toward a holy life marked by thanksgiving.
The new man to be put on is Jesus Christ Himself, for Christ dwelling in the heart is the life of the new man, so putting on the new man means putting on Christ, taking Him by adopting His life as guide, and reflecting His character. Deliverance from sin to receive the fashion of this new man leaves no part of the diseased life of sin remaining; the natural self must die and Christ must take possession of the soul, spreading sanctified activity through every part of the being and developing unselfishness in service. Those born again in this way live for God, and all they do and say represents His holiness, requiring constantly receiving power from Him, with talents and intellect devoted to His service. This new life is seen in self-government and a meek spirit replacing uncontrolled temper and harmful speech, in kindness and love that patiently guides and strengthens others rather than criticizing or condemning them, and in correcting defects of character especially of uncontrolled temper and will to acquire moral power and self-control and become a conqueror. It requires repentance and conversion and becoming as a little child, with truth having sanctifying influence to mold the character, without which there is failure of an inheritance in the kingdom of God, accomplished only by grace united with strongest, most persevering effort to control self and part with all that scars and deforms the soul through the merits of Christ.
After God means created according to God in His likeness and image and marked by righteousness and true holiness. This change belongs to a practical, lived response to the Bible's teaching, not to reliance on personal ideas and opinions, and to more than professing faith or belonging to a church: it comes through vital union with Christ, sharing His Spirit and divine nature, and being renewed in knowledge. People belong to God and are to bear His likeness in their souls, His righteousness and true holiness, and its presence makes them honor the God to whom they belong, with fruit unto righteousness and true holiness. This renewal makes God's people distinct from the world in spirit, customs, pursuits, and practice, including being crucified to worldly affections and desires, and perfecting a character after the divine likeness is the purpose of Christian preparation and of higher education for heaven.
Humanity was originally created in God's image to be like Him in righteousness and holiness. Adam's mind was capable of continual cultivation, refinement, and elevation under God's teaching and instruction. He was given work and a probation in which to form a steadfast character. The verse stands with the instruction of Ephesians 4 and 5 and Ephesians 6:10-18 for standing firm when Satan makes every effort to tear up the foundation of faith in the third angel's message, showing that not a pin or pillar of the work built over sixty years has been moved.
New Creation in God's Image
Putting on the new man is not improving the old life but dying to self and sin and being transformed into an entirely new life. It is being born again as a new creation, with the old life passing away and God giving a new heart and spirit cleansed in righteousness and true holiness. No part of the diseased former life is to remain, for the old leaven is purged out and the renewed life is tested and purified until it can offer an offering in righteousness. This renewal changes character and conduct, softening the hard selfish heart and forming the likeness of Christ so the new creature represents His character in sanctified service, unselfishness, self-denial, sacrifice, meekness, lowliness, and truthful words and works. Becoming new does not mean becoming another man, for no new faculties are created and no new conscience is given. It is the same man renewed, with dormant sensibilities of conscience aroused and the will submitted to that renewed conscience. Mind and heart and soul are changed, and the faculties shaped by inherited tendencies, nationality, education, and circumstances are employed anew with new purposes and impulses. Receiving Christ's word, which is spirit and life, brings fruit in heart and speech and character in differing measures, calling for a full stand and real change in individual experience rather than indifference.
The new creation restores God's moral image, which sin has marred and dimmed though traces of it remain in every soul still precious to Him. God desires to create the soul anew in righteousness and holiness, recovering the sinner and retracing His image in every person by Christ's abiding presence and saving grace. That renewal transforms the character to resemble the divine character and is encouraged by a Christlike life of humble missionary love that teaches people to love God and serve their own community without exalting them. Holiness itself is God's gift through Christ, chosen from eternity, never received as a birthright or from any human being. Those who receive the Saviour are born again and adopted into God's family as His spiritual children, with changed minds beholding eternal realities with clearer vision. They turn from supreme love of self to supreme love for God and for Christ, conformed to His likeness and changed by His Spirit from glory to glory.
Renewal is renewal in knowledge and true holiness, for walking in the truth renews in knowledge and receiving the truth as it is in Jesus renews the mind as it has renewed minds in the past. Truth regenerates the soul and changes how Scripture is seen, so what once seemed barren becomes spiritually beautiful and life-giving to the surrendered heart that loves God's word. Prayer and communion with God through Christ bring the soul near to God, strengthen against temptation, and express the renewal in daily victories over self, pride, and love of the world. This inward work of grace must be completed in the soul to reflect Christ's image, not remain a form of godliness or a name upon church records nor serve self-satisfaction. Those thus renewed are crucified to the world and made alive in Christ with the soul united to God, diligent and faithful in His service, set apart and devoted to Him with no cherished idols, no concord with Belial, and no friendship with the world. Becoming new requires this complete change of heart, mind, and character through the Holy Spirit, born again and converted in speech and spirit to discern light from darkness and to live and serve in Christ's character. By grace love of the world, love of self, and every ambition that exalts self are exchanged for humility instead of pride, meekness instead of haughty self-esteem, and disinterested love controlling every power of the heart for saving souls for whom Christ died. Very many must have this great change wrought before God can work in them by His power for others' salvation, making them channels of God's life and power who prove the strength of His promises with a power the adversary cannot gainsay or resist, which arouses Satan's opposition when earnestly begun.
How God Renews Souls
Putting on the new man is the Holy Spirit's work of fashioning the person after Christ's likeness in righteousness and true holiness. The person is not to use or direct the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit is to use and work through the person, a meaning few understand. When the soul surrenders to God by faith the Spirit takes possession of mind and heart, puts away sinful thoughts, renounces evil deeds, and replaces anger, envy, strife and sadness with love, humility, peace and joy. The Spirit implants a new principle of life, softens and renews the heart, implants a new nature, purifies and strengthens it daily, transforms the carnal nature, and restores God's lost image in humanity so that no one is too vile or fallen to be reached. This renewal requires a receptive, childlike willingness to receive counsel and correction and to receive Christ's righteousness.
In the conflict between righteousness and unrighteousness restoration of God's image is possible only through divine aid, with the human will submitting to and uniting with God's will and the Holy Spirit helping in the work, each victory contributing to the recovery of what God has purchased. The soul must surrender self and yield fully to God before it can be renewed in knowledge and true holiness, and this submission is a struggle. It is the greatest battle ever fought, warfare against self — yielding self, surrendering all to the will of God, subduing the desires and affections of the heart, searching out and controlling secret motives, being clothed with humility and possessing love pure, peaceable, easy to be entreated, full of gentleness and good fruits. Though not easily attained, it is privilege and duty to be a perfect overcomer here, patterned after Christ's faithful example of unlimited confidence in His heavenly Father and unreserved, perfect obedience and submission, coming not to be served but to minister, not to do His own will but the will of Him who sent Him, submitting in all things to Him who judges righteously and doing nothing of Himself.
Renewal comes by laying aside the old life and taking on a new character formed after Christ in right doing and genuine holiness through contemplating Christ and, with the Holy Spirit's guidance, bringing even the thoughts into obedience to His will. It comes by beholding the glory of the Lord, which is character, and by thinking and talking of Jesus until charmed with His character and changed from character to character, from glory to glory, by faith through the Spirit of the Lord. As God's perfect character is kept in view the mind is renewed and the soul recreated in that image, motives and desires brought into line with what is right and character strengthened. Steadfastly beholding Christ by faith as the only-begotten Son full of grace and truth sanctifies the soul, truth transforms the whole character, and Christ's image appears in words and actions. Where there is life there is growth, so God designs His children to advance, aim high, reject slothfulness and careless work, become more like Christ until transforming grace makes them reflect His image, partake of the divine nature in redeemed human nature, keep God's commandments, overcome temptation as Jesus as true man overcame, serve God as redeemed humanity rather than as angels, and shine as light in good works glorifying the Father.
Truth as it is in Jesus regenerates the soul: a heart surrendered to God loves His Word, and renewal of the mind through truth changes how Scripture is seen so what once seemed barren becomes spiritually beautiful and life-giving. Prayer and communion with God through Christ bring the soul near to God and strengthen it against temptation. This change comes only by faith surrendering to the Lord, by repentance, humiliation and submission to divine requirements and practical acceptance of divine truth, lifting bondage, connecting the soul with God, putting away wicked thoughts, renouncing evil deeds, purifying the mind from evil to become motive power of good, purifying life, ennobling character, turning sadness to joy, revealing the saving baptism of the Spirit, and fitting vile human nature to harmonize with heaven and enter the kingdom. Receiving and walking in the light of God's Word through the molding influence of the Holy Spirit sanctifies the whole person, strengthens moral character, reveals imperfections to be overcome, and advances sanctification through truth daily, requiring deeper knowledge of God's Word and a holy life for service. Self must be lost in Christ by eating the bread of heaven daily as the leaves of the tree of life, and this restores the obliterated moral image to newness. Putting on the new man means the entire being purified and renewed in God's likeness by knowing Christ's love in individual experience, becoming familiar with His divine-human life and making it one's own until loving righteousness and hating iniquity is true of the believer as of Christ, with God's Word studied and obeyed subduing every unholy attribute, the Spirit convicting of sin, and faith working by love to conform body, soul and spirit to His image.
The transforming work is a daily being renewed in the spirit of the mind, surrendering to God to be purified, cleansed, refined, elevated and prepared as a vessel unto honor for His glory, advancing greatly in knowledge of His will, for true holiness is becoming in all His saints. It is divine grace and principles of truth received into the heart working like leaven in meal: not natural to man but a heavenly production placed within, an active living element that does not destroy the substance but changes its quality, purifies and vivifies the whole mass, assimilates and converts by faith and love in patience of hope. The man remains the same physically, but the holy heavenly nature of truth has leavened and converted him so he has become a new man in Christ Jesus. The operation is gradual, renewed day by day, following on to know the Lord until the going forth is prepared as the morning, going from strength to greater strength. Its influence disperses through the whole man, in family, church and all business relations, with sanctifying power upon physical, mental and moral powers, perfecting the entire man in soul, body and spirit so that whether eating or drinking or whatever is done all is to God's glory.
God works in people to will and do what pleases Him, while divine power joins human effort to overcome evil after putting off the corrupt old person and being renewed in mind, and the righteousness fulfilling God's law is Christ's righteousness received by faith, with truth as it is in Jesus abiding within as lived experience. Putting away the old man with his errors and taking the new man Christ Jesus by adopting His life as guide, devoting talents and intellect to God's service, requires repentance, conversion and becoming as a little child, with truth molding character by sanctifying influence, without which there is failure of inheritance in God's kingdom. It calls for correcting defects of character, especially uncontrolled temper and will, and acquiring moral power and self-control to become a conqueror, done only by God's grace united with strongest, most persevering, unfaltering effort and energy to control self, and through Christ's merits parting with all that scars, deforms the soul and develops misshapen character. Christ's justifying grace and the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work transform the carnal nature, renewing the soul in holiness according to the image of Christ's righteousness and true holiness. God's power and regenerating grace enable more than putting away wrong habits, cultivating ennobling unselfish traits and making righteous principles part of nature, with God's law written on the heart and truth-imparted holiness seen in spirit, words and actions as the holiness Christ requires. The new self created in God's likeness implants divine love so God's law is written within shaping obedient life, obedience not mere outward compliance but loving service and allegiance as true discipleship, faith not releasing from obedience but joining to Christ's grace enabling it. The grace of truth renews in knowledge and holiness to glorify God in body and spirit, a privilege made possible through Christ's blood cleansing from unrighteousness and making holiness possible in heart, life and conduct.
Putting on the new person is part of sanctification in which sin and self-righteousness are removed, Christ takes the place of self-indulgence and love of earthly wealth, and His image becomes visible in life. The natural self must die and the new person Christ Jesus take possession of the soul, seen in self-government and a meek spirit replacing uncontrolled temper and harmful speech. This renewal in the divine image in knowledge and true holiness takes place when life, thoughts, will and affections are brought into subjection to Christ's will in the close conflict between self and God's grace, where earthly selfish motives blind the mind and keep the soul from renewal, while those not resisting God's will with perverse nature are not left in darkness but receive renewal and even glory in Christ's cross. It means taking hold of God's strength and making peace with Him by conforming the will to His divine will, making life's effort to obtain transforming grace that makes a new man disgusted with closeness, penuriousness and love of money and delivered from the money-loving propensity sinking to perdition. It means laying self on the altar of sacrifice and burying self so Christ occupies the throne of the heart, falling on the Rock and being broken, reflecting Christ in character, revealing principles clearing the moral atmosphere, discerning the King's highway, straightening crooked paths and bringing power to God's people. Refusing this renewal leaves clouds and darkness enveloping the soul, groping blindly unable to find the wall, with the Rock falling upon the unrenewed, for Satan's damage is great with poison circulating through the lifeblood in every rebellious pulse, and self-righteousness is not Christ's righteousness but only a stumbling block to sinners.
Life the New Man Shows
Putting on the new man created after God in righteousness and true holiness means having learned Christ as the truth is in Jesus, putting off the old corrupt former conduct and being renewed in the spirit of the mind, in contrast to walking as others walk in vanity of mind with darkened understanding, alienated from God's life through ignorance and blindness of heart, past feeling and given to uncleanness with greediness. Its fruit is putting away lying and speaking truth with neighbors because believers are members one of another, refusing to live separate from God or allow the enemy to work through them in the church, having faith in associates and yielding to repentance. It is standing on guard over self so evil agencies do not lead into words and deeds pleasing the enemy, with words and deeds fragrant with the holiness of truth.
Letting no corrupt communication proceed but only what edifies and ministers grace belongs to this new life, with refusal to give expression to evil thoughts, suspicion, distrust and evil words, praying alone instead of speaking evil, and winning the battle between two spirits striving for mastery over the evil will. The Holy Spirit works on reason and conscience and holy angels imbue the mind with kindly thoughts, so words carry commendation and love under holiness and charity with no evil seed dropped in them, which is the counsel every church needs. When Christ's Spirit fills the heart old habits give way to new ones and God's Word transforms the whole person, not merely obvious faults, making the believer loving, patient, kind, forbearing and humble, while a harsh, selfish, self-sufficient life does not show this change in daily practice.
The new God-like character is shown in practical rightdoing by putting away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil-speaking and malice, giving no place to the devil and not grieving the Holy Spirit by whom believers are sealed unto redemption, but being kind, tenderhearted and forgiving as God for Christ's sake forgave. Truly learning Christ exposes as not having partaken of Him those who enjoy privileges of truth and claim to believe and teach the Word while working unrighteousness, like wedding guests without the wedding garment. This renewal requires Christ's renewing grace, for the spirit of retaliation, harshness, resentment and condemnation must be put away before the Holy Spirit can abide in the heart, and the renewed life is expressed in forgiving love and tenderness toward fellow believers including those gone astray, speaking to build up rather than wounding or driving further away.
Being angry without sin and without lasting wrath, governing temper and tongue with self-control and a meek spirit, stealing no more but laboring honestly to give to the needy, and speaking only edifying words are marks of the new man. Correcting defects of character, especially uncontrolled temper and will, and acquiring moral power to become a conqueror is required, taking Christ Jesus by adopting His life as guide so talents and intellect are devoted to God's service. This is done only by God's grace united with strongest, most persevering effort to control self and part with all that scars and deforms the soul, through repentance and conversion becoming as a little child with truth molding the character, without which there is failure of inheritance in God's kingdom. The natural self must die and Christ take possession of the soul, seen in self-government replacing harmful speech.
Turning from foolish talking and acting, sexual immorality, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness and jesting toward a holy life marked by thanksgiving shows putting on the new person joined to renewal in the spirit of the mind. Those born again are delivered from sin to receive the fashion of Christ, live for God so all said and done represents His holiness, constantly receiving power from Him with no part of the diseased life of sin remaining, as Christ spreads sanctified activity through every part of the being developing unselfish service. This change delivers the soul, regenerates and restores every part to represent Christ's character in sanctified service, unselfishness, self-denial, sacrifice, meekness, lowliness and truthful words and works. Renewal is seen not only in a pure soul but in changed words, conduct, dress and surroundings, proving received truth has refined the life, with every faculty bought at infinite price put to persevering labor in Christ's service.
Its evidence is cleansing and purifying the inward fountain with the will yielded to Christ's command, God creating a clean heart and renewing a right spirit in answer to prayer, so the weakest point of character is strengthened and conformed in righteousness. It is a new creation living Christ's life of purity, truth and righteousness, doing in every action just what Christ would do in the same place, following Him by obedience and imitation with eye on Him as model and doing all to God's glory in His love. Its evidence is loving righteousness and hating iniquity, loving sound principles and sound doctrine, and resisting temptation as Christ resisted under God's eye in every place, with principles sound, pure, elevated and ennobling that can be taken into the eternal world.
Where there is life there is growth, so God designs His children to advance, aim high, reject slothfulness and careless work, raise the standard of character and become more like Christ by contemplating Him with the Holy Spirit bringing even thoughts into obedience, until transforming grace reflects His image and makes them perfect in the human sphere as God is perfect in His. Truth manifested in daily life bears fruit unto righteousness and true holiness after Christ's earthly example, and God calls for a depth of piety in this new life that many have not yet known. Putting on the new self comes through vital union with Christ sharing His Spirit and divine nature and renewal in knowledge, making God's people distinct from the world in spirit, customs, pursuits and practice, crucified to worldly affections and desires.
This inward renewal, not a form of godliness nor a name on church records, crucifies to the world and makes alive in Christ uniting the soul to God, setting apart the diligent and faithful in His service with no idols cherished, no concord with wickedness and no friendship with the world. Those renewed walk in love following Christ as dear children, separate without seeking the world's friendship, their distinct holy character representing Christ. Christianity contains power exalting character in righteousness and true holiness, shown through believers who throw whole influence on the Lord's side, setting aside worldly interests and friendships to proclaim Christ.
Unity Witness and Mission
Putting on the new man created in righteousness and true holiness is the appointed means to keep the church in oneness and agreement so that its members reveal a healthy religious experience to the world. It means conforming the life to obedience to the commandments of God and being united in the faith of the Scriptures, bound together as one in Christ Jesus with the life hid with Christ in God. It means practicing the golden rule of doing to others as one would have others do, being subject to one another, walking humbly with God and circumspectly, and coming into the sanctifying circle of truth to draw and press together. This requires purging unbelief, pride, striving for first place and seeking to be greatest, fault-finding and dissension, accepting God's purging of dross to reach the highest standard. When the old man is put off with all hope centered in Jesus and His Spirit pervading the soul, the love of Christ fills the heart and produces unity even though every idea may not be exactly the same on all points, so every door leading to difference and debate among brethren is closed.
This obedient unity magnifies the law of God and makes it honorable by consistent Christian lives of courtesy, unwavering fidelity, justice and mercy. It demonstrates that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul, and recommends obedience as loving service rather than mere outward compliance. Obedience thus shown is the true sign of discipleship, for faith does not release from obedience but joins the believer to Christ's grace which enables obedience, and putting on the new man belongs to the loyalty by which people receive life and God's blessings.
Those renewed become partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption in the world through lust. They bear a living, abiding testimony that the Father loves them even as He loves His Son, with powerful influence upon the unbelieving world. By beholding the glory of the Lord, which is character, and by thinking and talking of Jesus until charmed with His character, they are changed from character to character by faith through the Spirit, keep the commandments, overcome temptation as Jesus overcame as a true man, and shine as the light of the world in good works that glorify the Father in heaven.
The gospel is the means God ordained to restore His moral image in man, to stem hostility against His law, to remedy universal disorganization, and to draw men together in unity. The church cooperates in this work with Jesus and heavenly agencies as laborers together with God and channels of the Lord. It appreciates God's great gift so that Christ has not died in vain, using heaven's provision made at infinite cost and all heavenly provisions to draw souls unto obedience to the holy law.
Very many must have great changes wrought in hearts and lives and be renewed after the image of God in righteousness and true holiness before God can work in them by His power for the salvation of others. This thorough conversion softens and shapes the heart by tenderness, humility, love, benevolence and generosity, making influence helpful in the church and enabling loving, responsible care of the family. Love of the world, love of self and every ambition calculated to exalt self are by grace exchanged for humility, meekness and disinterested love for all mankind, and every power of the heart is employed in the special work of saving souls for whom Christ died. So renewed, believers become channels of God's life and power to others, proving the strength of His promises and realizing a power working with them that the adversary cannot gainsay or resist.
Truth as it is in Jesus sanctifies believers so they fulfill the vow made at baptism to practice the lessons taught in the life of Christ. They follow His example of self-denying and self-sacrificing ministry to those around them including intelligent medical missionary work. They become so established in the faith that churches are not helplessly dependent on ministerial aid. They use entrusted capabilities and means as stewards for the advancement of righteousness and truth to build up His work and enlarge His kingdom, planting in hearts the living principles of saving faith by imparting the knowledge of Christ's love and tenderness, which gives efficiency to missionary operations.
Urgent Call and Promise
The verse is solemn instruction that means much, to be read to hearers and impressed upon minds, to be studied and compared with Scripture in a humble prayerful spirit and obeyed rather than ignored or disregarded or treated with indifference, for only doers of the Word receive the reward. Obedience to it guards workers advancing the cause under sharp attack from the prince of darkness seeking every advantage to control minds, lest they give Satan occasion to stir minds to sin, offend God, and bring affliction and destruction. It calls for a great reformation in lives, in words and works and spiritual understanding, because many have become hard-spirited as strangers to the working of the Holy Spirit, and directs believers daily to breathe the atmosphere of heaven and catch the inspiration of the angels in the heavenly courts. This renewal in knowledge and true holiness is expressed in daily victories over self, pride, and love of the world, and in daily seeking converting power to recover the moral image of God. The entire life then testifies that reformation has taken place, the renewed heart drinking from the fountain of the water of life, losing bitterness and unholy spirit, loving all who believe in Jesus with the mind of Christ who loves all mankind, seen by family, church, and world in a pure stream flowing from the heart, in words not sharp, dictatorial, and arbitrary, and in freedom from the characteristics of the Pharisee through grace abiding in the heart, without which eternal life is lost through not knowing God.
It is a warning to every soul for the last days calling for faith joined with works, gathering every ray of light amid moral darkness, bearing aloft the third angel's message, having the churches set in order and the door of unbelief closed, because Satan's seducing power will increase to deceive even the very elect and crooked paths will turn the weak out of the way. The new man in Christ is born to conflict, toil, and labor, engaging in the good fight of faith with access to power to gain victory over every difficulty, in a course of steadfast duty with determination not to fail or be discouraged. No entirely new set of energies is to be expected when trying circumstances come, but every affection and every attribute perverted must be restored by the grace of Christ, and lesser trials nobly borne under the control of God purify, refine, and ennoble for endurance when the time comes for greater test and greater trials. Without putting away the old man with his errors and taking the new man, Christ Jesus, by adopting His life as guide so talents and intellect are devoted to God's service, through repentance and conversion and becoming as a little child with truth molding character by sanctifying influence, there is failure of an inheritance in the kingdom of God. In the testing hour of talking with death, amiable disposition, devotion to truth, labors to bring souls to Jesus, morality, and being kept from gross sins and vices give no assurance of salvation and no ground to trust in own merits, but trust must be in the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour, with God made a refuge, Christ accepted as Redeemer, and the Scriptures made guide and counselor, and defects of character corrected, especially uncontrolled temper and will, by grace united with strongest, most persevering and unfaltering effort to control self, parting through Christ's merits with all that scars and deforms the soul.
Renewal in knowledge and true holiness is not meant to make people self-satisfied, but to lead them to search hearts, put away character flaws, and reflect Christ's image. It calls for putting away cherished, unchristlike traits, with the heart cleansed from defilement and made holy, for Christ does not place His Spirit in an impure, unsanctified heart, and half-hearted service is not accepted. Nature's renewal offers assurance that people may be created anew in righteousness and holiness of truth, with hope beyond the loss and decay caused by sin. Christ pardons and removes sin, purifies the heart, and gives the sanctification of His Spirit, and as a person serves Him and looks to Him for help and relies on His help, God strengthens and ennobles day by day to overcome temptation and become more like Christ, standing on the Lord's side in that righteousness and holiness. Growth in righteousness and true holiness is maintained through close connection with Jesus Christ, with humble work, prayer, watchfulness, and receiving the living Saviour and the gift of salvation through belief in the truth as it is in Christ. The new person is renewed through Christ's grace and knowledge, leaving the old nature behind and reflecting Christ's spirit and attributes, in whom God takes pleasure as Christ is exemplified, for gifts and natural goodness cannot replace this renewal, which is marked by Christ's love abiding within and living through faith in Him.
To put on the new man is to leave the corrupt old life of darkened minds and impure speech and conduct, be renewed in the mind, and take up a new life learned from Christ. The new man is Christ Himself dwelling in the heart, and to be created after God is to be remade in His likeness and image in righteousness and true holiness lived out in obedience. This becoming new is not improving the old life but dying to self and being born again as a new creation, restoring God's moral image marred by sin. The Holy Spirit does this work as the will surrenders to God and the soul steadfastly beholds Christ, so that His character appears in words and actions. The life shown is truthful, kind, forgiving, pure and separate from the world, keeping unity among believers and shining as a witness to draw others to obedience, and without this renewal there is no place in God's kingdom.
Words and Immediate Context
The verse belongs to a sequence for those who have learned Christ, heard Him, and been taught by Him as the truth is in Jesus: putting off concerning the former conversation the old man corrupt according to deceitful lusts, being renewed in the spirit of the mind, and putting on the new man created after God in righteousness and true holiness. Putting on this new life made like God in right doing and genuine holiness means laying aside every weight and the sin that easily traps and running the set race with patience while looking to Jesus as author and finisher of faith, with a decisive change in life and character and daily conduct demonstrating genuine conversion. This new God-like character is shown in practical rightdoing: putting away lying to speak truth because believers are members one of another, being angry without sin and without lasting wrath, giving no place to the devil, stealing no more but working to give to the needy, speaking only edifying words that minister grace, not grieving the Holy Spirit, and putting away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil-speaking and malice to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving as God forgave for Christ's sake. Those who come to enjoy the privileges of truth and claim to believe and teach the Word while working unrighteousness have not truly partaken of Christ, like wedding guests without the wedding garment.
The old life left behind is walking as other Gentiles walk in vanity of mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through ignorance and blindness of heart, being past feeling and given over to lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness. It belongs to those who live separate from God, allow the enemy to work by and through them in the church, lack faith in those with whom they are associated, and refuse to yield to the spirit of repentance. Putting on the new person is joined to being renewed in the spirit of the mind and is shown in conduct that turns from foolish talking and acting, sexual immorality, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, and jesting toward a holy life marked by thanksgiving.
The new man to be put on is Jesus Christ Himself, for Christ dwelling in the heart is the life of the new man, so putting on the new man means putting on Christ, taking Him by adopting His life as guide, and reflecting His character. Deliverance from sin to receive the fashion of this new man leaves no part of the diseased life of sin remaining; the natural self must die and Christ must take possession of the soul, spreading sanctified activity through every part of the being and developing unselfishness in service. Those born again in this way live for God, and all they do and say represents His holiness, requiring constantly receiving power from Him, with talents and intellect devoted to His service. This new life is seen in self-government and a meek spirit replacing uncontrolled temper and harmful speech, in kindness and love that patiently guides and strengthens others rather than criticizing or condemning them, and in correcting defects of character especially of uncontrolled temper and will to acquire moral power and self-control and become a conqueror. It requires repentance and conversion and becoming as a little child, with truth having sanctifying influence to mold the character, without which there is failure of an inheritance in the kingdom of God, accomplished only by grace united with strongest, most persevering effort to control self and part with all that scars and deforms the soul through the merits of Christ.
After God means created according to God in His likeness and image and marked by righteousness and true holiness. This change belongs to a practical, lived response to the Bible's teaching, not to reliance on personal ideas and opinions, and to more than professing faith or belonging to a church: it comes through vital union with Christ, sharing His Spirit and divine nature, and being renewed in knowledge. People belong to God and are to bear His likeness in their souls, His righteousness and true holiness, and its presence makes them honor the God to whom they belong, with fruit unto righteousness and true holiness. This renewal makes God's people distinct from the world in spirit, customs, pursuits, and practice, including being crucified to worldly affections and desires, and perfecting a character after the divine likeness is the purpose of Christian preparation and of higher education for heaven.
Humanity was originally created in God's image to be like Him in righteousness and holiness. Adam's mind was capable of continual cultivation, refinement, and elevation under God's teaching and instruction. He was given work and a probation in which to form a steadfast character. The verse stands with the instruction of Ephesians 4 and 5 and Ephesians 6:10-18 for standing firm when Satan makes every effort to tear up the foundation of faith in the third angel's message, showing that not a pin or pillar of the work built over sixty years has been moved.
New Creation in God's Image
Putting on the new man is not improving the old life but dying to self and sin and being transformed into an entirely new life. It is being born again as a new creation, with the old life passing away and God giving a new heart and spirit cleansed in righteousness and true holiness. No part of the diseased former life is to remain, for the old leaven is purged out and the renewed life is tested and purified until it can offer an offering in righteousness. This renewal changes character and conduct, softening the hard selfish heart and forming the likeness of Christ so the new creature represents His character in sanctified service, unselfishness, self-denial, sacrifice, meekness, lowliness, and truthful words and works. Becoming new does not mean becoming another man, for no new faculties are created and no new conscience is given. It is the same man renewed, with dormant sensibilities of conscience aroused and the will submitted to that renewed conscience. Mind and heart and soul are changed, and the faculties shaped by inherited tendencies, nationality, education, and circumstances are employed anew with new purposes and impulses. Receiving Christ's word, which is spirit and life, brings fruit in heart and speech and character in differing measures, calling for a full stand and real change in individual experience rather than indifference.
The new creation restores God's moral image, which sin has marred and dimmed though traces of it remain in every soul still precious to Him. God desires to create the soul anew in righteousness and holiness, recovering the sinner and retracing His image in every person by Christ's abiding presence and saving grace. That renewal transforms the character to resemble the divine character and is encouraged by a Christlike life of humble missionary love that teaches people to love God and serve their own community without exalting them. Holiness itself is God's gift through Christ, chosen from eternity, never received as a birthright or from any human being. Those who receive the Saviour are born again and adopted into God's family as His spiritual children, with changed minds beholding eternal realities with clearer vision. They turn from supreme love of self to supreme love for God and for Christ, conformed to His likeness and changed by His Spirit from glory to glory.
Renewal is renewal in knowledge and true holiness, for walking in the truth renews in knowledge and receiving the truth as it is in Jesus renews the mind as it has renewed minds in the past. Truth regenerates the soul and changes how Scripture is seen, so what once seemed barren becomes spiritually beautiful and life-giving to the surrendered heart that loves God's word. Prayer and communion with God through Christ bring the soul near to God, strengthen against temptation, and express the renewal in daily victories over self, pride, and love of the world. This inward work of grace must be completed in the soul to reflect Christ's image, not remain a form of godliness or a name upon church records nor serve self-satisfaction. Those thus renewed are crucified to the world and made alive in Christ with the soul united to God, diligent and faithful in His service, set apart and devoted to Him with no cherished idols, no concord with Belial, and no friendship with the world. Becoming new requires this complete change of heart, mind, and character through the Holy Spirit, born again and converted in speech and spirit to discern light from darkness and to live and serve in Christ's character. By grace love of the world, love of self, and every ambition that exalts self are exchanged for humility instead of pride, meekness instead of haughty self-esteem, and disinterested love controlling every power of the heart for saving souls for whom Christ died. Very many must have this great change wrought before God can work in them by His power for others' salvation, making them channels of God's life and power who prove the strength of His promises with a power the adversary cannot gainsay or resist, which arouses Satan's opposition when earnestly begun.
How God Renews Souls
Putting on the new man is the Holy Spirit's work of fashioning the person after Christ's likeness in righteousness and true holiness. The person is not to use or direct the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit is to use and work through the person, a meaning few understand. When the soul surrenders to God by faith the Spirit takes possession of mind and heart, puts away sinful thoughts, renounces evil deeds, and replaces anger, envy, strife and sadness with love, humility, peace and joy. The Spirit implants a new principle of life, softens and renews the heart, implants a new nature, purifies and strengthens it daily, transforms the carnal nature, and restores God's lost image in humanity so that no one is too vile or fallen to be reached. This renewal requires a receptive, childlike willingness to receive counsel and correction and to receive Christ's righteousness.
In the conflict between righteousness and unrighteousness restoration of God's image is possible only through divine aid, with the human will submitting to and uniting with God's will and the Holy Spirit helping in the work, each victory contributing to the recovery of what God has purchased. The soul must surrender self and yield fully to God before it can be renewed in knowledge and true holiness, and this submission is a struggle. It is the greatest battle ever fought, warfare against self — yielding self, surrendering all to the will of God, subduing the desires and affections of the heart, searching out and controlling secret motives, being clothed with humility and possessing love pure, peaceable, easy to be entreated, full of gentleness and good fruits. Though not easily attained, it is privilege and duty to be a perfect overcomer here, patterned after Christ's faithful example of unlimited confidence in His heavenly Father and unreserved, perfect obedience and submission, coming not to be served but to minister, not to do His own will but the will of Him who sent Him, submitting in all things to Him who judges righteously and doing nothing of Himself.
Renewal comes by laying aside the old life and taking on a new character formed after Christ in right doing and genuine holiness through contemplating Christ and, with the Holy Spirit's guidance, bringing even the thoughts into obedience to His will. It comes by beholding the glory of the Lord, which is character, and by thinking and talking of Jesus until charmed with His character and changed from character to character, from glory to glory, by faith through the Spirit of the Lord. As God's perfect character is kept in view the mind is renewed and the soul recreated in that image, motives and desires brought into line with what is right and character strengthened. Steadfastly beholding Christ by faith as the only-begotten Son full of grace and truth sanctifies the soul, truth transforms the whole character, and Christ's image appears in words and actions. Where there is life there is growth, so God designs His children to advance, aim high, reject slothfulness and careless work, become more like Christ until transforming grace makes them reflect His image, partake of the divine nature in redeemed human nature, keep God's commandments, overcome temptation as Jesus as true man overcame, serve God as redeemed humanity rather than as angels, and shine as light in good works glorifying the Father.
Truth as it is in Jesus regenerates the soul: a heart surrendered to God loves His Word, and renewal of the mind through truth changes how Scripture is seen so what once seemed barren becomes spiritually beautiful and life-giving. Prayer and communion with God through Christ bring the soul near to God and strengthen it against temptation. This change comes only by faith surrendering to the Lord, by repentance, humiliation and submission to divine requirements and practical acceptance of divine truth, lifting bondage, connecting the soul with God, putting away wicked thoughts, renouncing evil deeds, purifying the mind from evil to become motive power of good, purifying life, ennobling character, turning sadness to joy, revealing the saving baptism of the Spirit, and fitting vile human nature to harmonize with heaven and enter the kingdom. Receiving and walking in the light of God's Word through the molding influence of the Holy Spirit sanctifies the whole person, strengthens moral character, reveals imperfections to be overcome, and advances sanctification through truth daily, requiring deeper knowledge of God's Word and a holy life for service. Self must be lost in Christ by eating the bread of heaven daily as the leaves of the tree of life, and this restores the obliterated moral image to newness. Putting on the new man means the entire being purified and renewed in God's likeness by knowing Christ's love in individual experience, becoming familiar with His divine-human life and making it one's own until loving righteousness and hating iniquity is true of the believer as of Christ, with God's Word studied and obeyed subduing every unholy attribute, the Spirit convicting of sin, and faith working by love to conform body, soul and spirit to His image.
The transforming work is a daily being renewed in the spirit of the mind, surrendering to God to be purified, cleansed, refined, elevated and prepared as a vessel unto honor for His glory, advancing greatly in knowledge of His will, for true holiness is becoming in all His saints. It is divine grace and principles of truth received into the heart working like leaven in meal: not natural to man but a heavenly production placed within, an active living element that does not destroy the substance but changes its quality, purifies and vivifies the whole mass, assimilates and converts by faith and love in patience of hope. The man remains the same physically, but the holy heavenly nature of truth has leavened and converted him so he has become a new man in Christ Jesus. The operation is gradual, renewed day by day, following on to know the Lord until the going forth is prepared as the morning, going from strength to greater strength. Its influence disperses through the whole man, in family, church and all business relations, with sanctifying power upon physical, mental and moral powers, perfecting the entire man in soul, body and spirit so that whether eating or drinking or whatever is done all is to God's glory.
God works in people to will and do what pleases Him, while divine power joins human effort to overcome evil after putting off the corrupt old person and being renewed in mind, and the righteousness fulfilling God's law is Christ's righteousness received by faith, with truth as it is in Jesus abiding within as lived experience. Putting away the old man with his errors and taking the new man Christ Jesus by adopting His life as guide, devoting talents and intellect to God's service, requires repentance, conversion and becoming as a little child, with truth molding character by sanctifying influence, without which there is failure of inheritance in God's kingdom. It calls for correcting defects of character, especially uncontrolled temper and will, and acquiring moral power and self-control to become a conqueror, done only by God's grace united with strongest, most persevering, unfaltering effort and energy to control self, and through Christ's merits parting with all that scars, deforms the soul and develops misshapen character. Christ's justifying grace and the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work transform the carnal nature, renewing the soul in holiness according to the image of Christ's righteousness and true holiness. God's power and regenerating grace enable more than putting away wrong habits, cultivating ennobling unselfish traits and making righteous principles part of nature, with God's law written on the heart and truth-imparted holiness seen in spirit, words and actions as the holiness Christ requires. The new self created in God's likeness implants divine love so God's law is written within shaping obedient life, obedience not mere outward compliance but loving service and allegiance as true discipleship, faith not releasing from obedience but joining to Christ's grace enabling it. The grace of truth renews in knowledge and holiness to glorify God in body and spirit, a privilege made possible through Christ's blood cleansing from unrighteousness and making holiness possible in heart, life and conduct.
Putting on the new person is part of sanctification in which sin and self-righteousness are removed, Christ takes the place of self-indulgence and love of earthly wealth, and His image becomes visible in life. The natural self must die and the new person Christ Jesus take possession of the soul, seen in self-government and a meek spirit replacing uncontrolled temper and harmful speech. This renewal in the divine image in knowledge and true holiness takes place when life, thoughts, will and affections are brought into subjection to Christ's will in the close conflict between self and God's grace, where earthly selfish motives blind the mind and keep the soul from renewal, while those not resisting God's will with perverse nature are not left in darkness but receive renewal and even glory in Christ's cross. It means taking hold of God's strength and making peace with Him by conforming the will to His divine will, making life's effort to obtain transforming grace that makes a new man disgusted with closeness, penuriousness and love of money and delivered from the money-loving propensity sinking to perdition. It means laying self on the altar of sacrifice and burying self so Christ occupies the throne of the heart, falling on the Rock and being broken, reflecting Christ in character, revealing principles clearing the moral atmosphere, discerning the King's highway, straightening crooked paths and bringing power to God's people. Refusing this renewal leaves clouds and darkness enveloping the soul, groping blindly unable to find the wall, with the Rock falling upon the unrenewed, for Satan's damage is great with poison circulating through the lifeblood in every rebellious pulse, and self-righteousness is not Christ's righteousness but only a stumbling block to sinners.
Life the New Man Shows
Putting on the new man created after God in righteousness and true holiness means having learned Christ as the truth is in Jesus, putting off the old corrupt former conduct and being renewed in the spirit of the mind, in contrast to walking as others walk in vanity of mind with darkened understanding, alienated from God's life through ignorance and blindness of heart, past feeling and given to uncleanness with greediness. Its fruit is putting away lying and speaking truth with neighbors because believers are members one of another, refusing to live separate from God or allow the enemy to work through them in the church, having faith in associates and yielding to repentance. It is standing on guard over self so evil agencies do not lead into words and deeds pleasing the enemy, with words and deeds fragrant with the holiness of truth.
Letting no corrupt communication proceed but only what edifies and ministers grace belongs to this new life, with refusal to give expression to evil thoughts, suspicion, distrust and evil words, praying alone instead of speaking evil, and winning the battle between two spirits striving for mastery over the evil will. The Holy Spirit works on reason and conscience and holy angels imbue the mind with kindly thoughts, so words carry commendation and love under holiness and charity with no evil seed dropped in them, which is the counsel every church needs. When Christ's Spirit fills the heart old habits give way to new ones and God's Word transforms the whole person, not merely obvious faults, making the believer loving, patient, kind, forbearing and humble, while a harsh, selfish, self-sufficient life does not show this change in daily practice.
The new God-like character is shown in practical rightdoing by putting away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil-speaking and malice, giving no place to the devil and not grieving the Holy Spirit by whom believers are sealed unto redemption, but being kind, tenderhearted and forgiving as God for Christ's sake forgave. Truly learning Christ exposes as not having partaken of Him those who enjoy privileges of truth and claim to believe and teach the Word while working unrighteousness, like wedding guests without the wedding garment. This renewal requires Christ's renewing grace, for the spirit of retaliation, harshness, resentment and condemnation must be put away before the Holy Spirit can abide in the heart, and the renewed life is expressed in forgiving love and tenderness toward fellow believers including those gone astray, speaking to build up rather than wounding or driving further away.
Being angry without sin and without lasting wrath, governing temper and tongue with self-control and a meek spirit, stealing no more but laboring honestly to give to the needy, and speaking only edifying words are marks of the new man. Correcting defects of character, especially uncontrolled temper and will, and acquiring moral power to become a conqueror is required, taking Christ Jesus by adopting His life as guide so talents and intellect are devoted to God's service. This is done only by God's grace united with strongest, most persevering effort to control self and part with all that scars and deforms the soul, through repentance and conversion becoming as a little child with truth molding the character, without which there is failure of inheritance in God's kingdom. The natural self must die and Christ take possession of the soul, seen in self-government replacing harmful speech.
Turning from foolish talking and acting, sexual immorality, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness and jesting toward a holy life marked by thanksgiving shows putting on the new person joined to renewal in the spirit of the mind. Those born again are delivered from sin to receive the fashion of Christ, live for God so all said and done represents His holiness, constantly receiving power from Him with no part of the diseased life of sin remaining, as Christ spreads sanctified activity through every part of the being developing unselfish service. This change delivers the soul, regenerates and restores every part to represent Christ's character in sanctified service, unselfishness, self-denial, sacrifice, meekness, lowliness and truthful words and works. Renewal is seen not only in a pure soul but in changed words, conduct, dress and surroundings, proving received truth has refined the life, with every faculty bought at infinite price put to persevering labor in Christ's service.
Its evidence is cleansing and purifying the inward fountain with the will yielded to Christ's command, God creating a clean heart and renewing a right spirit in answer to prayer, so the weakest point of character is strengthened and conformed in righteousness. It is a new creation living Christ's life of purity, truth and righteousness, doing in every action just what Christ would do in the same place, following Him by obedience and imitation with eye on Him as model and doing all to God's glory in His love. Its evidence is loving righteousness and hating iniquity, loving sound principles and sound doctrine, and resisting temptation as Christ resisted under God's eye in every place, with principles sound, pure, elevated and ennobling that can be taken into the eternal world.
Where there is life there is growth, so God designs His children to advance, aim high, reject slothfulness and careless work, raise the standard of character and become more like Christ by contemplating Him with the Holy Spirit bringing even thoughts into obedience, until transforming grace reflects His image and makes them perfect in the human sphere as God is perfect in His. Truth manifested in daily life bears fruit unto righteousness and true holiness after Christ's earthly example, and God calls for a depth of piety in this new life that many have not yet known. Putting on the new self comes through vital union with Christ sharing His Spirit and divine nature and renewal in knowledge, making God's people distinct from the world in spirit, customs, pursuits and practice, crucified to worldly affections and desires.
This inward renewal, not a form of godliness nor a name on church records, crucifies to the world and makes alive in Christ uniting the soul to God, setting apart the diligent and faithful in His service with no idols cherished, no concord with wickedness and no friendship with the world. Those renewed walk in love following Christ as dear children, separate without seeking the world's friendship, their distinct holy character representing Christ. Christianity contains power exalting character in righteousness and true holiness, shown through believers who throw whole influence on the Lord's side, setting aside worldly interests and friendships to proclaim Christ.
Unity Witness and Mission
Putting on the new man created in righteousness and true holiness is the appointed means to keep the church in oneness and agreement so that its members reveal a healthy religious experience to the world. It means conforming the life to obedience to the commandments of God and being united in the faith of the Scriptures, bound together as one in Christ Jesus with the life hid with Christ in God. It means practicing the golden rule of doing to others as one would have others do, being subject to one another, walking humbly with God and circumspectly, and coming into the sanctifying circle of truth to draw and press together. This requires purging unbelief, pride, striving for first place and seeking to be greatest, fault-finding and dissension, accepting God's purging of dross to reach the highest standard. When the old man is put off with all hope centered in Jesus and His Spirit pervading the soul, the love of Christ fills the heart and produces unity even though every idea may not be exactly the same on all points, so every door leading to difference and debate among brethren is closed.
This obedient unity magnifies the law of God and makes it honorable by consistent Christian lives of courtesy, unwavering fidelity, justice and mercy. It demonstrates that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul, and recommends obedience as loving service rather than mere outward compliance. Obedience thus shown is the true sign of discipleship, for faith does not release from obedience but joins the believer to Christ's grace which enables obedience, and putting on the new man belongs to the loyalty by which people receive life and God's blessings.
Those renewed become partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption in the world through lust. They bear a living, abiding testimony that the Father loves them even as He loves His Son, with powerful influence upon the unbelieving world. By beholding the glory of the Lord, which is character, and by thinking and talking of Jesus until charmed with His character, they are changed from character to character by faith through the Spirit, keep the commandments, overcome temptation as Jesus overcame as a true man, and shine as the light of the world in good works that glorify the Father in heaven.
The gospel is the means God ordained to restore His moral image in man, to stem hostility against His law, to remedy universal disorganization, and to draw men together in unity. The church cooperates in this work with Jesus and heavenly agencies as laborers together with God and channels of the Lord. It appreciates God's great gift so that Christ has not died in vain, using heaven's provision made at infinite cost and all heavenly provisions to draw souls unto obedience to the holy law.
Very many must have great changes wrought in hearts and lives and be renewed after the image of God in righteousness and true holiness before God can work in them by His power for the salvation of others. This thorough conversion softens and shapes the heart by tenderness, humility, love, benevolence and generosity, making influence helpful in the church and enabling loving, responsible care of the family. Love of the world, love of self and every ambition calculated to exalt self are by grace exchanged for humility, meekness and disinterested love for all mankind, and every power of the heart is employed in the special work of saving souls for whom Christ died. So renewed, believers become channels of God's life and power to others, proving the strength of His promises and realizing a power working with them that the adversary cannot gainsay or resist.
Truth as it is in Jesus sanctifies believers so they fulfill the vow made at baptism to practice the lessons taught in the life of Christ. They follow His example of self-denying and self-sacrificing ministry to those around them including intelligent medical missionary work. They become so established in the faith that churches are not helplessly dependent on ministerial aid. They use entrusted capabilities and means as stewards for the advancement of righteousness and truth to build up His work and enlarge His kingdom, planting in hearts the living principles of saving faith by imparting the knowledge of Christ's love and tenderness, which gives efficiency to missionary operations.
Urgent Call and Promise
The verse is solemn instruction that means much, to be read to hearers and impressed upon minds, to be studied and compared with Scripture in a humble prayerful spirit and obeyed rather than ignored or disregarded or treated with indifference, for only doers of the Word receive the reward. Obedience to it guards workers advancing the cause under sharp attack from the prince of darkness seeking every advantage to control minds, lest they give Satan occasion to stir minds to sin, offend God, and bring affliction and destruction. It calls for a great reformation in lives, in words and works and spiritual understanding, because many have become hard-spirited as strangers to the working of the Holy Spirit, and directs believers daily to breathe the atmosphere of heaven and catch the inspiration of the angels in the heavenly courts. This renewal in knowledge and true holiness is expressed in daily victories over self, pride, and love of the world, and in daily seeking converting power to recover the moral image of God. The entire life then testifies that reformation has taken place, the renewed heart drinking from the fountain of the water of life, losing bitterness and unholy spirit, loving all who believe in Jesus with the mind of Christ who loves all mankind, seen by family, church, and world in a pure stream flowing from the heart, in words not sharp, dictatorial, and arbitrary, and in freedom from the characteristics of the Pharisee through grace abiding in the heart, without which eternal life is lost through not knowing God.
It is a warning to every soul for the last days calling for faith joined with works, gathering every ray of light amid moral darkness, bearing aloft the third angel's message, having the churches set in order and the door of unbelief closed, because Satan's seducing power will increase to deceive even the very elect and crooked paths will turn the weak out of the way. The new man in Christ is born to conflict, toil, and labor, engaging in the good fight of faith with access to power to gain victory over every difficulty, in a course of steadfast duty with determination not to fail or be discouraged. No entirely new set of energies is to be expected when trying circumstances come, but every affection and every attribute perverted must be restored by the grace of Christ, and lesser trials nobly borne under the control of God purify, refine, and ennoble for endurance when the time comes for greater test and greater trials. Without putting away the old man with his errors and taking the new man, Christ Jesus, by adopting His life as guide so talents and intellect are devoted to God's service, through repentance and conversion and becoming as a little child with truth molding character by sanctifying influence, there is failure of an inheritance in the kingdom of God. In the testing hour of talking with death, amiable disposition, devotion to truth, labors to bring souls to Jesus, morality, and being kept from gross sins and vices give no assurance of salvation and no ground to trust in own merits, but trust must be in the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour, with God made a refuge, Christ accepted as Redeemer, and the Scriptures made guide and counselor, and defects of character corrected, especially uncontrolled temper and will, by grace united with strongest, most persevering and unfaltering effort to control self, parting through Christ's merits with all that scars and deforms the soul.
Renewal in knowledge and true holiness is not meant to make people self-satisfied, but to lead them to search hearts, put away character flaws, and reflect Christ's image. It calls for putting away cherished, unchristlike traits, with the heart cleansed from defilement and made holy, for Christ does not place His Spirit in an impure, unsanctified heart, and half-hearted service is not accepted. Nature's renewal offers assurance that people may be created anew in righteousness and holiness of truth, with hope beyond the loss and decay caused by sin. Christ pardons and removes sin, purifies the heart, and gives the sanctification of His Spirit, and as a person serves Him and looks to Him for help and relies on His help, God strengthens and ennobles day by day to overcome temptation and become more like Christ, standing on the Lord's side in that righteousness and holiness. Growth in righteousness and true holiness is maintained through close connection with Jesus Christ, with humble work, prayer, watchfulness, and receiving the living Saviour and the gift of salvation through belief in the truth as it is in Christ. The new person is renewed through Christ's grace and knowledge, leaving the old nature behind and reflecting Christ's spirit and attributes, in whom God takes pleasure as Christ is exemplified, for gifts and natural goodness cannot replace this renewal, which is marked by Christ's love abiding within and living through faith in Him.